First, I would recommend against just running a keyboard through a
dishwasher.  I don't think the keys or case would survive the high
temperature of the drying cycle.  On the other hand, if it is disconnected
before any short circuit (which could blow a fuse or cause damage to
either the keyboard or the motherboard), there is a good chance of saving
it if you disassemble it, clean, and dry it before corrosion sets in.

If something like soda pop or coffee has a chance to dry on the moving parts,
it can really "gum up the works" - just cleaning them without causing further
damage (such as ripping the tin foil off the foam rubber pads that are often
used in keyboard switches) would be a challenge.  If the actual contacts of
the keyboard switches are corroded (many soda pops contain phosphoric acid,
which is nearly as strong as sulphuric acid), it is probably too late.
In this case, washing and drying the board won't work, as the corroded
contacts will fail to make contact. If only a few contacts fail, and they
seem to be otherwise intact, careful use of a mild abrasive such as a
powdered kitchen cleanser and/or very fine steel wool (make certain that
you wash away ALL traces of steel wool) _might_ save it.

If you value your time, just buy a replacement.  If you want a CHALLENGE,
go for it.  Many keyboards come apart easily, with the circuit board
separating from all the moving parts.  If the keys are on the bottom, and
the board on the top when you separate them, you can keep things in order.
Even so, another keyboard of the same type (to see which key goes where)
and a diagnostic program to test each key would be handy.

Boyd Ramsay

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