Laptops can be convenient in an age of working and studying at home, but they are prone to a lot of damage. Most of this damage is caused by letting our guard down around these devices. Spills, in particular, are common, as it can be difficult to juggle a device and a drink without succumbing to a liquid mishap. Unfortunately, even a small splash can wreak havoc on your laptop, rendering an otherwise functional device. How you respond to a spill can make all the difference. Take the following steps to minimize damage:
1. Disconnect your laptop immediately
As soon as you notice the spill, turn off your laptop and unplug it from its power source. Be sure to hold down the power button for at least five seconds, otherwise your computer may not turn off completely. It is essential that you complete this step as quickly as possible. Otherwise, you risk causing a short circuit on your laptop, and it will then be much more difficult to ensure a complete recovery. Don’t waste your time going through the usual steps of a complete shutdown. The sooner your computer is turned off, the better – even if it means going against your instincts and pressing the power button. In the event of a large spill that leaves you soaked, prioritize safety. This might mean leaving your laptop behind for a while and using the circuit breaker to turn off the power. Do not handle your computer if you feel heat coming from it or see smoke, steam, or bubbles.
2. Remove the laptop battery
After ensuring that you have properly shut down your laptop, remove the Asus battery if possible. This step will be much easier for some devices than others. Some older models allow you to remove the battery by simply undoing a latch. Others will require you to unscrew the backplate.
3. Double-check all power sources
In addition to unplugging your laptop from its power source, remove any USB drives or other components attached to your device. Anything that can draw energy from the system is a potential hazard.
4. Empty the device
After turning off your laptop, removing all power sources, and making sure the area is safe, you can finally start limiting the damage. Start by using a dry cloth to wipe away any liquid that collects near the keyboard, ports, or vents. Next, open the computer lid as wide as possible. Turn the entire device over and place it on another dry cloth. Let it sit in this position for at least 24 hours so the water can drain. Don’t stop draining the laptop just because it seems dry. Its parts may have absorbed some water, although this is not immediately visible. In case of a work or other emergency, it is possible to use your laptop before the 24 hours have passed. In this case, allow at least four hours of drying time before trying to use your laptop again.
5. Don’t fall into the rice trap
When their smartphones are exposed to water, many people place these devices in rice to limit damage. However, this tip should not be relied upon for soaked laptops. In fact, this approach can cause more damage because rice can get stuck inside the appliance and you risk damaging components while cleaning the grains.
6. Call a professional
Once you’ve completely drained your laptop, consider visiting a repair shop for further assistance. Even if your computer may boot normally, underlying damage likely exists. If you don’t address these issues early on, you risk having bigger problems later – and perhaps at the most inopportune time.
Professional assistance is particularly recommended if you have spilled something other than water. Coffee and soda, for example, can cause significant damage that you’ll likely have a hard time repairing on your own. The few extra minutes you take to visit a repair shop can pay off, allowing you to continue using your laptop for much longer than if you ignore the underlying liquid damage. If you value your device, you will never regret leaving it in the hands of a technician.