Quick Answer
Getting a keyboard wet does not necessarily ruin it, but it can damage the keyboard depending on how wet it got and how quickly it dries. Water can short circuit the internal connections and components, leading to keyboard failure, but turning off and fully drying a wet keyboard fast enough can allow it to still work.
What happens when a keyboard gets wet?
When a keyboard gets wet, the water can seep down into the internal circuitry and electrical components underneath the keys. The water acts as a conductor, which can short circuit the connections and cause the keyboard to stop working properly.
The longer the water sits inside the keyboard, the more damage it can potentially cause. Water causes corrosion and mineral deposits on the electrical contacts and components, which can prevent the keyboard from working.
However, if the keyboard is unplugged and dried out quickly, the water may not have time to cause permanent damage. The keyboard has a better chance of still being functional if swift action is taken as soon as it gets wet.
Factors that determine if a wet keyboard is ruined
Several key factors determine whether a wet keyboard can be saved or is permanently damaged:
Amount of water exposure
The more water a keyboard is exposed to, the higher the risk of damage. A few spritzes or drops of water have a lower chance of ruining the keyboard than if it was submerged in a puddle or splashed with a large volume of liquid. The level of water exposure affects how far it can spread into the inner electronics.
Drying speed
The faster a wet keyboard can be properly dried out, the better chance it has of being saved. If it is left wet for hours or days, irreversible damage is much more likely. Quickly unplugging the keyboard and letting it dry right away gives the water less time to cause corrosion.
Keyboard design
The exact design and inner workings of a keyboard impact how vulnerable it is to water damage. Membrane keyboards with a thin layer of plastic sheets and electrical traces may be more prone to water damage than mechanical switch keyboards. However, no keyboard is fully waterproof.
Water composition
Pure water causes less damage than liquids containing impurities and minerals. For example, tap water with minerals can lead to conductive residue on the electronics after drying. Distilled water or rainwater have a lower chance of residue buildup. However, any liquid can still short circuit a keyboard if enough gets in the internal components.
Power status
Having the keyboard powered on while it gets wet severely increases the chance of short circuiting and immediate damage. Quickly disconnecting the power allows the water to only slowly cause corrosion, rather than instantly overloading the circuits.
Key removal
Taking off all the keycaps after a keyboard gets wet allows for more thorough drying and cleaning underneath. However, this is not essential for drying out some keyboards. It depends on the specific model and water exposure level.
Post-drying care
Proper maintenance after the keyboard dries also impacts its chances of survival and continued functionality. Cleaning off mineral deposits and corrosion is helpful for longer-term use after getting wet. Regular cleaning and maintenance is recommended.
How to dry out a wet keyboard
If your keyboard gets wet, prompt action is required to maximize its chances of working again. Here are the steps to properly dry out a wet keyboard:
1. Immediately unplug the keyboard
As soon as you notice the keyboard is wet, unplug it from the computer or power source. This will prevent further electricity from potentially short circuiting it while wet. Stopping the power flow reduces the risk of permanent damage.
2. Drain excess water
Gently shake the keyboard to drain any collected water pooling on the surface or inside. Tilt it over sink or towel to let water drip out. Removing excess water reduces the amount that can reach internal components.
3. Disassemble if possible
For keyboards where you can access the internals, open up the outer casing and remove any components or electronic boards. This allows direct drying access to all surfaces. Consult manufacturer guides for proper disassembly.
4. Dry with absorbent material
Gently blot and wipe the keyboard with dry towels or cloths to soak up moisture. Cotton swabs or tissues can reach small gaps between keys. Rice or silica gel packets also work for absorption.
Be careful not to scratch or rub too hard on surfaces when drying.
5. Air dry upright
Stand keyboard vertically on its side, so any lingering moisture can continue passively dripping out from crevices. Place on an absorbent towel in warm indoor location with air circulation. Direct sunlight or heat can damage keyboard.
Let it fully air dry for at least 24-48 hours before reconnecting to power.
6. Check for residual moisture
Inspect for any remaining water droplets or damp areas before attempting to use again. Prolonged air drying over several days may be needed if any moisture remains internally. Listen for any rattling water inside.
7. Clean corrosion and deposits
Check for mineral residue or corrosion buildup after complete drying, especially on electronic contacts. Clean off deposits with alcohol and cotton swabs. This improves electrical connectivity.
8. Test before regular use
After drying, reconnect keyboard to computer and perform checks before regular use. Type on Notepad to test all keys. If some keys aren’t responding properly, extended drying may be required or the keyboard may need replacement.
Tips for drying a wet keyboard
– Immediately disconnect USB or power cable to prevent short circuiting.
– Remove keycaps if possible for thorough internal drying.
– Absorb excess moisture with paper towels before passively air drying.
– Use a hairdryer on low or cool setting to speed up drying if needed.
– Place in front of a fan to circulate air and evaporate liquid.
– Add desiccant packets to help absorb ambient moisture faster.
– Be patient and allow up to 7 days of drying time if very wet.
– After drying, clean corrosion buildup from board and connections.
– Try a different USB port, cable or computer if keys don’t respond properly after.
Can you put a wet keyboard in rice?
Yes, placing a wet keyboard in rice can help absorb moisture and dry it out. Rice is a popular desiccant (water-absorbing substance) for drying out wet electronics. Make sure to follow these steps:
– Unplug the wet keyboard before submerging in rice. This prevents short circuiting.
– Fill a sealable bag or airtight container with rice. Add 2-3 cups of rice per keyboard.
– Place the keyboard in the rice, ensuring it’s fully covered. Seal the container.
– Let it sit for 24-48 hours minimum. Check occasionally; replace rice if it looks saturated.
– Remove keyboard once rice no longer collects moisture. Brush off any remaining rice.
– Finish air drying opened up if any dampness remains before using keyboard again.
The rice method is slower but can be effective for gentle drying. The rice will gradually draw moisture out from the keyboard’s nooks and crannies through passive diffusion without risking heat damage. Just make sure no power is connected as rice won’t prevent short circuiting while wet.
Is it safe to use a hairdryer to dry a keyboard?
Using a hairdryer to dry out a wet keyboard comes with some risks, but can be done safely in moderation. Here are tips for safe hairdryer drying:
– Keep the hairdryer 6-12 inches away from the keyboard surface to avoid concentrated heat damage.
– Use a low heat setting, and keep the airflow and temperature gentle. High heat can damage electronics.
– Slowly move the hairdryer around to evenly distribute air circulation without lingering in one spot for too long.
– If available, use cool air setting instead of hot air. Turn off any enhanced airflow functions.
– Only use a hairdryer for 10-30 seconds at a time, with breaks in between to check keyboard temperature.
– Let the keyboard fully cool off between drying sessions. Cycles of drying and cooling prevent overheating.
– Stop drying with a hairdryer once the surface feels dry, before interior components get hot. Then let air dry.
With careful temperature regulation, using a hairdryer can speed up the drying process without hurting the keyboard. However, air drying is safer if time allows. Only use a hairdryer if you monitor it closely.
Can you put a mechanical keyboard in the dishwasher?
Putting a mechanical keyboard in the dishwasher is not recommended, as it is likely to damage the keyboard. The water, heat, and cleaning agents used in dishwashers can have the following negative effects on keyboards:
– Short circuiting from water exposure to internals
– Corrosion of electrical contacts from water minerals
– Degradation of adhesives holding keycaps or circuits
– Heat damage to sensitive chips, wiring and plastic parts
– Harsh soaps can leave residue or react with materials
– Force of spray jets can dislodge components or connections
– Imperfect drying and moisture retention in crevices
The dishwasher may be able to clean the exterior keys and case, but the internal electronics and wiring are very vulnerable to moisture and heat. It is safer to disassemble and manually clean the keyboard if needed. Only submerge water-resistant keyboards designed for immersion after detaching power source.
Is rubbing alcohol ok for cleaning a keyboard?
Yes, using rubbing alcohol is generally safe for cleaning keyboards, as long as proper precautions are taken:
– Unplug the keyboard and allow to fully dry before reconnecting, to prevent short circuiting.
– Use 70% isopropyl alcohol for optimal disinfection and evaporation. Avoid higher concentrations that may be more corrosive.
– Dampen a microfiber cloth or cotton swab; avoid directly dripping large amounts of liquid onto the keyboard.
– Be very gentle when wiping down keys and surfaces. Do not scrub vigorously on printed labels.
– Check for any worn paint or coatings that may rub off if using too much force.
– Use a dry cloth to absorb any pooled alcohol, and air dry any lightly moist areas after cleaning.
– Clean around openings and gaps in keyboard housing to disinfect.
– Repeat cleaning regularly to prevent buildup of grime, oils and germs on well-used keyboards.
The quick evaporation and antibacterial properties of alcohol make it ideal for routine non-abrasive cleaning of keyboards and other electronics, when used sparingly and dried properly.
Can you fix a keyboard after water damage?
Water-damaged keyboards can sometimes be fixed, depending on the severity and type of damage:
– If a keyboard doesn’t work after getting wet, allow 1-2 weeks of thorough air drying time for possible water residue to evaporate before assuming permanent damage.
– If specific keys do not work properly, open up switch housings to clean out any stuck debris or corrosion on individual switches and contacts.
– For external corrosion on a keyboard PCB or flex cables, clean off the buildup with isopropyl alcohol and a toothbrush. Be gentle on copper traces.
– If internal spill damage is suspected, the keyboard may need to be disassembled to clean or dry traces and components on PCBs.
– Replace any noticeably damaged, melted or shorted out parts like diodes, microcontrollers, wires and insulation.
– In some cases, thoroughly cleaned and dried keyboards start working again with no repairs needed.
– For severe corrosion or short circuiting damage, replacement of the entire keyboard may be required if cleaning and component-level fixes do not restore functionality.
Careful cleaning, testing and targeted repairs can successfully fix many water-damaged keyboards with patience and some electronics expertise. But replacement may be necessary if multiple internal parts have failed irreversibly.
How to prevent water damage on a keyboard
Here are some tips to help prevent liquid damage to your keyboard:
– Keep drinks far away from the keyboard to avoid accidental spilling.
– Install an external keyboard cover or splash guard for added protection.
– Position the keyboard away from sink or counter edges where water can drip down onto it.
– Close windows during rain storms or severe weather if the keyboard sits nearby.
– Shut down and unplug the keyboard if a major spill occurs near the computer to contain damage.
– Maintain office or home humidity at moderate levels to reduce ambient moisture condensation on electronics.
– Keep the keyboard out of bathrooms or other high humidity areas prone to dampness issues.
– Never intentionally wash a standard keyboard under running water or submerge it.
– Opt for waterproof or water-resistant keyboard models if you need to regularly clean with liquids.
– Carry airtight waterproof bags or cases when transporting keyboards in rainy or risky conditions.
With some planning and protective measures, you can avoid exposing your keyboard to moisture in most situations. Quick reaction also reduces damage if an accident does occur.
Signs your keyboard could fail soon due to water damage
If your keyboard got wet but still works initially, watch for these warning signs of impending failure:
– Intermittent key failures, repeating letters or keys not registering
– Keys feeling sticky, mushy or less responsive
– Visible discoloration or corrosion buildup on metal components
– Flickering lights on a backlit keyboard
– Keys taking longer to visually actuate on screen after being pressed
– Occasional electrical shorting noises
– Unusual “bubbling” feeling feedback from certain keys
– Sparks visible around plug connector if closely inspected
– Diminished tactile feedback on presses or uneven key movements
– Loose keycaps or keys falling off with less force than usual
– Unstable connection or need to unplug/reinsert USB frequently
– Error messages related to “USB overcurrent”
If you notice any of these issues emerging, consider replacing your keyboard soon. The electrical connections are likely degrading progressively with lingering water damage or corrosion. Further failure and permanent malfunction are imminent.
Conclusion
Getting moisture inside a keyboard can certainly damage it, but does not necessarily spell the end if handled properly. For the best chance of saving a wet keyboard, immediately unplug it and allow thorough drying for 1-2 weeks before reconnecting and testing. There are techniques like drying with rice or a hair dryer which can speed up moisture removal when done carefully, before extended air drying. If needed, clean corroded contacts and replace any damaged parts – some light repairs may restore functionality. With quick action, luck, and maintenance, a surprising number of spilled-on keyboards can come back to life. But prolonged water exposure risks permanent failure, so drying speed and prevention are key.