Re: Dirty IIc keyboard

[mjmahon@aol.com (Michael J. Mahon)]

JamesDP35 asked:

>I recently rescued an Apple IIc (complete) from the dumpster.  When I got it
>home, though, I saw that someone had spilled something sticky into the
>keyboard.  Is there a safe, effective way to clean this?  Can I just soak it
>in
>mild detergent, rinse it, and let it dry?  If not, what should I do?  Since
>everything else seems to be working with it, I'd like to put the old girl
>back
>in shape. Any help would be appreciated.

If the sticky problem is external only, then cleaning the key caps and
the top of the keyboard may do the job.

If the sticky stuff got inside the key switches, then your idea is not
far off.  Unless there is oil in the goo (check to see if the external part
cleans completely with water, for example), you should omit the
detergent.  Just use distilled water, soaking the keyboard (only, not
the computer!) for about an hour, then draining it and rinsing lightly,
then repeat--for four or five iterations.  Then let it dry for a couple of
weeks in a dry, warm place (don't heat it, or bad things may happen).

If the residue is sugar-based, this should clean it pretty well, and
the long drying time should ensure that it is completely dry before
trying it in the computer again.


-michael

 Email:  mjmahon@aol.com
 Home page:  http://members.aol.com/MJMahon/