This version of the Quamut Wiki was edited on 10/5/2007 by eno

As a software developer, I spend a lot of time using computer keyboards. Air in a can, mini blowers and handheld vacuum cleaners help a little but to get your keyboard feeling like new again you have to deep clean it, especially under the keys. The best way of doing this is to wash it. Yes, you read that right, you wash the keyboard. I do this at least once a year to all my computer keyboards as regular maintenance. The method described below is harmless and will not damage your keyboard or affect its functionality.

1. First step is to unplug it. Remove any removable cables or attachments. Any fixed cables should be coiled up and tied off with a rubber band.
   
2. Place the keyboard upside down in the top tray of your dishwasher.
   
3. Make sure that any cables you tied up earlier are not dangling down where the spinning blades of the dishwashers jets can get tangled up in them. Those water jets can be powerful so tie off the cables as tightly and as close to the keyboard as possibe. You may want to hook the loop on one of the prongs of the tray (if your dishwasher has them) if you think that might secure it from being dislodged.
   
4. Set your dishwasher to do a cold wash if you can. If your dishwasher doesn't have a cold wash, you may want to set it to just do a quick rinse instead (though this may not clean as thoroughly).
   
5. Close the door and run your dishwasher cycle.
   
6. When the cycle finishes, remove the keyboard. Let it drain out by leaving it in your kitchen sink for a few minutes. (You may want to turn it over and leave it for a few more minutes to get as much ater as possible out of it).
   
7. Naturally you need to dry it thoroughly before using it. Its important that you leave the keyboard in a warm place for couple of days to completely dry out.
   
8. After a few days, inspect your keyboard. Turn it upside down and shake it. Do you feel drops of water coming out of it? If you do, then you might need to leave it to dry another day or two (maybe putting it in a warmer place will accelerate the drying). If you do have to leave it longer, repeat this test until you no longer feel any drops of water.
   
9. Re-connect your keyboard to your computer and test functions.

Enjoy your nice shiny keyboard. You will notice the keys will feel better as you type, almost like new! You may want to invest in a cover to keep your keyboard in peak condition.