If your keyboard suffered a coffee-induced heart attack, would you know what to do?

It's the nightmare scenario for almost every computer-using home gamer or office worker: An accidental beverage spill puts the keyboard into a coma; keys stop responding to button presses and nothing seems to be able to get it to work. Without an input device like the keyboard, users lose the ability to perform even the most basic computer activity like typing a simple e-mail or an office document, much less advanced tasks like gaming. It gets even worse when the spill occurs on an integrated keyboard like those on notebook PCs because, in such instances, the damage is only repairable by the manufacturer or an expert third party technician.

In most circumstances, victims of such an unfortunate spill would normally discard away their old USB or PS/2 sets for a newer one; after all, normal keyboards are cheap computer peripherals that can be easily replaced without incurring too much cost. But before you start preparing the final death rites for your 'board, use this keyboard-resuscitation technique to try restoring the keyboard back to its working condition. Granted, there's no guarantee of success, but it certainly beats forking out the cash for an extra set of QWERTY keys and, if done properly, will even extend the keyboard's longevity, so you can continue using it for an extended period of time.

Here are some tips you can try to help cleanse and revive your keyboard in the event of a major spill.

Keyboard revival technique 101
Step 1
Immediately power down your computer and disconnect the keyboard. If you are using a wireless model, make sure to remove the batteries from the device. Live circuits consist of sensitive electronic parts that can be easily damaged when coming into contact with liquid substances, such as those brought about by spills.

Step 2
Tilt the keyboard in an inverse position so that the keypad is facing downwards. This will help drain the liquid before it seeps further into the crevices of the keys. Do this for a few minutes until the entire surface spill is drained.

Step 3
Gently rinse the surface of the keyboard with running water to get rid of the sticky residue on and underneath the keys. Do not spray it directly onto the board, but from a side angle where you can minimize the liquid from seeping into the nooks and crannies. Alternatively, use a piece of moist cloth to gently wipe away the spill on the surface. Remember, the aim is not to introduce more liquid elements into the 'board because the internal circuitry and components might get further damaged in the process.

Step 4
Clean the interior of the keyboard to improve the response of keys affected by the spill. Use a letter opener, or a similar implement, to pry off the individual keys. Insert the letter opener into space between the keys, at a 70 degree angle and push gently but firmly in a downward motion to lift up the button caps.

Once the key cap is removed, you will notice that the interior consists nothing more than a deep crevice containing ridges and a plastic plunger that connects the button to the circuit board underneath. This is the area that needs to be thoroughly cleaned. Make sure you know where each key goes, then start cleaning the keys and plungers one at a time using a damp cloth dipped in diluted alcohol, preferably isopropyl. This will remove the stickiness and dirt under the key and will also improve key press response so.

Alcohol can also be used as a polish for the keyboard chassis (not only will it clean the chassis and shine it, it helps disinfect as well) but avoid using concentrated alcohol as it will eat through the plastic. If you are wondering where to purchase isopropyl, it can be purchased in most pharmacies as well as certain computer hardware shops that sell it as a bundle with their cleaning kits.

Step 5
Thoroughly dry the keyboard and its components before re-assembling it again for usage. This might take several hours, as covered portions of the device normally take a longer time to dry but you can speed up the drying process by using a hair dryer to blow dry the wet components. Place the key caps back to their original position-this is done by gently pressing them back with your thumb until you hear it snap back into place. Once all the keys are back into the original position, check for any form of looseness or unevenness so that no caps will come off.

Remember, all the keyboard components should be fully dried before use, or you will risk damaging the sensitive electronics (especially those in wireless models), rendering the device totally inoperable.

You can now plug it into your system for testing and, if the procedures were followed correctly, you should have a perfectly functional keyboard at your disposal. The technique described above is not just for beverage-spill cleanings only: You can also use it on a daily basis as a means of keeping the keyboard clean to extend its overall lifespan.