Spilling a drink on your laptop can seem like a disaster, especially if your machine won’t boot up right away. Fortunately, a skilled laptop repair technician can often get your computer working again and salvage your data, especially if you take action immediately. If you’ve spilled liquid on your laptop, here are a few ways to minimize the damage.

What to Do After Spilling Liquid on Your Laptop

1. Shut Down the Power

As soon as you notice liquid on your laptop, unplug it from the wall and shut off the computer immediately. Simply closing the laptop won’t be enough, so you'll need to hold the power button down for five seconds to completely turn off the machine. This can help keep your system from shorting out, which could make recovering your data nearly impossible.

2. Remove the Battery

If water reaches the battery, it could cause an electrical hazard. Fortunately, many laptops still allow you to remove the battery by flicking a switch or pushing an eject button. If you can, take out the battery as soon as it powers down. If you're comfortable doing so, you can also open the backplate and take out the internal battery. However, if you don’t have experience with laptop repairs, it’s best to avoid opening the case, so you don't cause further damage.

3. Turn It Upside Down

The less water the laptop is in contact with, the less damage it can cause. Ideally, you should get a cloth to first wipe up any liquid on the keyboard or case. After opening the laptop as far as it goes, turn it upside down over a dry towel and let the remaining liquid drain out. The laptop should drain for at least four hours, although 24 hours is ideal.

4. Avoid Packing Your Computer in Rice

While many people place their wet phones in a tub of dry rice to absorb excess moisture, this isn't suggested for laptops. The rice could get trapped inside many of the ports and cavities of the laptop and eventually cause more damage. Usually, air drying is the most effective method of removing moisture.

If you’ve spilled liquid on your Apple® device and can't turn it back on, bring it to the laptop repair experts at Experimax Middleton. Their highly trained technicians have made a name for themselves by providing exceptional service and fast results to customers throughout the north Boston area. Visit their website for more on their laptop repair services, or call (978) 304-0134 to make an appointment.