Can You Clean a Keyboard in a Dishwasher?

Dirty keyboard? Can you toss it in the dishwasher to clean it?

Studies show that computer keyboards have more bacteria than toilet seats. But it's hard to clean all those keys. So some people advocate an extreme solution: Throw your keyboard in your dishwasher.

At first glance, this seems insane. But the computer-
keyboard-in-the-dishwasher advice is all over the Internet. And don't we wish it were true? My keyboard is an old Hewlett Packard that's encrusted with a kind of mysterious black grime. I thought, "Well, why not try my KitchenAid?'"

Nell Boyce of NPR did the experiment: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=11029793&ps=bb1 - via Fark


Newest 5
Newest 5 Comments

Hello Everybody

Just wanted to share my new experience.

If your system fails to run due to an error corresponding to missing HAL.DLL, invalid Boot.ini or any other critical system boot files you can fix this by using the XP installation CD. Simply boot from your XP Setup CD and enter the Recovery Console. Then launch "attrib -H -R -S" on the C:\Boot.ini file and delete it. Launch "Bootcfg /Rebuild" and then Fixboot

Regards,
Carl
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
I've been doing the dishwasher trick with Apple keyboards since the early '90's. No soap; just hot water, on the top rack. I don't let it stay through the dry cycle though; I'll take it out, rinse it with distilled water & stand it on end to let it air dry for at least a day before plugging it back in.

I'm using an Apple BlueTooth keyboard right now, and it's needing a good cleaning (why oh why have blazing white plastic on a keyboard?) I'm a little fearful of exposing it to the dishwasher though.

Anybody ever use an oven to revive a hard drive that won't spin up? That trick works great also.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
I be an engineer in the IBM plant where we made PCs in the eighties. Guess how we cleaned off everything before shipping? That's right, high pressure water that contained detergent?

Guess what kind of soap our vendors used? No, that would be wrong. They used clothes washing soap. It was less harsh than dish washing soap.

Your whole computer can be "washed" as long as it the last rince is done with DI or RO water and it is completely dry before being powered up.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
I actually both pop the keys out (putting them in the silverware trays) and put the keyboard in the washer. I don't put in any soap, though, the jets of water are enough to get it clean. To prevent the keys from popping out of the silverware tray and getting all over, I cover them when a wetted washcloth-- this is heavy enough to keep them in place.

When they come out, you have to give them at least 48 hours to dry, that's the main thing. Do not plug the keyboard in if it's not entirely 100% dry! (I have a 'backup keyboard', so this is what I use.)

I have a white Apple keyboard that came with my G5 in 2002 I believe and it's been washed a half-dozen times. Still works perfectly fine.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Login to comment.




Email This Post to a Friend
"Can You Clean a Keyboard in a Dishwasher?"

Separate multiple emails with a comma. Limit 5.

 

Success! Your email has been sent!

close window
X

This website uses cookies.

This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using this website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

I agree
 
Learn More