How do you get water out of your keyboard fast?

Getting water in your keyboard can be a frustrating experience. Water can cause serious damage to the internal electronics, so it’s important to act quickly to remove it. Here are some quick answers to common questions about drying out a wet keyboard.

Table of Contents

What causes water damage in a keyboard?

Water causes issues in keyboards because it’s conductive. When water bridges connections on the keyboard’s internal circuit board, it can short circuit the components and cause them to malfunction or fail. Water can also cause corrosion over time as it sits inside the keyboard.

How do you dry a keyboard fast after spilling water?

Here are some quick methods for drying out a wet keyboard:

Shake it out: Turn the keyboard upside down and gently shake it to remove excess water from the surface.
Use compressed air: Use canned air to blow water out of the keyboard’s crevices and holes.
Absorb with rice: Bury the keyboard in a bowl of uncooked rice, which will absorb moisture.

Absorb with desiccant: Place desiccant packets inside the keyboard to actively absorb moisture.
Use a fan: Point a fan directly at the keyboard to accelerate evaporation.

The key is to act quickly and remove as much liquid as possible before it has a chance to reach the electronics inside.

Does turning a wet keyboard upside down and tapping it help?

Yes, turning an affected keyboard upside down and gently tapping it can help remove excess water from the surface and openings. The goal is to get the water to drain out rather than further penetrating the internal components. However, tapping too vigorously can cause more water damage, so be very gentle. Test each key to see if tapping helps coax out any trapped water bubbles.

Can you use a hairdryer to dry out a wet keyboard?

Using a hairdryer on a low setting can help speed up the drying process for a wet keyboard. However, there are some precautions to take:

Keep the hair dryer 6-10 inches away and use a low heat setting to avoid damaging the keyboard’s plastic and electronics.

Aim the airflow over the whole surface of the keyboard to evenly dry out all areas.
Use short bursts and check frequently to see if it’s dry rather than over-drying.
Ensure the keyboard is powered off so flowing air can get inside.

Avoid using high heat settings as this can melt internal parts. The goal is to safely evaporate the water, not “bake” the keyboard.

What household items can you use to absorb water from a keyboard?

Some common household items that work well for absorbing water inside a drowned keyboard include:

Rice – Uncooked rice is very effective at absorbing moisture. Bury the keyboard in a large bowl of rice overnight.

Paper towels – Gently place paper towels over and under the keyboard to wick moisture away.
Cotton balls/tissues – Use these absorbent materials to dab up water trapped under the keys.
Silica gel packs – Place moisture-absorbing silica gel packs around and inside the keyboard.

Kitty litter – The clay material in kitty litter soaks up water well.

Anything very dry and porous that allows air circulation works best. Avoid abrasive materials that could scratch.

Does isopropyl alcohol help dry water inside a keyboard?

Yes, isopropyl alcohol can help displace water trapped inside a keyboard and allow it to dry out fully. Isopropyl alcohol has a strong drying effect because it evaporates quickly. Follow these safe usage tips:

Use 99% isopropyl alcohol rather than lower concentrations which contain more water.
Dampen a cotton ball or swab with the alcohol and gently clean along the edges, crevices, and underside of each key.
Let the keyboard air dry fully afterwards before reconnecting power.

Avoid over-saturating the keyboard as excess dripping alcohol can damage plastic parts.

The alcohol helps clean corrosion and mineral deposits while pushing out trapped water bubbles. Be very gentle and conservative with application.

Can you put a wet keyboard in the oven to dry it?

It’s not recommended to put a wet keyboard in a standard oven to dry it out. Typical oven temperatures exceed 150°F which can melt internal plastic parts and damage electronic components. However, a food dehydrator or low temperature drying oven under 140°F may work if used carefully.

Does sticking a wet keyboard in the freezer help dry it out?

Putting a wet keyboard in the freezer is not an effective drying method and may cause additional issues:

The low temperatures won’t evaporate the water, just freeze it temporarily.
Trapped water can expand as it freezes and crack components.

Any residuals left after defrosting will increase corrosion.
Condensation can build up when removing from the freezer.

It’s best to use an active drying method like desiccants, airflow, or isopropyl alcohol instead.

Can you save a keyboard after water spill damage?

It’s often possible to save a water-damaged keyboard if you act quickly. If dried out fully within 24-48 hours, keyboards can often be repaired with isopropyl alcohol cleaning. However, if moisture reaches the PCB and causes corrosion, that damage is likely permanent.

Tips to improve the chances of saving a liquid-damaged keyboard:

Immediately unplug the keyboard and drain out excess water.

Disassemble the keyboard to access hidden interior spaces if possible.
Use abrasive cleaning only after fully dried out.
Check for shorts and corrosion on the PCB – replace if needed.

Replace any spent or sticky keys.

With rapid action, keyboard electronics can often be revived. But if corrosion sets in, components may need replacement.

What are some keyboard water damage warning signs?

Watch for these symptoms if you spill a liquid on your keyboard:

Keys not working – Liquid causes shorts or corrosion.
Smoke or odd smell – Indicates electrical short and burning.
Visible liquid under keys – Moisture got inside and still needs drying.

Sticky keys – Dried liquid residue accumulated on key mechanisms.
Visible corrosion on PCB – Permanent damage likely.

At the first sign of issues, unplug the keyboard and thoroughly dry it out. Catching it quickly improves the chances of reviving it.

How can you clean a keyboard after drying it from water damage?

After thoroughly drying a keyboard, use these cleaning methods to remove any residue before reconnecting it:

Isopropyl alcohol – Dampen a cotton swab to clean corrosion inside.
Low-pressure air duster – Blast out lingering dust and debris.

Disinfectant wipes – Sanitize exterior surfaces.
Replacement keys – Swap any sticky or non-responsive keys.
Brush/vacuum – Remove particles trapped under keys.

Avoid getting moisture inside during cleaning. Check for any remaining shorts or functionality issues before use.

Can spilled soda pop cause damage to a keyboard?

Yes, spilled soda can severely damage a keyboard due to the high sugar content. Here’s why:

Sticky soda residue can gum up key mechanisms and prevent key presses from registering.

Sugary sodas lead to corrosion as moisture evaporates.
Acids in some sodas can accelerate corrosion of electronics.
Dried, crusty soda underneath keys hinders airflow needed for drying.

Soda spills should be cleaned up immediately. Keys may need extensive disassembly and cleaning to remove sticky residue from colas in particular. Preventing soda spills is ideal.

What should you do if coffee is spilled on your computer keyboard?

If coffee is spilled on your keyboard, take these steps:

Unplug the keyboard immediately and flip it upside down to drain excess liquid.

Lightly blot surfaces with a paper towel but don’t rub it around.
Disassemble the keyboard if possible to access hidden interior spaces.
Let the keyboard air dry for at least 24-48 hours.

Use cotton swabs dipped in isopropyl alcohol to remove any sticky residue.
Check for functionality issues like sticky keys before reconnecting.

The coffee may leave some discoloration even after cleaning. But avoiding powered use until completely dry gives the keyboard the best chance of working again.

Can you fix a keyboard if milk spills on it?

It’s possible to fix a keyboard after a milk spill as long as it’s dried out thoroughly. Here are some tips:

Dry quickly with compressed air and absorbent materials like rice to prevent mold growth.
Disassemble the keyboard to clean hidden interior spaces if needed.

Remove keycaps and clean under each one to remove sticky residue.
Check for corrosion and clean with isopropyl alcohol if present.
Replace any non-functioning keys.

Milk can leave behind sugars that interfere with electrical contacts. But a deep clean along with a thorough drying can often salvage a milk-soaked keyboard.

What causes sticky keys after liquid damage?

Sticky keys are one of the most common keyboard issues after liquid damage. Stickiness is caused by:

Dried sugars and minerals depositing on key mechanisms.

Swollen rubber domes under keys that distort and stick.
Oxidation corrosion making mechanisms sluggish.
Distortion from localized swelling or water damage.

Stickiness prevents smooth key actions. Cleaning or replacing affected mechanisms is required to restore proper key function.

How do you fix a spacebar that sticks after water damage?

A sticking spacebar is very common with liquid damage. Try these fixes:

Remove the spacebar keycap and clean the mechanism beneath it.

Carefully bend any distorted metal bits making the spacebar stick.
Apply a thin layer of silicone lubricant to the sliding clips.
Replace swollen rubber domes under the spacebar.

Replace the entire spacebar mechanism if needed.

Also ensure no debris or dried residue is trapped under the spacebar preventing smooth operation. Cleaning and straightening the sliding clips is often the easiest fix.

How do you unstick a key after drying a wet keyboard?

To unstick a sticking key after drying out a keyboard, try these methods:

Remove the keycap and clean underneath with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab.
Press the key repeatedly to wear down any dried residue gumming it up.
Bend metal components of the mechanism back into proper shape if distorted.

Apply a tiny amount of silicone lubricant to the key slider clips.
Replace any swollen rubber domes or damaged key mechanisms.

Sticking is often due to dried liquid residue or corrosion. A good cleaning and lubrication helps keys glide smoothly again.

Can you fix a keyboard if rubbing alcohol is spilled on it?

Yes, it’s possible to repair a keyboard after an isopropyl alcohol spill. The advantage is that alcohol dries quickly and won’t leave much residue. However, these steps should still be taken:

Unplug the keyboard immediately and allow to fully air dry.
Clean any visible sticky residue with cotton swabs and more alcohol.

Check under keys for any pooling alcohol and clean it away.
Inspect the PCB and clean any corrosion buildup.
Replace any keys sticking from residual buildup.

Keep the keyboard powered off until completely dry. Rubbing alcohol won’t cause permanent damage, but can still impact operation until evaporated.

Can spilling hand sanitizer ruin your computer keyboard?

Yes, hand sanitizer can potentially damage keyboards since it contains a high percentage of alcohol:

The liquid can seep under keys and take time to fully evaporate.

Electrical shorts are possible if moisture reaches PCB components.
Sanitizer residue can lead to sticky keys over time.
The alcohol can strip away protective coatings on the PCB.

To minimize damage, unplug the keyboard immediately after a sanitizer spill and allow 24 hours for drying. Clean any visible sticky buildup afterwards.

What should you do if wine is spilled on your keyboard?

If wine is spilled on your keyboard, take these steps:

Quickly unplug the keyboard and drain excess wine by tilting it over.

Lightly dab surfaces with a paper towel to soak up standing wine.
Disassemble the keyboard (if possible) and let dry for at least 48 hours.
Use cotton swabs and isopropyl alcohol to remove dried wine residue.

Check keys and replace any that respond inconsistently or stick.
Consider replacing the keyboard if corrosion or shorts are present.

Wine contains sugars, acids, and alcohol that can damage electronics. But quick action to dry it out may salvage the keyboard.

Conclusion

Liquid damage to your keyboard can often be fixed with rapid drying and cleaning. For the best chance of revival, immediately drain excess liquid and use absorbent materials and airflow. Clean away any residue and replace damaged components. With quick action, you can hopefully get your keyboard working again without permanent damage. Being prepared for spills and responding quickly is key.

Liquid	Damage Risks	How to Dry
Water	Short circuits, corrosion	Absorbent materials, airflow
Coffee	Sticky residue, stains	Blotting, air dry 48+ hours
Soda	Stickiness, corrosion	Disassembly, isopropyl alcohol
Wine	Stains, acid damage	Immediate draining, cotton swab cleaning