Wash This Keyboard in a Sink

Thu Mar 22, 2007 6:18AM EDT

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I've covered some ways to clean your keyboard, which is apparently the filthiest of all peripherals. I dare you to turn your keyboard over and shake it. I guarantee you'll find food crumbs, hair, staples, and other nasty little things hiding under those hollow keys. One commenter (mttorley) says keyboards can even make it through a cycle in the dishwasher. Hard to believe, but I've heard that before. Something inside of me just feels strange about putting electronics in any wet place, even if they say it's safe to do so.

A company called Unotron makes washable keyboards, mice, and Smartcard readers that can safely be dipped into a sink full of soapy water or anti-bacterial solution to be disinfected. A technology called SpillSeal protects the peripherals by keeping dust and liquid away from any electrical parts inside. When they do get washed, they suggest you keep the USB connection dry, so I guess that means you can't just throw it in the dishwasher—unless they're wireless.

They're perfect for hospitals, but I think any employer should seriously consider them for their company, instead of buying new ones for new hires. Nobody likes a dirty keyboard, and nobody likes cleaning them either. Maybe washable keyboard will change their mind. They're also pretty affordable with prices ranging between $25 and $80.

Spray and Wipe Keyboard Cleaner
How To Clean That Filthy Keyboard

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  • 1 Posted by de_5_a27 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:42PM EDT Report Abuse

    Electronic devices are only at danger of being damaged by water (or any liquid capable of conducting electricity) if there is a current flowing through them. This could lead to a short circuit, frying the device. If the device is removed from any power source priot ro washing, and very thoroughly dried (~ 1 week of air drying), you bypass the potential for short circuits if you do run your keyboard through the dishwasher. Just don't add any abrasive cleaners that could physically damage components.

  • 2 Posted by carlitos_n72 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:18PM EDT Report Abuse

    In addition to 'live' devices causing short circuit or shock... the residue when the water dries can also cause shorts as well as material corrosion (exposed metal) causing failures in the mechanics. This washable keyboard, however, seems to have taken this into account. If you have kids, this sounds like something that may be worthwhile.

  • 3 Posted by ocki@sbcglobal.net on Sat Mar 24, 2007 10:33PM EDT Report Abuse

    de_5_a27 is correct. Using a Europa audio mixing console ( at the time very hi-tech and very expensive at $35,000) at an outdoor festival featuring some major acts when roof of front of house collapsed and dumped dirty water into the console. Quickly replaced mixer, took the drenched mixer into a warehouse where the transformers were removed, the console was disassembled strip by strip and flushed with gallons of distilled water then blown dry with hair dryers. Next night fired it up and continued with festival. Pretty amazing!

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