Accidents happen, and sometimes that means a laptop keyboard gets spilt on. As a matter of fact, It’s happened to most of us.
You’re working on your laptop and suddenly you spill coffee, water, or some other liquid onto the keyboard. Now what?
In this blog post, we will walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to clean a laptop keyboard after a spill.
We’ll discuss the best precise way how to clean a laptop keyboard like tips for cleaning different types of spills, as well as how to dry out your keyboard so it doesn’t short circuit.
Follow these simple steps and your laptop keyboard will be good as new in no time.
What to do if you spill liquid on your laptop keyboard
As stated earlier accidents happen. In case you have spilt something on your keyboard do not panic instead do the following things immediately after it had occurred.
- Turn off the laptop
- Unplug all the cords from your laptop
- Remove the battery if possible
- Flip your laptop upside-down and let the fluid trickle out
Now that you have done that, follow these steps to clean it: After all, knowing how to clean a laptop is one of the best maintenance practices
How to Clean a Laptop Keyboard After a Spill: Step by Step Guide
We all know that there is nothing quite like the feeling of spilling our coffee on our laptop and watching in horror as the warm liquid makes it find its way into the keyboard.
In a panic, we try to absorb as much of the liquid as possible with a napkin or paper towel but often find that the damage has already been done.
If your laptop has recently suffered this type of fate, don’t worry – you can still clean it and prevent any long-term damage.
If your keyboard has been spilt on, here’s what you need to do:
Step 1: Gather your supplies
The very first step is to gather your supplies. In order to clean your keyboard, you will need:
-A can of compressed air
-A small brush (an old toothbrush or makeup brush will work perfectly)
-Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)
-Cotton swabs
Step 2: Wipe down for the first time
Now that you have all the cleaning tools you need, the first step is to actually clean the keyboard.
Make sure your laptop is turned off and unplugged before you start. If it’s a desktop computer, you can skip this step.
Use your compressed air to blow any loose dirt or debris out of the keyboard. Next, use your brush to scrub away any dirt or grime that is stuck on the keys.
Once you’ve done that, it’s time to move on to the next step.
Step 3: Remove keyboard keys
Since it’s liquid and has a way of seeping into the small crevices of your keyboard, it’s important to remove as much of the spill as possible.
The best way to do this is by removing the keys and cleaning them separately.
To remove the keys, use a small flathead screwdriver or a butter knife to pry them up. Once you’ve removed the key, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean the key and the area around it.
Repeat this process for all of the keys on your keyboard.
Step four: Cleaning the base
Now that all of the keys have been removed, it’s time to focus on the base of the keyboard.
Use your compressed air to blow any dirt or debris out of the crevices and then use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean the surface.
Make sure you get into all of the nooks and crannies – you don’t want to leave any dirt behind.
Make sure you absorb all the fluid from the base of the keyboard by using a towel or paper towel.
Step five: Let it dry
Once you’ve finished cleaning the keyboard, it’s important to let it dry completely before putting the keys back on.
The best way to do this is to leave it out in the open air or use a hairdryer in a cool setting.
If you want to be extra careful, you can also use a desiccant like silica gel to help speed up the drying process.
Step six: Re-assemble
Once it’s dry, it’s time to put the keyboard back together.
Start by inserting the keys back into their rightful place – if you need help, consult your computer’s manual or look up a diagram online.
Once all of the keys are in place, give the entire keyboard a once-over to make sure everything looks good and that there are no keys lost.
And that’s it! You’ve successfully cleaned your keyboard and hopefully prevent any long-term damage.
If you find that your keyboard is still not working properly after following these steps, you may need to consult a professional for help.
Tips for preventing laptop keyboard spills in the future:
Laptop keyboards are one of the most commonly used input devices, which means they’re also one of the most susceptible to spills.
While a little water or coffee won’t do much damage, (considering the liquid doesn’t reach far) sticky liquids like soda can cause major problems.
But don’t worry, there are some simple tips you can follow to prevent keyboard spills and keep your laptop in tip-top shape. Read on to learn more.
Use a keyboard cover
Keyboard covers are a great way to protect your keyboard from spills and dust. They come in a variety of colours and designs, so you can find one that matches your style. Plus, they’re easy to install and remove.
Just place the cover over the top of your keyboard and secure it in place with the adhesive strip on the back. When you’re ready to use your keyboard, just remove the cover and toss it in your bag.
Be careful when drinking around your laptop
This one may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s worth mentioning. If you’re going to be drinking near your laptop, make sure you keep any drinks away from the keyboard.
It’s also a good idea to use a spill-proof cup or mug, so if you do happen to spill your drink, it won’t reach your laptop.
Avoid eating or drinking around your laptop
Eating near your laptop is another no-no. If crumbs or food particles get into the keyboard, they can cause problems down the road.
It’s best to eat in a separate area and keep your laptop out of the way. This will help prevent any accidental spills or crumbs from getting into your device.
Keep your laptop in a safe place
This one may seem like common sense, but it’s worth mentioning. Make sure you keep your laptop in a safe place when you’re not using it.
This includes keeping it away from pets and children, who may be tempted to play with it. It’s also a good idea to store your laptop in a safe place when you’re not using it, like in a locked drawer or cabinet.
Conclusion on How to Clean a Laptop Keyboard After a Spill
Cleaning your laptop keyboard after a spill is not as daunting as it may seem.
With the right tools and some patience, you can have your keyboard looking and functioning like new in no time.
If you follow these simple steps, you will be able to clean even the most stubborn spills with ease.
Have you ever had to clean a laptop keyboard after a spill? What tips do you have to share?
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