I replaced my keyboard on my laptop this summer, a Key came off while it was under warrenty, and Dell sent me a new one.  Simple procedure, it just plugs into a slot under the outer case that I pried off.

 I believe the keyboard could have been removed and washed, it was a very simple plate with bubble switches under the keys.

Don't remove the keys, they are almost impossible to replace, on some computers are impossible to replace.