Looking After a Calculator Keypad

Calculators are rarely thrown away because they stop calculating. They are thrown away because a key stops responding.

What kills keys

Dust, crumbs and spilled drinks. Membrane contacts under the keys are what fail, and liquid is the fastest route there.

Cleaning

A soft dry brush around the keys regularly does more than an occasional deep clean. If you use a slightly damp cloth on the surface, keep moisture away from the seams.

After a spill

Power off, remove the battery if there is one, and let it dry completely before testing. Testing early is how a recoverable spill becomes permanent damage.

Use the cover

The sliding cover is not packaging. In a bag it is the only thing between the keypad and everything else in there.