Questions
- What should I do right away if I spill liquid on my laptop?
- How can I tell how much damage a liquid spill has done to my laptop?
- Is it safe to keep using my laptop after a drink has been spilled on it?
- What steps should I follow to dry out a laptop after a liquid accident?
- Are there ways to protect my laptop from future liquid spills?
- My laptop got wet — will it be repaired under warranty?
- I spilled something on my Bowdoin-issued MacBook — what do I do?
Environment
This article applies to anyone using a laptop running macOS or Windows, including Bowdoin-issued and personal devices, who has spilled or may spill liquid such as water, coffee, soda, or other drinks onto the laptop's keyboard, trackpad, screen, or ports. It applies both on campus and off campus.
Resolution
- Turn the laptop off immediately. Press and hold the power button until the laptop shuts down. If the laptop does not respond, do not keep pressing keys — wait for it to power off before moving to the next step.
- Unplug all power and accessories. Remove the power adapter from the laptop and from the wall. Unplug any cables, USB devices, headphones, or external drives. Do not plug anything back in until the laptop has fully dried and been checked.
- Remove the battery only if it is clearly removable. If your laptop has a simple latch and a pop-out battery, slide the latch and lift the battery out. If the battery is built in — as it is on most newer laptops — do not try to open the case or remove screws. Do not use tools to open the laptop unless you are trained to do so.
- Gently blot — do not wipe — any visible liquid. Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth or paper towel to gently press on wet areas. Avoid wiping, which can spread liquid further inside. Pay special attention to the keyboard, trackpad, and any visible openings.
- Turn the laptop upside down to let liquid drain out. Open the screen and carefully place the laptop in an upside-down "V" or tent position with the keyboard facing down. Place the laptop on a clean, dry towel to catch any draining liquid. Do not shake the laptop, as this can spread liquid inside.
- Let the laptop air dry for at least 24–48 hours. Leave the laptop in a dry, room-temperature place with good airflow. More drying time is better, especially for sugary or sticky liquids. Do not use hair dryers, ovens, heaters, or direct sunlight — heat causes additional damage. Do not place the laptop in rice; it does not reliably absorb moisture and can leave dust inside.
- Clean sticky residue on the surface only. If the spill was sugary, such as soda or juice, lightly dampen a cloth with clean water and gently wipe surface areas only. Do not let extra liquid drip into any openings. Do not use strong cleaners or sprays directly on the laptop. For safe surface-cleaning guidance, see Apple: How to clean your Apple products in the Additional Resources section.
- Contact the Service Desk. Let the Service Desk know about the spill as soon as possible. Student laptops and some staff and faculty laptops are covered by a damage warranty that allows the laptop to be repaired after a liquid spill. Contact the Service Desk via Bowdoin Bot, by visiting the Tech Hub, or by calling (207) 725-3030.
- After drying, test the laptop carefully. Reconnect the battery if you removed it. Plug in the power adapter and press the power button once. Watch and listen for anything unusual, such as strange sounds, strong smells, or flickering. Test basic functions: keyboard, trackpad, screen brightness, sound, and ports one at a time using dry cables. If anything seems wrong, shut the laptop down again by holding the power button.
- Understand signs of ongoing liquid damage. Common signs include keys that stick or do not work, trackpad problems, random restarts, lines on the screen, or no power at all. Liquid — especially sugary or salty drinks — can slowly corrode internal components over days or weeks. Even if the laptop turns on, hidden damage may still be present. Keep important files backed up in OneDrive or Druva inSync. For more on how liquid affects laptop components over time, see iFixit: Understanding Liquid Damage in the Additional Resources section.
- Protect your laptop from future spills. Keep drinks and other liquids away from your laptop whenever possible. Use a closed bottle instead of an open cup when working near the device. Consider a keyboard cover for your laptop model. Use a stable, flat surface so the device is less likely to be knocked into a drink. Ensure that OneDrive and Druva inSync are active and backing up your files regularly.
Additional Help
If you need further assistance, you have several options:
- Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
- Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
- In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
- Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.
Additional Resources