Spilling liquid on your laptop or computer can be a nightmare. Liquid can short circuit the internal components and cause permanent damage if not addressed quickly. Fortunately, with some basic steps, you may be able to repair liquid damage and save your device. Here’s how to properly handle liquid damage on a laptop or computer.
Assess the Damage
The first step is to assess the extent of the damage.
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Turn off and unplug the device immediately. You don’t want to risk further short circuiting while powered on.
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Remove the battery from laptops. This eliminates the risk of short circuiting via the battery.
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Disassemble the device carefully. Take note of which components are wet. The more exposure, the more risk of permanent damage.
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Allow the device to dry for at least 24-48 hours. Don’t attempt to turn on until fully dried. Water and moisture can still short circuit even when powered off.
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After drying, reassemble and attempt to turn on. Gauge functionality and see if any components were damaged.
Clean with Isopropyl Alcohol
If the device still works after drying, thorough cleaning is recommended.
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Purchase a bottle of 99% isopropyl alcohol and microfiber cloths.
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Carefully disassemble the laptop or computer. Removing components allows better access for cleaning.
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Use the isopropyl alcohol and cloths to gently clean every component. Scrub corrosion and mineral deposits off contacts.
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Components like the motherboard, RAM, CPU, GPU, HDD, etc need meticulous cleaning. Be thorough but delicate.
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Allow components to fully dry before reassembly. Isopropyl evapourates quickly, but be patient. Rushing can risk recontamination.
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Once fully dry, reassemble the device. Boot it up and test for functionality. The isopropyl scrub can often save wet components.
Replace Damaged Parts
If certain components no longer work after cleaning, replacement may be necessary.
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Diagnose which parts were damaged beyond repair. Common culprits include the keyboard, RAM, SSD/HDD, and motherboard.
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Research replacement parts online for your specific laptop or computer model. Be sure to match the exact specs.
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When parts arrive, carefully disassemble again and swap the damaged parts for the new replacements.
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Reassemble with the new parts installed. With some luck, your device will now be restored to full working order!
Data Recovery
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If the internal HDD/SSD is damaged, attempt data recovery before replacement. Connect the drive to another working computer via SATA adapter.
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Use data recovery software to scan the drive and extract any retrievable files and folders. Back up this data to another location.
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Once data is recovered, the damaged drive can be safely swapped out. Just be sure to reload the recovered data onto the new replacement drive.
Future Precautions
To avoid liquid damage in the future:
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Keep drinks far away from electronics. Never place drinks near laptops or computers. Use a separate drink table or coaster.
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Invest in spill-proof lids for mug handles. These prevent accidental tipping of standard mugs.
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Avoid eating or snacking while using devices. Crumbs or grease can also harm systems over time.
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Consider a waterproof case or shell for laptops. These fully encapsulate and protect the device from spills.
With proper handling, repair and mitigation, liquid damage does not have to be the end for your beloved computer or laptop. Be sure to act quickly if faced with such an incident. Following these steps can often successfully remedy liquid damage and restore your device to working condition.
