What to do if you spilled water on your laptop

Few things can send chills down your spine like spilling water on your laptop. Not only can drowning your electronics be a death sentence for your computer, but trying to save your device and your data can also be an expensive endeavor. The good news is that not every spill has to mean the end of the road for your laptop.

If you’ve spilled water directly (or had a cleaning mistake) on your laptop, here’s what you can do to try to fix it yourself. (If all else fails, you’ll want to seek professional help.)

The most important thing to do is stay calm, says James Copeland, director of technical services at Prism Specialties, a restoration company that specializes in restoring damaged electronics, art, textiles and documents.

“While it’s important to act quickly, panic can lead to poor decision-making and make the situation worse.” Instead, Copeland says you’ll need to stay calm and methodically follow the steps below to get the best results.

You will need to turn everything off as soon as possible. Unplug it from its power source and docking station (if equipped), and unplug any peripherals, USB drives, dongles, or any other accessories that are connected, says Copeland. “Removing power from the laptop prevents the risk of electric shock and electrical short circuits due to water conductivity, reducing the risk of permanent damage.”

If your laptop has a removable battery, Copeland says you’ll want to remove it as soon as possible. “This ensures that there is no electrical current flowing through the laptop, which will reduce the risk of short circuits.”

“While it may help to turn the laptop upside down and place it on a towel to drain the water, avoid excessive tipping and shaking, as this can spread water to more sensitive areas and other components,” says Copeland, noting that if you’ve turned the laptop over to remove the battery, it’s important is to leave it upside down from that point on so it can be emptied.

Next, you’ll want to deal with any water left on the surface or near where your laptop spilled. “Use a lint-free cloth such as a microfiber cloth to gently wipe and absorb visible water on the surface, keyboard, trackpad, vents, and ports,” says Copeland. “Removing excess water will prevent more water from entering the internal components and help speed up the drying process.”

Next, Copeland says you should place the laptop in a warm, dry environment with plenty of airflow, allowing it to dry completely for one to two days. “Allowing it to dry completely is key to prevent residual moisture from damaging the internal components,” he says.

If you’re unsure or concerned about potential damage and require data recovery, Copeland says your last step is to seek professional help. “Professionals can assess the extent of the damage and take appropriate actions to minimize further damage and safely recover data.”

Copeland addresses some frequently asked questions about water damaged laptops below.

“Don’t use hair dryers, heaters or other heat sources,” Copeland stresses, and that includes the sun. “Don’t put it in the sun, as excessive heat can cause more harm than good. High heat can damage sensitive components and rice, and rice dust can create more problems by getting stuck in and around components.”

You’ll want to resist the urge to turn on the laptop until you’re sure it’s completely dry, he says. If you turn it on too soon, it can cause further damage.

“If your laptop is under warranty, consider taking it to an authorized service center associated with your laptop brand. They are trained to handle specific brands and can offer warranty repairs,” says Copeland. “Some laptop manufacturers have their own service centers that deal with repairs. Contact the manufacturer or check their website for information on authorized service providers in your area.”

If your laptop isn’t covered under warranty, Copeland says to head to a place that specializes in these types of repairs. “Local computer repair shops often provide service for a variety of makes and models. Do your research and make sure you choose a reputable and experienced shop with positive reviews.”

Copeland recommends that you consider professional data recovery services, such as Prism Specialties, which have technicians with specialized tools and expertise to help you recover damaged drives, rather than doing it yourself. “There is a risk of data loss if you repeatedly attempt data recovery or transfer processes yourself – especially if the storage media is damaged.”

The short answer is yes, and even different species Water can be different when it comes to damaged electronics. “There are three categories of water, and each can contain different minerals, sediments, corrosives, pollutants and toxins.”

While drinking water is usually less harmful to electronics than some other liquids because it doesn’t contain sugars, acids or other corrosive substances, Copeland says it can still cause short circuits and damage sensitive electronic components.

Other types of liquids, such as soda, coffee and chemicals, also have their own additional problems as they can be significantly more corrosive than water. “These substances can leave a residue on electronic components, leading to long-term damage if not properly addressed,” explains Copeland. “Some liquids, such as cleaning solutions or chemicals, can be very harmful to electronic devices because they can be very acidic or corrosive and can cause rapid corrosion, short circuits and irreversible damage.”

“Some insurance policies offer coverage for accidental damage to electronic devices. Check your insurance to see if it includes protection against spills and liquid damage,” he says.