You can purchase cans of compressed air at computer, photo, video, and
artist supply stores. Be sure to follow instructions for use; don’t shake
the can or turn it over — always hold it upright — to avoid spraying out
any of the propellant in liquid form. The spray from canned air can be
very cold as it converts from liquid to gaseous state. Take care not to
spray the LCD screen, which could cause it to temporarily freeze and
possibly crack.
You can also use a vacuum cleaner, but be careful not to use a super-
powered system that might suck up a key or cause damage to the LCD
screen. Keep the vacuum’s nozzle or brush an inch or so away from the
keyboard. You can also purchase a small handheld vacuum specifically
intended for cleaning a computer, although you might be able to find
better uses for your money.Scrub.Clean the keys with a damp (not soaking wet) lint-free cloth or
swab. You can use water or a specialized keyboard cleaning solution.
You can also mix your own solution with water mixed with 50 percent
or less of isopropyl alcohol. Follow up by gently drying the keys with a
damp cloth.
Don’t use an industrial-strength solution, an ammonia-based cleaner like
Windex, or any other off-the-shelf preparation (other than a keyboard
cleaner). These solutions could discolor or degrade the plastic and pos-
sibly leave behind an electrically conductive residue.Getting tipsy ........................................................................................
If, despite my entreaties and those of everyone you know and love, you
manage to tip a glass of sticky cola or a cuppa java on your keyboard, don’t
panic... but act quickly. If the machine is turned on, shut it off immediately;
in the case of a major spill don’t even bother with an orderly shutdown of
Windows — just shut off the power. Unplug the power cord and remove the
battery to eliminate all sources of electricity.Start by wiping down the keyboard with a damp lint-free cloth. Use just enough
water to get at the mess and make repeated passes. You can use a small, clean
watercolor brush — dipped in water — to get at the small spaces between the
keys.If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to get at all of the Diet Dr. Pepper or mochachino
grande by careful cleaning from the top of the board. Allow the keyboard to
completely dry before you reapply power. (You can blow cool air — at its
lowest speed setting — from a hair dryer to quicken the process.)If you’re talking about spill of Exxon Valdez proportions, it may be wise to
remove the keys from the board and clean beneath them.166 Part III: Laying Hands on the Major Parts