Stripping dye off keyboard [message #96313] |
Sun, 29 January 2023 08:12 |
Madison
Messages: 332 Registered: June 2017
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Grand Master |
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Long story short, my daughter got hair dye all over her keyboard. I've worked on it enough that the keys are no longer sticking. I've dissembled it as much as possible and there's some dye inside, not much, but it's there. How do I remove this layer of dye without wrecking the keyboard? Is it even possible?
I know I haven't been on here in a while, but that's because I've been busy with my new job. Since the kids are older, I've finally able to go back to full time-employment. I hate to pop on just because I've got an issue, but I'm desperate, and I know you guys know your stuff.
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Re: Stripping dye off keyboard [message #96314 is a reply to message #96313] |
Sun, 29 January 2023 12:37 |
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Wayne Parham
Messages: 18774 Registered: January 2001
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Illuminati (33rd Degree) |
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The problem, of course, is to use a solvent that will dissolve the dye without attacking plastic parts or anything that might have been silkscreened or painted on your keyboard.
I generally like to use flux removers and/or alcohols for circuit boards. I use (automotive) brake cleaner on really tough stains, but it will destroy most plastics so that's not an option for you. And really, flux remover will damage some plastic and some silkscreens, as well as PCB markings done in ink, like an ECO level, serial-number or revision number hand-written on a board. Isopropyl alcohol is usually pretty safe, but even that can damage some materials. Still, I'd start there 'cause it's the most "friendly" of the three solvents mentioned in this paragraph.
Using 91% isopropyl alcohol, rub a little on a part of the keyboard that's safe, like behind the faceplate and/or on the edge of the circuit board. Make sure it doesn't damage the part you're trying to clean. If it's safe, start using the alcohol to clean the areas where dye remains.
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