Grandma-proof might actually work for spilling OJ on new T500 keyboard?

[jnwells01]

I tried to find that post about Grandma abuse but gave up.  However, it gave me hope that perhaps the OJ that I spilled on my brand new T500 keyboard could be washed off with hot water in much the same way that the OJ spilled on it.  I can use the keyboard but it's very stuck and I need to really hit the keys hard to get them to produce the letters. 

Is it possible that I could "wash away" the OJ with hot water ?? 

Please help. 

[erik Community SuperMod]

you might be able to clean the keyboard but please remove it before doing anything.   pouring more liquid on your system risks even more damage.   using distilled water would be much better than tap water.   before reinstalling the keyboard, let it dry thoroughly.    wait a day or two if necessary.   if all else fails then you can order a new keyboard through IBM maintenance parts through their site or by calling 800-388-7080.

oh, and here is the "grandma-proof ad" thread.

[jnwells01]

Thank you very much for your reply.  Regarding cleaning the keyboard once I remove it, how well will I be able to get between or underneath the keys?  I'm wondering if I'll really be able to clean it to where it would make a difference.  I have no idea what the underside of a keyboard looks like.  If it's all contained on the backside, then I may not be able to clean it at all to where the keys become less sticky.  Right?  Is it contained or will I be able to get to the underneath?

Thanks again.

[erik Community SuperMod]

the backside of the keyboard will look like a large, aluminum plate.   removing it won't make cleaning much easier -- just safer on the rest of your system.   by the sound of it, you very well may be able to rinse the keyboard somehow.   however, the safest thing is probably just to buy a new keyboard since any errors in cleaning could fry something, and that wouldn't be covered under warranty.

[jasondarla]

Try using isoproponyl alcohol instead. This product will evaporate much more quickly and does a great job of cleaning electronics. It should remove most all the OJ since it will pour into the same area as the Oj. You can pour it though from different angles on the top side and use compressed air to speed up the drying. It is commonly used to clean PCB's. You can buy it by the jug.

Jay

[jnwells01]

Great !  I may try this.  The keyboard is usable now, but the keys stick some, and the system seems fine.  Everything is working.  So, removing the keyboard, rinsing a bit with the alcohol and letting it dry for some time, and then replacing it seems like the best bet. 

Thank you very much for your suggestion. 

- Judy

T500 (2242-CTO) 9400 @ 2.53 GHz, 2g ram, 160gig 7200 rpm HD, WSXGA+ TFT disp.