Computerquestionforyouexperts

Hokie,
Simple, get a new keyboard!

Hokie,

Most keys simply pop off. Including the spacebar.

Pop off the spacebar - spray some Fantastic on a wet paper towel and clean away.

This is a test. this is onlya test. Better but not fixed.Tiger Paw Maw islikelyright, and thisisa cordless model. Darn!!!!!!!!!!

CV

Itsinthegame tells you right. You have to use water soluble cleaner like fantastic because Gatorade contains sugar, the real “sticky” culprit. Normal electronic cleaners will not cut the sugar. Split the keyboard (remove screws on the bottom) raise the membrane around the ends of the s/b and you will locate the s/b switch. Use the Fantastic and then follow with canned air to blow out the excess after you have cleaned the spacebar switch. I would say you have a 50/50 chance of it working. If it doesn’t work, replace the keyboard.
Fungo

If you have a relatively old keyboard... You can pop it in the dishwasher... But if that's too extreme for you (as if it's not one of the older models it will DIE) you can pop off the spacebar and surrounding keys, spray with windex and use Q-tips to get the gunk out. Pop the keys back on, and you're done!

Hokie,
I notice some don't have the membrane. And some you don't have to split the k/b.. Maybe I'm leading you down the wrong path..It's been a few years since I left IBM where I worked on these things.
Fungo

Office depot - probably $20 or less - you can bring the old one with you to make sure the new one will work with your computer - PS: wireless is great!

http://www.svc.com/3in1combo.html

Won't find a better deal than that! And it's from a reputable retailer

This message is live and in color from the office and Dell sold another keyboard last night. I tried Q-tips and rubbing alcohol, which helped but not enough. Thanks for the suggestions. Wireless is indeed wonderful.

It was almost worth the "What? Why do you think I spilled it on there?" This was 20 minutes after I got a call on my cell phone that started, verbatim, "Dad, hypothetically speaking of course, if one spilled Gatorade on the carpet, how would one get that up exactly?" That's his story and he's sticking to it I guess.

Gatorade would be bad, but when one of mine spilled a large glass of orange juice...ALL keys stuck. Ran it under warm water for a few minutes, blew it dry with a hair dryer, but still let it sit overnite... worked like a charm. I keep a cheap $10 keyboard on the shelf just for said emergencies!