What to do if you spill liquid on laptop
What to do if your laptop gets wet: step-by-step guide (illustrative photo: Freepik)
For various reasons, our laptops often come into contact with liquids, be it spilled tea or water ingress. The first thought that comes to mind is to calculate how much money will now have to be deducted from your budget for repairs or a new device, writes SalvageData.
However, it's essential not to rush with expenses and instead perform a few procedures that can help save your computer.
If the laptop is connected to the power grid, turn it off immediately
Unplug the charging cable from the socket and the computer, followed by all other cords connected to the laptop. Water and electricity are a hazardous combination for both the device and yourself.
Turn and switch off the laptop
Turn the laptop upside down, with the keyboard facing downward, to let any water inside drain out. Simultaneously press and hold the power button until the screen goes off. This is the fastest way to turn off the device.
Switch off all devices
Disconnect all external devices from the laptop. Flash drives, memory cards, USB modems, even the battery! When the computer comes into contact with water, not only it but also accessories can be affected.
Wipe the laptop
Now, thoroughly wipe your laptop without turning it back. A cotton towel is ideal for this purpose as it effectively absorbs any liquids. You can also use paper napkins if a towel is not available.
Pay special attention to the keyboard, as water easily seeps beneath the keys. Don't forget to wipe the ports and cooling vents.
Check the device after 48 hours
If the laptop refuses to turn on after two days, copy important data to external storage. Damages may not manifest immediately. The consequences of water contact might show up after a few days or even weeks, leading to the device malfunctioning.
Dealing with coffee, wine, or tea spills inside the laptop
Liquids with additives are more hazardous to laptops than water. Coffee grounds, sugar, and other impurities in these beverages can clog and oxidize components, causing additional damage. Eventually, the laptop keys may become sticky and even fail to function.
To avoid problems, it's better to clean the laptop from the inside before drying. You can do this yourself by disassembling the device and removing all dirt using paper towels or cotton swabs soaked in a small amount of alcohol. However, remember that self-disassembly voids the warranty.
The casings of different laptops can vary significantly in design and disassembly procedure. If you've never opened your device, search online for a maintenance guide for your specific model.
If the dried laptop still doesn't turn on, or you don't want to clean it yourself, you can seek professional help from a service center.
Also, we reported that Samsung had introduced three new laptops based on AI.
