Self HelpBoise Computer Care

Laptops

Spilled liquid on a laptop: the first 5 minutes

Spilled water or coffee on a laptop? The first 5 minutes matter: cut power, drain it, skip the rice, and know when to bring it in.

Difficulty
Easy
Time
5 min now, 48 hours drying
Steps
7
Updated

Sounds like this?

  • Water, coffee or soda spilled on the keyboard
  • Laptop turned off after a spill
  • Keys sticky after a spill

Step by step

  1. Unplug the charger and any accessories right away.
  2. Hold the power button to shut down. Don't wait for a normal shutdown.
  3. If the battery is removable, remove it.
  4. Turn the laptop upside down in a tent shape (screen open, keyboard facing down) on a towel so liquid drains out.
  5. Blot visible liquid with a lint-free cloth. Don't wipe it deeper into the keys.
  6. Leave it off and unplugged for at least 48 hours in a dry room.
  7. Sugary drinks, coffee, and anything salty leave residue that corrodes the board. Bring those to a shop soon, even if it seems to work.

Quick answers

When should I stop and get professional help with "Spilled liquid on a laptop: the first 5 minutes"?

Stop and get help if: It was anything other than plain water. It won't turn on after 48 hours, or keys/trackpad act strangely. You see smoke, smell burning, or the battery gets hot. Move it away from anything flammable. You have important files on it. Get them recovered before more damage happens. Boise Computer Care can diagnose it for a $60 fee; call 208-996-3508.

How long does this fix take and how hard is it?

Plan on 5 min now, 48 hours drying. Difficulty: Easy.

Is it safe to try this myself?

Mostly, if you follow these precautions: Unplug the charger immediately. Don't touch it with wet hands. Don't turn it back on to 'check'. Power is what causes most liquid damage. No hair dryer and no rice. Heat damages parts and rice adds dust and starch.

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