Baths are great…for human beings. For computers, though? Not so much. Whether it was a glass of water, a mug of coffee, or some other beverage, accidentally dumping liquid on your laptop computer can be an absolutely terrifying experience. Laptops aren’t cheap, and the thought of having to replace it can be enough to send even the calmest tech guru into a hyperventilating panic. If you’ve emptied your drink on your laptop computer, there are a few things you can do to help salvage it – starting with taking a deep breath and staying calm!
Power it Off
When your computer gets wet, it’s understandable to want to immediately reach for the nearest roll of paper towels to wipe it up. Before you start sopping up the fluids seeping into your computer, though, you need to first turn it off and unplug it completely. This is not only to protect your computer from getting fried, but also for your own safety, too.
Mop it Up
Now’s the time to reach for an absorbent towel. Carefully pat down every surface of your computer, blotting at any areas that may look like they’re retaining liquid. If you don’t have any fabric towels to sop up the fluids, paper towels should work fine. Regardless, the end goal is to have the surface of your computer as dry as possible.
Flip it Over
Once you’ve wiped up all visible liquids from your computer, you’ll want to invert your computer. This can help any beverages trapped inside it to trickle out. Be careful to not shake or jostle your computer while turning it over, as that can damage its internal components.
Remove the Battery
Your next step is to remove your computer’s battery. While your computer is drying, you’ll want to make sure the battery is given a chance to dry out, too. Place your computer’s battery in a dish of uncooked rice, as this can help draw the unwanted moisture out of it.
Wait it Out
Don’t try to turn on your computer right away. Instead, you should allow it to dry out for up to 48 hours. For the initial reboot, power it on while your laptop is attached to AC power. Monitor it closely while it turns on. If you don’t notice any major red flags, then you may try to reinsert the battery and see if it still works when it’s not plugged in.
Give Us a Call
Despite following all of these steps, your computer may still refuse to boot up. Don’t give up hope just yet! Your computer isn’t doomed. We here at 911 Computer have been solving stubborn computer repair issues for over 30 years, and our skilled service technicians can quickly and accurately diagnose and treat any problems with your laptop computer. To learn more about our same-day services, or to have a technician come to you to fix your computer, please contact us either using our helpful online form or by calling us at (713) 364-6572 today!
