How ToFixed sticky keys using a rubbing alcohol soak
How ToFixed sticky keys using a rubbing alcohol soak
I just managed to bring back a TypeHeaven ZA0100 keyboard.
My son accidentally spilled orange juice on it, making several keys extremely sticky.
After giving up six months earlier, I tried a risk by soaking it in a 70% isopropyl alcohol immersion bath.
(Water distilled at least 90% might also work. Higher concentrations are too risky and may not dissolve the juice well.)
I went to Rite Aid, purchased two 32 oz bottles for $7.
I popped off the keys, took out the four screws, lifted the top halves slightly, and then opened the four bottom tabs carefully.
Next, I placed the circuit board in a disposable aluminum roasting pan, poured enough alcohol to cover it, and aggressively worked the sticky keys for about ten minutes.
(Do this outside, and wear goggles and possibly gloves; the fumes are intense and could be harmful, and my eyes got a bit irritated.)
After draining the liquid, I dried it with a towel and a hair dryer, then reassembled everything.
It didn’t function right away. I figured it was still wet inside, so I put it on edge and used a fan to leave it overnight. That resolved the issue.
Now the keyboard is fully working again. Yay!
The biggest expense came from buying two tubs of ice cream along with the alcohol.
🙂
I used to restore surface books and laptops. I put 99% alcohol in a spray bottle, sprayed the keyboard in it and scrubbed with a stiff toothbrush. After drying with a fan overnight, it never caused any harm and performed quite well for me overall.