Plastic wrap keyboard cover protects kitchen computer from sticky fingers

Marisa's hack could single-handedly save the laptop-using population thousands of dollars in repair costs:

I stretch a piece of plastic wrap over the keyboard of my laptop (which is in my kitchen) to prevent crumbs, liquids and sticky fingers from damaging it. Every week or so, I just stretch a new piece of plastic wrap. Works like a charm! Mouse and keys work perfectly well when covered by the thin plastic layer, and I can't tell you how many times it has saved my a** [and your keyboard -- Ed.].

Do you know HOW many times I've looked up a recipe on my computer while my hands are covered in flour (or peanut butter, or oil, or whatever)? This is sheer brilliance. I know I say that all the time, but seriously, folks -- BRILLIANT.

This would work well in a coffee-swilling workplace, too, although co-workers may poke fun at you.

Related: "Virtually Indestructible Keyboard" goes nicely with baby- and toddler-friendly software

Comments

[E]

Isn't this unnecessarily wasteful? If you must use plastic, I'm sure there's a more durable, reusable solution than plastic wrap.

[SistaWAHM's]

Alright! This is a really nifty idea, especially if you have 4 year old's like my sister and I who just love playing games on our laptops. It seems like it's only when they get on the computer that juice, crackers, and who knows what else starts sneaking in all the cracks and crevices. We can't wait to stretch a little piece of plastic wrap across the keyboard, do you know how much longer our computers life will be? SistaWAHM's gives this post two thumbs up, thanks a lot!

[Gav Richards in Wales]

This is my first post, though I visit the site at least once a day!
Great idea but one word of warning here - DO NOT cover the ventilation slots / holes with the wrap (or anything else for that matter) else your laptop will be heading for laptop heaven due to over-heating!

[Jennifer Margulis]

I look up recipes on the computer all the time but I'm deathly afraid of getting gunk on the keyboard so the computer never comes into the kitchen. You are all braver than I. This does seem like a great idea.

[Britiney]

I only recently stumbled on your blog but have loved every time-saving, money-saving, sanity-saving idea. I nominated you for the Friends Blogger award on my blog today. Thanks for all you do.

[JJ]

A reusable option would be to buy a plastic keyboard cover/protector. My boss has one on her computer keyboard at work. It was about $12, and whenever it starts to look grimy, I just wash it with soap and water, then dry it with a paper towel.

[Ed]

Also helpful are dish towels. I keep more than one out and handy.

[logitech g9 mouse]

I absolutely hate thsoe plastic wrapped keyboards. So annoying to type on those, to be perfectly honest with ya.