Spilling coffee on a keyboard is a common accident that can potentially damage the keyboard. However, there are steps you can take to try to save a keyboard after a coffee spill. The survival of the keyboard will depend on the amount of liquid spilled, how quickly it’s addressed, and the steps taken to dry it out.
What happens when coffee is spilled on a keyboard?
Coffee contains ingredients that can damage the inner workings of a keyboard. Here’s what happens when coffee is spilled:
– The liquid can short circuit the keyboard’s internal components like the membrane sheet, trace lines, and micro controllers. This can lead to key failures or complete keyboard failure.
– Coffee contains oils that can leave residue on the keyboard surface and internals. This can prevent keys from properly registering presses.
– Sugars and particles in the coffee can gum up mechanisms under the keys over time as it dries. This can make the keys stick or stop working.
– If enough liquid seeps under the keyboard casing, it can cause corrosion of electronic components and connection failure.
– Mold and bacteria growth can occur from any coffee residue left behind over time. This can lead to fouled or degraded components.
What factors determine keyboard survival?
How likely a keyboard is to survive a coffee spill depends on these key factors:
- Amount of coffee spilled – The more liquid there is, the more likely it is to penetrate into components.
- Keyboard construction – A membrane style keyboard has more protection than bare PCB designs.
- Time to respond – The longer coffee sits on a keyboard, the more damage can occur.
- Keyboard position – A vertical spill on an upright keyboard will drain differently than one laying flat.
- Steps taken to dry – Proper cleaning and thorough drying is critical for survival.
In general, a minor amount of coffee spilled and addressed quickly on a membrane style keyboard has a decent chance of survival with proper cleaning. But a large spilled amount left overnight with no action is almost certainly going to cause keyboard failure.
How to try to save a keyboard after a coffee spill
If coffee is spilled on your keyboard, take these steps to try to save it:
- Unplug immediately – This will reduce further damage from electrical shorts as liquid penetrates.
- Drain excess liquid – Turn keyboard upside down to drain out as much liquid as possible from crevices.
- Disassemble if possible – For mechanical keyboards, remove keycaps & access plates to clean interior and let dry.
- Absorb moisture – Use paper towels or clean cloths to dab up any visible moisture on the keyboard.
- Consider a desiccant – Place dry rice or silica gel packs underneath to absorb residual moisture.
- Air dry – Allow your keyboard minimum 24 hours to fully air dry in an upright position.
- Clean residues – Use isopropyl alcohol and cotton swabs to gently clean any sticky coffee residues.
- Check for damage – Reconnect and test your keyboard keys and components once fully dry.
The quicker you can complete these steps after a coffee spill event, the better your chances of saving the keyboard. But there’s no guarantee, as damage may have already occurred. Be patient during drying, and do not re-connect until fully dry.
Tips to prevent coffee damage to a keyboard
Here are some tips to help avoid spilling coffee on your keyboard:
- Don’t place drinks right next to your keyboard
- Use mugs with lids to reduce risk of tipping
- Take drinks a safe distance away during task breaks
- Position your keyboard away from the edge of your desk
- Use a keyboard cover or tray to catch potential spills
- Consider a spill-resistant keyboard designed to handle liquids
Being mindful of keyboard placement in relation to liquids can go a long way in preventing damaging spills before they happen.
Can spilled coffee damage a laptop keyboard?
Yes, spilled coffee can absolutely damage a laptop keyboard, and the steps are similar:
- Quickly power off and unplug the laptop.
- Drain excess liquid and dry the exterior with towels.
- Remove keycaps if possible and clean interior components.
- Let the laptop keyboard fully air dry for at least 24-48 hours.
- Clean any sticky residue before rebooting.
- Test keys before extended use.
- If keyboard is unresponsive, seek professional cleaning/repair.
The main risk with laptops is that liquid can reach the motherboard and other internal components easier, as the keyboard is integrated into the chassis. So quick action is very important.
Signs your keyboard suffered coffee damage
Here are signs that indicate your keyboard has suffered damage from spilled coffee:
- Key presses don’t register or certain keys don’t work.
- Keys become sticky and resist pressing down.
- You can detect burnt electrical smells from the keyboard.
- The keyboard intermittently stops working.
- The electronics corrode or show signs of rust damage.
- You see residue or growth on parts of the keyboard.
If you encounter any of these issues after a coffee spill, it’s very likely the liquid has damaged internal components and affected normal functioning. The keyboard will likely need professional repair or replacement.
Professional repair options for liquid damaged keyboards
If your keyboard is unresponsive after attempts to dry it out, seek professional repair:
- Computer repair shop – Local PC shops can clean, test, and replace damaged keyboard parts.
- Manufacturer service – The keyboard maker may offer cleaning or replacement services.
- Electronics restoration – Specialty companies can fully dismantle and clean keyboards.
- Computer tech – Freelance computer technicians can provide on-site cleaning and repairs.
Seek fast service for the best chance of repair, as prolonged damage can be irreversible. Provide details on the specific damage when sending the keyboard in. Costs will vary based on the make of the keyboard and extent of damage.
Cost to repair liquid damaged keyboards
Here are rough estimates for professional repair costs if coffee or a spill damages your keyboard:
| Repair Type | Cost |
| Basic cleaning | $50 – $100 |
| Component level cleaning | $100 – $150 |
| Corrosion removal & treatment | $150 – $250 |
| Full disassembly, cleaning & rebuild | $200 – $300 |
| Replacement keyboard | $50 – $150+ |
Costs rise the more extensive the damage is. A new OEM replacement keyboard can often be a similar cost to a full repair. Touchscreen laptops also tend to be more expensive fixes. Getting fast service can improve chances of cheaper cleaning repair vs full rebuild.
Can you fix a keyboard with rubbing alcohol?
Rubbing alcohol can be highly effective for cleaning coffee residue and sticky keys after a spill. Here’s how:
– Use 70% isopropyl alcohol for best effect. Higher than 90% can evaporate too fast.
– Dampen a clean cloth or cotton swab. Avoid over-saturating.
– Gently rub affected areas in short gentle strokes.
– Check often and re-dampen cloth as needed.
– Let dry fully afterwards to avoid pooling in crevices.
– Repeat as needed for tough, sticky areas.
Take your time and let alcohol sit briefly to dissolve gunk. Avoid too much pressure. This can help restore key function when used post-drying. But alone it won’t fix actual liquid damage.
Home remedies to fix a coffee damaged keyboard
You can try these homemade remedies to salvage a coffee damaged keyboard:
- Vinegar – The acetic acid can dissolve coffee oils and residue. Use a 50/50 vinegar water solution.
- Toothbrush – Gently scrub stubborn areas with an old toothbrush and vinegar mix.
- Baking soda – Make a thick baking soda paste with just a bit of water. Gently rub on stains.
- Denture tablets – Dissolve tablets in warm water and submerge keys to loosen gunk.
- Canned air – Use short bursts to dislodge coffee grounds stuck under keys.
Take care to avoid getting any moisture in open components. Allow full drying afterwards. These remedies can supplement professional cleaning, but won’t fix actual liquid damage.
How to clean corrosion on a keyboard from coffee
If you notice corrosion on your keyboard parts from coffee, use this process:
- Disconnect – Unplug the keyboard to safety clean electronics.
- Dry removal – Try to mechanically remove corrosion buildup with toothpicks.
- Vinegar soak – Soak a cloth and gently hold on affected areas to dissolve corrosion.
- Baking soda scrub – Make a paste and carefully scrub to lift stubborn deposits.
- Rinse & dry – Use clean water on a cloth to remove any residue. Fully dry afterwards.
- Isopropyl alcohol – Use 70% alcohol to eliminate remaining moisture.
- Electronic cleaner – Use an electronic contact cleaner for final corrosion treatment.
Avoid doing too much at once. Repeating steps may be needed for full removal. Take your time and allow full drying to prevent further issues.
Conclusion
Spilling coffee on your keyboard can certainly damage it, but doesn’t guarantee its demise if acted on quickly. Letting it fully dry out, cleaning residues, and addressing any corrosion are key to giving it the best shot at survival. For sticky keys or unresponsive boards, seek professional cleaning as soon as possible for the greatest chance of reviving your keyboard. With prompt action, there’s a good possibility your keyboard can come back from even a major coffee spill.