It only takes a slight bump to send water or coffee tumbling onto your laptop. Unfortunately, this liquid can cause significant damage quickly. Taking the right steps drastically affects the outcome, so follow these crucial steps immediately before heading to a computer service technician.

What to Do If You Spill On Your Computer

1. Turn It Off

Remove the electric current from the device by unplugging it from the wall or holding down the power button until the screen turns black. This may prevent parts from short-circuiting and breaking. Also, unplug all connected devices from the USB ports. An external hard drive, charger, or USB mouse can become damaged if water gets inside.

2. Wipe, Flip & Drain

Next, form the laptop into a V and flip it over on a towel. Carefully hold and shake the device until water stops dripping out of the keyboard, and then leave it like this for 24 to 48 hours so it can fully drain.

Also, wipe down ports, the screen, and all other openings where water may have seeped in. Use a microfiber cloth that won’t scratch the screen and will absorb liquid better. Finally, don’t use a household cleaner on the device if you spilled something sticky, such as juice or sugary coffee, as these cleaners may damage the screen or finish.

3. Contact Computer Service Professionals

Don’t attempt DIY repairs, no matter how tempting they may be. Don’t place any parts of the device in rice or open the case. Repairs for liquid damage and other techniques should be left to the professionals.

These experts can safely open and examine the device without damaging parts. They’ll identify issues with the hard drive, optical drives, motherboard, and other components to ensure your device is up and running again.

Whether you spilled water on a device or require more extensive computer services, contact SysQuick. This trusted company serves Parkville, Baltimore, and the Greater D.C. area of Maryland, providing comprehensive equipment and laptop repairs. These IT professionals also maintenance game systems and mobile devices, which you can learn about on their website. To schedule a service today, call (443) 231-5627.