For many, a laptop is an essential part of their daily life. It can be used for work and personal tasks, making it an incredibly valuable device. With that in mind, what do you do if your laptop has come into contact with water?
If you have a laptop that has come in contact with water, it is best to turn it off immediately and disconnect the battery and other devices. There is still a chance of saving it, in most cases, with a little bit of care and common sense.
Sometimes, it might seem obvious and easy to fix – you can dry the water or take out all the components and let them air dry. Still, there are other times when it can be more difficult. Taking action as soon as possible is crucial when dealing with water damage.
It’s always a good idea to know how to handle it if your laptop gets wet. This article will take you through the steps of what to do when it happens and how you can save your laptop.
Step #1: Power Off the Laptop
If your laptop gets wet, the first thing you should do is turn it off completely. This will help to prevent further damage from occurring. If you try to turn on the laptop too soon, you could risk permanent damage to the internal components.
If it’s still on, there’s a chance that water could short-circuit the components and cause even more damage. Once it’s off, unplug the power adapter.
If your laptop is still wet, do not attempt to turn it on. Short-circuits are a real danger when water and electricity mix, and you could do more damage to your laptop.
Step #2: Remove the Battery and Other Devices
If your laptop gets wet, the next thing you should do is remove the battery and peripheral devices. You should also disconnect any external cables, such as the power cord, from your laptop.
This will help prevent further damage to your laptop and give you a better chance of saving it from severe damage.
It will also prevent short-circuiting and further damage. Once done, you can dry off the laptop with a towel.
Step #3: Dry the Laptop
The next step is to dry off your laptop using a clean, dry cloth after the laptop has been shut down and the battery has been removed. Place the laptop on a towel or drying rack and allow it to air dry.
Dry it off with a towel and use a can of compressed air to blow out any remaining moisture from the keyboard, ports, and other nooks and crannies.
Once you have done this, you should place the laptop in a well-ventilated area where it can sit for at least 24 hours so that any remaining moisture can evaporate completely.
Step #4: Examine the Damage
Following all the steps above, the next step is to assess the damage. Examine the internals of your laptop for signs of water damage. See if the water has seeped into the internals of the computer and assess whether or not they are still in good condition.
If you can see that your laptop’s internals are in good condition, you can try drying out your laptop with a hair dryer on a low cool setting.
If your laptop has been seriously damaged by water, it is best to take it to a professional for repair. They will be able to assess the damage and carry out repairs.
Step #5: Take It to the Repair Shop
If your laptop has been in contact with water for an extended period, or if it’s clearly sustained significant damage, your best bet is to take it to a repair shop. They will be able to disassemble the laptop and clean it thoroughly.
The technicians at the repair shop will be able to properly assess the damage and let you know if it’s worth trying to fix or if you’re better off just buying a new one.
This is usually a last resort, as it can be expensive. But if your laptop is important to you, it may be worth the investment.
Conclusion
With a bit of care and the right know-how, you can save your computer from liquid damage. By following the steps in this article, you’ll be able to quickly and efficiently dry out your computer, hopefully preventing any long-term damage.
So next time you have a spill, don’t panic — just follow these simple instructions, and you should be back up and running in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your laptop’s electronic components and connections can be damaged or rusted by water, causing short-circuits that can permanently damage or corrode them putting the hardware at risk.
For best results, place your laptop in a well-ventilated area or under a fan and let it air dry for at least 24 hours. You can also use a hair dryer on low settings to speed up the drying process.
Rice acts as a dehumidifier and can remove moisture from your laptop. Air-drying is still preferable since you don’t have to worry about rice grains getting stuck inside your laptop.
To dry out your laptop, you can use a blow dryer, but make sure to run it on the coolest setting and keep it away from it to avoid damaging the internal components.
If your laptop has gotten wet, and you’ve tried everything stated above, it won’t turn on, but most likely, it has sustained significant damage and would need to be replaced or repaired.
