Water damage can be one of the most frustrating tech problems. It can destroy data and cripple a device’s performance. But if you catch it early enough and act fast, it can be saved.
The type of liquid spilled also matters. Plain water and black coffee usually cause less trouble than soda or other sugary drinks, which are conductive and can short out components.
1. Shut Down
As soon as water gets inside your laptop, it can start causing damage immediately. It’s important to shut down your device as quickly as possible to avoid further problems. It’s also a good idea to back up your files regularly, as issues that can arise with water-damaged devices are often unpredictable.
Turning off your laptop is the first step to take – but don’t just send it to sleep or anything like that, you’ll need to hold down the power button until it shuts off. This is because water and electricity don’t mix, so if you continue to use the device after it’s been submerged in liquid, it could cause serious damage that can be impossible to repair.
Next, you’ll need to unplug your laptop and remove its battery if possible. Lithium and other rechargeable batteries don’t tolerate water well, so if you notice bubbling, melting, or discoloration, it’s likely time to replace the battery. You’ll also want to disconnect any USB mice, flash drives, cables, or other accessories from the laptop. It’s best to do this before you start opening up the laptop, so you can save yourself from any potential electrical shorts.
Once everything is disconnected, you can begin to open up the laptop and wipe away any visible moisture with a dry cloth. This is the best way to avoid any further damage and give your laptop a better chance of recovering from its experience with liquid. If you can, try to drain any remaining liquid from the device by turning it upside down and shaking it.
After you’ve finished with this, it’s a good idea to let the laptop dry. You can help it along by using a fan to circulate cold air around it. Do not use a hair dryer, however, as it can worsen the existing damage and potentially ruin the hard drive.
2. Wipe Off
No matter how careful you are with your electronics, a moment of clumsiness or distraction is all it takes to find yourself in a situation where a bit of water (or even saltwater) ends up on your laptop. This is often a very scary thing to find, and many laptop users worry that it will be irreparably damaged. However, the truth is that while water and computers don’t mix, this scenario is not as doomed as you might think.
The key to salvaging a laptop with water damage is to act quickly. As soon as you notice any signs of a leak, turn off the device and unplug it from any power sources. This will reduce the risk of electrical short circuits, which can cause more damage than the initial contact with liquid.
You should also remove any external accessories, such as a keyboard and mouse. This will help prevent further damage to these devices, and it will make it easier to remove the liquid. If possible, you should also remove the battery. This will help prevent the liquid from soaking into the battery and potentially causing an electrical hazard.
Once you’ve turned off the laptop and removed any cables or accessories, wipe off as much water from the surface as possible. You can use a dry towel or paper towel to do this. If there’s still water on the surface, you can try using a hairdryer to blow off any moisture, but this should be done carefully and in a well-ventilated area.
Finally, place the laptop in a safe location and leave it there for at least 48 hours. This time period may seem excessive, but it will give the laptop a chance to air out and for any remaining moisture to evaporate. Once the laptop is dry, you can reconnect it and try turning it on. If it doesn’t turn on, you might need to call a professional.
3. Dry
Depending on what the laptop was submerged in and how much water was involved, attempting to clean it up immediately can help reduce the chance of permanent damage. Sometimes, repair is typically cheaper than buying new. However, the longer the laptop remains wet, the more likely it is that irreversible issues like leaking ports or distorted screens will develop. In addition, different liquids cause more harm than others, including corrosive substances like salt or sugar, which can stick to the internal components for long periods of time.
To minimize damage, first disconnect the power source and any external devices that may be attached to your computer. It’s also a good idea to remove the battery, as this prevents the liquid from tainting the battery and potentially creating short circuits. Next, you should pat down the laptop with a cloth or paper towel to remove any visible moisture. This should be done gently and carefully, as you don’t want to push water further into the device.
Finally, you should place the laptop in a cool and dry location to allow it to air dry for at least 24 hours. This will ensure that any remaining moisture is evaporated before you try to turn it back on. You can also use rice or silica gel packets to absorb any residual moisture, although it’s important to keep in mind that the more water there is inside the laptop, the less likely you are to be able to revive it.
If your laptop does survive the initial drying process, you can attempt to boot it up and see if any error messages or other signs of problems appear on the screen. It’s a good idea to take your time and be patient with the process, as it’s important to ensure that your device is completely dry before you attempt to power it on to avoid short circuiting.
Even though water-damaged laptops are less likely to be salvageable than other types of electronics, there is hope! With these initial steps and a little patience, you can increase the chances of your laptop making a full recovery from water damage. Be sure to keep your laptop well-protected by using protective accessories like spill-resistant keyboards and covers, and back up your data regularly.
4. Restart
Having water or another liquid spilled on your laptop can be a bit of a nightmare. Although one accidental spill isn’t necessarily a death sentence for your laptop, it’s important to take immediate action to minimise damage and reduce the chances of irreversible damage.
Taking the time to shut down, wipe off, and dry your laptop can significantly improve your chances of getting it back up and running after water damage. If you’re not comfortable doing these steps yourself, it’s a good idea to bring your laptop into a repair shop that specialises in liquid damage repair.
The first thing you should do when a laptop gets wet is to turn it off. Doing so will stop any electricity from reaching the internal components and causing additional damage. It’s also a good idea to remove any connected accessories, including the keyboard, mouse, and storage devices. This can help minimize any further damage from occurring and allow for the maximum amount of liquid to be drained.
Once you’ve turned off your laptop and removed any attached accessories, it’s a good idea to wipe away as much liquid as possible with a towel or cloth. It’s also a good idea that you use a fan to circulate the air and prevent the buildup of condensation in your laptop. Finally, you should place your laptop in a warm, dark, and dry place for at least 48 hours to ensure it has ample opportunity to fully dry out.
After this period, you can try to power on your laptop to see if it will work. Be sure to note any errors that appear, as this may be an indication of additional damage caused by the water or other liquids that have seeped into your device.
If you’re unable to get your laptop back up and running after following these steps, don’t worry. Most laptops can be saved with the right kind of care and attention. By avoiding liquids altogether, using a spill-resistant laptop cover, and backing up your data regularly, you can protect your computer from serious damage in the future.