It’s easy to panic if you spill a drink on your laptop but act quickly and you can save your laptop from the worst of the damage.
Related: Are Dell Laptops Water Resistant?
Follow these steps to fix a water-damaged laptop
Turn off your Laptop Immediately
Turn off your laptop immediately. If it’s still on, water can short-circuit the components and cause even more damage.
Unplug any External Devices
Unplug any external devices, such as a mouse or USB drive, and remove the battery if possible.
Flip your Laptop Upside-Down
Flip your laptop upside-down and shake it gently to get rid of any excess water.
Use a Vacuum Cleaner
Use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to suck out any remaining water from your laptop. Be careful not to suck up any components along with the water.
Apply a Bag of Rice
Apply a bag of rice or uncooked rice to your laptop and leave it there for at least 24 hours to absorb any remaining moisture.
By following these steps, you can fix a water-damaged laptop and hopefully save it from any further damage.
If Your Laptop Cannot Be Taken Apart
If your laptop is one that cannot be taken apart or if you are not comfortable doing so, there are still steps you can take to try and fix it.
Step No.1 Turn off your laptop immediately and unplug any external devices.
Step No.2 Remove the battery if possible.
Step No.3 Flip your laptop upside-down and shake it gently to get rid of any excess water.
Waterproofing options to Prevent Future Damage
- Get a laptop case that is water-resistant or waterproof. This will help to protect your laptop if you accidentally spill something on it.
- Use a coaster or place your drink in a cup holder when using your laptop to help prevent spills.
- Avoid using your laptop in places where there is a lot of moisture, such as near the kitchen or bathroom.
With these tips, you can help to reduce the risk of future water damage and keep your laptop safe from spills and other accidents.
If your Laptop Allows you to Detach its Internals
Unplug your laptop from any external power source and remove the battery if possible. Before touching any of the internals, make sure to discharge your body by touching a metal object like a doorknob.
Start by taking out the hard drive and any other detachable components. Check for any visible water damage and dry them off with a clean cloth if necessary. Take special care with the hard drive as it is very sensitive to water damage.
If you are comfortable proceeding, try to gently dry off the rest of the laptop’s internals. Avoid using a hairdryer or other heat-based methods as this can cause further damage.
Once everything is dry, reassemble your laptop and turn it on to see if it works normally. If not, take it to a professional for repairs. By taking these steps, you can hopefully save your laptop from water damage. If you are not comfortable taking apart your laptop or if it does not allow for this, take it to a professional as soon as possible.
Water Damaged Laptop won’t Turn On
If your laptop is not turning on after getting water damaged, the first thing to do is to check for any visible signs of damage. If your laptop has suffered from a severe spill or if there are other physical issues, such as a broken screen or keyboard, you may need to take it to a professional for repairs.
In most cases, however, water damage to a laptop is usually caused by a short circuit that happens when the electrical components are wet. This can cause issues such as a failed startup, random shutdowns, or other problems with the operating system and hardware.
Conclusion
If your laptop has been damaged by water, there are steps you can take to try and fix it and minimize the damage. These include removing excess water, using a vacuum cleaner to remove moisture, applying a bag of rice or uncooked rice to absorb any remaining moisture, and checking for any visible signs of damage.
Frequently Asking Questions
Q: Will my warranty cover water damage?
A: In most cases, no. Water damage is usually not covered by warranties as it is considered to be a user-inflicted issue.
Q: What are the risks of attempting to fix my own water-damaged laptop?
A: Attempting to fix your own water-damaged laptop can be risky as you may void your warranty, cause further damage to your laptop, or even injure yourself.
