how to clean your keyboard…in the DISHWASHER!

Fact: keyboards get dirty. There are a ton of products out there to help you clean your keyboard, from the aerosol air cans to specialized wipes. However, the latest and greatest trick we’ve come across is simply sticking it in the dishwasher! See steps below. Also, be sure to check out the sites on the subject before washing, as there are varying opinions on the best method. The plus side: easy, thorough cleaning of your keyboard. The negative side: it generally takes at least 3 full days for the keyboard to fully dry out and become functional again, so be prepared to not use your computer or have a back-up keyboard.

STEPS:

1. Disconnect your keyboard.
2. Place keyboard in dishwasher. IMPORTANT: Put it in the top rack and ensure there is no soap with the normal wash setting and that the heated dry cycle is OFF. You run the risk of melting/warping the plastic and/or cracking the circuit board if you make it too hot.
3. Run the dishwasher.
4. Remove the keyboard and pop off all keys to allow for complete drying. IMPORTANT: Take a photo of your keyboard beforehand or write down where all the keys go so you can replace them afterward accurately.
5. Dry keyboard by leaning it vertically against a wall. Best if the environment is well-ventilated and not humid for optimal drying. Complete drying will usually take 3 to 5 days. HINT: Shake out any excess collected water each day to hasten drying.
6. Replace keys and try out your keyboard to ensure it functions properly.

Sites to check out beforehand:

• Plastic Bugs
• Rabid Hardware
• Boing Boing

Technorati tags: how to clean a keyboard, GTD, cleaning keyboard in dishwasher

Photo credit: gehringj