💧 Laptop Water Damage: What to Do (and Not Do)

Spilling water, coffee, or any liquid on your laptop can feel like a nightmare. But quick, smart action can make the difference between a minor issue and a complete disaster. At Gary’s Computer Repair Service, we regularly help customers recover from liquid damage — here’s what you should know.

⚠️ First Things First: Act Fast

1. Power Off Immediately
   Shut down your laptop right away. Don’t wait to see if it’s “still working.” Continuing to use it could cause permanent short circuits.

2. Unplug & Remove Accessories
   Disconnect the charger, external drives, USB devices, and headphones.

3. Remove the Battery (if possible)
   On older laptops with removable batteries, take it out to cut all power. For modern sealed batteries, skip this and move to the next step.

4. Drain & Dry

   • Tilt the laptop upside down in an “A” shape (like a tent) to let liquid drain.

   • Blot (don’t rub) excess moisture with a microfiber cloth or tissue.

🚫 What Not to Do

• ❌ Don’t try to turn it back on quickly — this can cause irreversible damage.

• ❌ Don’t use a hair dryer or heat gun — heat can warp delicate components.

• ❌ Don’t shake it aggressively — this spreads liquid deeper into the hardware.

🛠️ Professional Cleaning is Critical

Even if your laptop dries and powers on, residue from liquids (especially sugary drinks like coffee or soda) can corrode circuits over time. That’s why professional cleaning is vital.

At Gary’s Computer Repair Service, we:

• Disassemble laptops safely

• Clean components with specialized tools and solutions

• Repair or replace damaged parts (keyboard, motherboard, etc.)

• Test thoroughly before returning your device

🌊 Common Issues After Water Damage

• Non-working keyboard or trackpad

• Failing battery or charging port

• Display flickering or dead pixels

• Corrosion on the motherboard leading to random shutdowns

✅ Final Word

Water damage doesn’t always mean the end for your laptop — but time is of the essence. Acting quickly, avoiding common mistakes, and seeking professional help can often save your device (and your data).