As you type the last words on your monthly report, one of the keys on your keyboard starts to feel sticky. Fortunately, there are some simple ways to deal with it. Keys can become sticky from dust or dirt on the keyboard, as well as from spilled drinks or other materials. The following methods can solve this problem.
Step
Method 1 of 5: Shaking the Keyboard
Step 1. Unplug the cord
If you are using a laptop, turn it off.
Step 2. Turn the keyboard upside down
The keyboard can also be tilted, the important thing is that the keyboard is facing the floor.
Step 3. Gently shake the keyboard
The crumbs that clog the buttons will be shaken off the floor or table.
Step 4. Clean the remaining crumbs with a brush
If there is trash on the keyboard, clean it with a brush.
Step 5. Check the buttons again
Check if the button is working.
Method 2 of 5: Blowing the Keyboard
Step 1. Purchase a can of compressed air
Usually, these cans can be found in any place that sells electronic equipment.
Step 2. Turn off the computer
If your computer is not a laptop, unplug the keyboard from its socket on the computer.
Step 3. Use air spray over and around the knobs
Do not tilt the can as liquid may drip from it.
Step 4. Brush off the remaining particles
If dust or crumbs are still on the keyboard after blowing, clean it.
Step 5. Try the button again
Check if the button is not sticky anymore.
Method 3 of 5: Cleaning Sticky Buttons
Step 1. Wipe up spills immediately
If your drink spills on the keyboard, unplug it and wipe it.
Step 2. Clean the buttons with rubbing alcohol when the liquid dries
First, make sure that your keyboard is unplugged or that the laptop is turned off. If the spill is mostly over the buttons, use a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol on the buttons.
Step 3. Wipe the top of the buttons
Make sure there are no more adhesives.
Step 4. Use ear cotton around the button
Cleaning the edges of the keys will help as the sticky bottom of the keys will come off the keyboard.
Step 5. Check if the button is not sticky
Once the alcohol has dried, check the buttons to make sure they are no longer sticky.
Method 4 of 5: Unplugging the Keys to Clean the Keyboard
Step 1. Gently remove the sticky button
Use a screwdriver or other flat tool to pry the knob. You can also do this using your nails.
- If you are using a laptop (PC or Mac), the keyboard keys are held in place by a flat plastic clip that also acts as a spring. Each type of keyboard has a slightly different type of holder, so removing each one will require a different method.
- The Das keyboard (the company that manufactures it calls it the best mechanical keyboard on the market) should not be cleaned by rubbing the keys. There is a special clip provided to unplug each of these keyboard keys.
- Do not remove all the buttons at once because it will be difficult to remember their initial positions. Do it one by one.
Step 2. Gently clean the inside of the button and its slot
Remove any dirt or crumbs that are stuck to the buttons or stuck under them. Use tongs or toothpicks to make things easier.
Step 3. Use a cotton swab to apply rubbing alcohol to clean the sticky parts
Make sure not to use too much alcohol so it doesn't drip.
Step 4. Wait for the keys and keyboard to dry
Do not allow any liquid under the buttons, including alcohol.
Step 5. Put the button back in its original place
Gently press the button until it snaps back into place.
For laptops, insert the clips into their original positions before attaching the buttons back
Step 6. Check the buttons
The whole thing should be no longer sticky. If still, you should take the keyboard to a computer repair shop.
Method 5 of 5: Replacing the Broken Button
Step 1. Release the buttons that are not working properly
For example, if the letter "A" key is broken, release the key.
Step 2. Remove the working button and attach it to the position of the broken button
For example, attach the letter "S" key to the position of the letter "A" key. If the key works in the "A" key position, the problem is with the "A" key and not the membrane or keyboard mechanical switch.
Step 3. Compare the broken buttons with the ones that are still working and notice the difference
In some cases, there is a groove in the button for insertion into the slot. If there is a lump in this hollow, you can fix it with a knife or scissors. Simply smooth out the bumps on the buttons by rubbing the blades or scissors together and then try using the buttons again.
Step 4. Order the new keys from an online store or keyboard manufacturer if necessary
Or, if this isn't possible, look for working keys from a broken keyboard (of the same model) at a thrift auction site. That way, you can take advantage of the keys from a cheap broken keyboard.
Warning
- Make sure the keyboard is not plugged in to prevent a short circuit.
- If your computer is new and under warranty, do not unplug it before contacting the manufacturer first.
