What home remedies can help save your water-damaged keyboard?

1 Unplug First

Immediately disconnect your keyboard from the computer or turn off the wireless connection if it's a wireless model. This is crucial to prevent any electrical damage to your computer or the keyboard itself. Electricity and water are a dangerous combination, and safety should always come first. Flip the keyboard upside down to let the excess water flow out. Avoid shaking it vigorously as this could spread the water to other areas of the keyboard.

2 Dry Exterior

After most of the water has drained, use a towel to gently blot the keys and surface of the keyboard. A microfiber cloth is ideal for this step as it's soft and highly absorbent, minimizing the risk of scratching the keys or pushing water further into the mechanisms beneath them. Patience is key here; you want to remove as much moisture as possible without causing additional damage.

3 Remove Keys

For a thorough drying process, consider carefully removing the keys if your keyboard design allows it. Use a keycap puller or a flat tool like a butter knife to gently pry off the keys. This will expose the underlying circuits and allow you to better target damp areas. Be mindful of the placement of each key and how it fits into the keyboard to avoid confusion during reassembly.

4 Dry Interior

Once the keys are off, you can address the water that has seeped underneath. Use cotton swabs or a lint-free cloth to absorb water from around the circuits and plastic membrane. If you have access to a can of compressed air, use it to blow out water from nooks and crannies. Be gentle and methodical to avoid damaging delicate components.

5 Rice Technique

A well-known home remedy for drying out electronics is the rice technique. Fill a container with uncooked rice and bury your disassembled keyboard in it. Rice is a natural desiccant, meaning it has properties that can absorb moisture. Leave the keyboard in the rice for at least 24 hours to ensure that any lingering moisture is drawn out. This method can be particularly effective for keyboards that have been exposed to a significant amount of water.

6 Test Carefully

Once you're confident that your keyboard is dry, reassemble it if you had taken it apart. Reconnect it to your computer or power it on if it's wireless. Begin testing each key to ensure they are working properly. It's important to test systematically, perhaps using a keyboard testing software or simply opening a text document and pressing each key individually. If some keys are still not functioning, you may need to repeat some of the drying steps or consider professional repair options.