Spilling a drink on your laptop doesn’t have to be a ticket to a repair shop — if you know what to do and act quickly.
What should I do with my wet laptop?
Step 1: Turn off the laptop right now.
The first thing to do in a wet-laptop-emergency is turning your PC off.
Detach the power cable/charger immediately and press the power button for 5-7 seconds until its off. Don’t waste any time by trying to turn it off properly as any extra time on can damage the PC permanently. If your laptop allows, take out the battery swell.
Step 2: Remove all components that are easily detachable.
Unplug your USB drive, mouse, CD’S and DVD’s or any other device that is plugged into your laptop. You need to make sure the laptop is left bare as any power exchange (even between PC and USB drive) within the device can cause a short circuit and damage you or your PC.
Step 3: Dry the outside of the laptop.
Open your laptop as far as it goes, hold it upside down, and
wipe dry any wet surfaces that you see with a towel or another lint-free absorbent fabric. Then try to open up your laptop as wide as possible and place it face down on a dry towel.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The type of liquid has different effect on your IT- Water is the least corrosive, while sugary and alcoholic liquids are the most harmful.
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Step 4: Leave the laptop to dry
Place the laptop with the towel underneath in a warm, dry room. If you have a dehumidifier place it in the room too, this can help to dry the laptop quicker. Leave the device off to dry at least for 24 hours (if you are not planning to go to the repair shop) before you try to turn it on again.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: do not try to use a hair dryer as it can damage the laptop components even more.
Step 5: Take advantage of the warranty or bring your laptop to a repair shop.
Additional steps to dry out your laptop
If your warranty is expired or for any other reason you do not want to go to the repair shop, there are additional steps that you can potentially take to dry you laptop even more.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Rapid IT does not accept any responsibility for damage caused to your device if you decide to take apart your laptop yourself. Follow the steps only if your machine allows it and if you have taken apart your laptop before.
Majority of modern laptops are very 'closed up' as it is impossible for the user to open the back of the laptop or remove any parts such as the battery. If you have access to removing any inside parts, follow the steps described below.
Step 1: Remove the battery.
This can be done by pressing a switch or button on the underside of your laptop.
Step 2: If you suspect that the liquid is leaking onto other components of your PC, take them out too.
Some laptops have separate panels with their components that can be easily detached with a button in the underside. However, most laptops will require a specific screwdriver to detach any parts or even to open up the bottom lid.
Step 3: Inspect each component you’ve removed and check for any sign of damage.
If you have spilled water, you just need to dry off all the parts. If the liquid is something else, you will need to use 99% isopropyl alcohol and a cotton swab. Wipe off the liquid carefully, the alcohol will not cause any damage or residue and will evaporate very quickly.
Step 4: dry your laptop
leave your laptop open to air-dry for at least for 24hours in a warm and dry room. When the PC has dried off, put together your laptop and see if it works.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Rapid IT does not accept any responsibility for damage caused to your device if you decide to take apart your laptop yourself. Follow the steps only if your machine allows it and if you have taken apart your laptop before.
If you have followed these steps and the laptop does not work, bring it to the repair shop immediately and explain the situation and steps you have taken to the professional.
