How to Save a Laptop from Liquid Damage

If you have spilled your soda, water, coffee, tea, wine, milk or juice on your laptop, things can happen. Follow the steps below to save your laptop from damage by a liquid.

1.Turn the laptop off. Immediately remove the AC adapter and the battery. If the liquid touches the circuits on the laptop, then it will short out.

2.Unplug all peripherals such as mouse and wireless cards




3.Turn it upside down immediately. The liquid will stop going deeper into the laptop


4.Clean the spilled liquid. Use a lint-free paper towel or cloth to clean.

5.Examine the keyboard. Some laptops have spill-resistant keyboards.

• Pour out the liquid contained in the keyboard enclosure.
• Remove and clean an easily removable keyboard.

6..Insulate yourself from static discharge. Static electricity can damage any computer. Learn how to ground yourself to avoid destroying a computer with electrostatic discharge.

7.Take apart the case. You may need to take apart the case if you cannot clean the whole spill. Some spills can damage the circuit boards.

• If you don't feel like taking your laptop apart, then have someone else do it.
• Remove all cards and drives as possible.

8.Remove dry residue. Use a lint-free cloth to gently remove non-water stains. Use compressed air or a vacuum cleaner to blow away the residue.

9.Let it dry. Make sure that the parts are dry. As with rinsing, there are different theories on drying:

• Dry naturally. Prop the machine up, away from surfaces, so that air can circulate in and around the entire unit. Leave the machine to dry for 24 to 48 hours. While it is drying, place the laptop battery in uncooked rice.
• Dry with light heat. Use moderately warm sources of heat. Let it dry for approximately 12 hours. A dehumidifier may improve drying time.

10.Reassemble and test the laptop.