Save Your Laptop After a Liquid Spill

Information and instructions on what to do in the event of a liquid spill on a laptop.

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 better ways to protect my laptop from future liquid spills?

Environment

This article applies to anyone using a laptop (macOS, Windows, or other) in any location, including at Bowdoin and off campus, who has just spilled or may spill liquid such as water, coffee, soda, or other drinks onto their laptop’s keyboard, trackpad, screen, or ports.

Resolution

1. Turn the laptop off immediately.
   • If the screen is on, 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 or move to the next step.
2. 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.
3. 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 (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.
4. 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 the liquid further inside the laptop.
   • Pay special attention to the keyboard, trackpad, and any visible openings.
5. Turn the laptop upside down to let liquid drain out.
   • For most laptops, 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 liquid that drains out.
   • Do not shake the laptop, as this can spread liquid inside.
6. Let the laptop air dry for a long enough time.
   • Leave the laptop in a dry, room‑temperature place with good air flow.
   • Allow at least 24–48 hours of drying time; more time is better, especially for sugary or sticky liquids.
   • Do not use hair dryers, ovens, heaters, or direct sunlight, as heat can cause more damage.
   • Do not place the laptop in rice; it does not reliably remove moisture and can leave dust inside.
7. Clean sticky residue on the surface only.
   • If the spill was sugary (like soda or juice), lightly dampen a cloth with clean water and gently wipe the surface areas only.
   • Do not let extra liquid drip into openings while cleaning.
   • Do not use strong cleaners or sprays directly on the laptop.
   • You can review general cleaning guidance, such as Apple’s guide for cleaning Apple products, for safe surface-cleaning tips.
8. Contact the Service Desk.
   • Let the Service Desk know of the spill as soon as possible. Student laptops and some staff and faculty laptops are covered by a damage warranty which allows the laptop to be repaired in the event of a spill.
     • Contact the Service Desk via our virtual agent Bowdoin Bot, by coming in to the Tech Hub or by calling (207) 725-3030.
9. 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 lights.
   • Test basic functions: keyboard, trackpad, screen brightness, sound, and ports (one at a time, using dry cables).
   • If anything seems wrong, shut it down again by holding the power button.
10. 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 drinks with sugar or salt, can slowly corrode parts inside the laptop over days or weeks.
    • Even if the laptop turns on, hidden damage may still be present, so keep important files backed up.
    • You can learn more about typical liquid damage effects from sources like iFixit’s overview of liquid damage.
11. 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 your device.
    • Consider a keyboard cover designed for your laptop model to add a light barrier.
    • Use a stable, flat surface for your laptop so it is less likely to be knocked into a drink.
    • Ensure that OneDrive and/or Druva are functioning properly and backing up your files. This helps ensure you do not lose work if your laptop is damaged in the future.

Additional Help

If you need further assistance, you can chat with Bowdoin Bot of contact the Bowdoin College Service Desk by phone at (207) 725-3030 or in person at the Tech Hub in Smith Union.