Spilling water on your external keyboard can be scary, but the good news is most external keyboards survive easily if you act fast. Unlike laptops, they don’t have internal electronics underneath — so your chances of saving it are high. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide on what to do immediately and how to prevent long-term damage.
🚨 Step 1: Disconnect the Keyboard Immediately
Unplug the keyboard from USB or Bluetooth dongle.
Cutting power is the most important step. This stops short circuits and increases the chance of full recovery.
🧹 Step 2: Turn the Keyboard Upside Down
Flip it upside down and gently shake it.
This helps drain out the water from between the keys.
Leave it upside down on a towel for at least 15 minutes.
🧽 Step 3: Dry the Surface
Use a tissue or microfiber cloth to wipe the top and bottom.
Don’t press too hard on the keys — just absorb the moisture on the surface.
🧰 Step 4: Let It Air-Dry Properly (Very Important!)
Let the keyboard dry naturally for 12–24 hours.
Place it in a warm room with good airflow.
You can also:
✔ Keep it near (not on) a fan.
✔ Use some dry rice or silica gel packs around it to absorb moisture.
⛔ Avoid using:
- Hair dryers
- Heat guns
- Direct sunlight
Heat can warp the plastic or melt the key switches.
🔍 Step 5: Test the Keyboard
After you’re sure it’s dry:
- Plug it back in
- Test all keys using an online keyboard tester
If everything registers correctly, you’re good to go.
If some keys do not respond, continue below.
🔧 Step 6: If Keys Still Don’t Work
You can try:
A) Removing Keycaps (For Mechanical Keyboards)
If it’s mechanical:
- Use a keycap puller
- Remove only the affected keys
- Clean lightly with a cotton bud
B) Full Cleaning (Only if Comfortable)
For cheap membrane keyboards, you may open the screws and wipe the internal membrane.
But if you’re not confident → skip this step.
🛒 Step 7: When to Replace It
Replace the keyboard if:
- Keys type the wrong characters
- Multiple keys are dead
- Visible corrosion appears
External keyboards are inexpensive, so don’t spend hours trying to revive one that’s too far gone.
🛡 How to Prevent Damage Next Time
- Keep drinks away from your desk
- Use a spill-resistant keyboard protector
- Mount drinks on a side table instead of the main desk
- Don’t eat over the keyboard
👍 Final Note
An external keyboard is far easier to save than a laptop keyboard, so quick action usually solves the problem. Follow the steps above and you’ll normally get it working again without issues.
If you found this useful, share it with your friends and family to help them protect their devices.
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