What to do if spilled tea on the keyboard of the laptop

When a portable computer gets wet due to liquid spillage, it can result in its malfunction or breakdown. It is common for users to accidentally spill tea or coffee on the laptop’s keyboard, leading to potential damage. In such emergency situations, it is important to know what steps to take in order to salvage the device. Let’s explore the essential measures to rescue the technology.

Immediately de-energize the laptop and remove the battery

Accidentally, you accidentally hit the glass, causing the tea to spill all over the keyboard. At this critical moment, the outcome will depend on how quickly you react. To minimize the damage, it’s important to take the following steps immediately:

• Immediately unplug the power cord from the laptop;
• Remove the battery to further reduce the risk of damage.

These actions are crucial for two reasons. First, unplugging the device will help prevent any potential oxidation caused by water under the influence of the electric current. Simply turning off the laptop is not enough; removing the battery is essential to safeguard the motherboard from any potential harm.

Urgent Situation: tea has been accidentally spilled

Wipe the liquid off the notebook case

Increasing the amount of liquid spilled on the PC leads to more severe consequences. In order to increase the chances of successfully rescuing the equipment, it is recommended that no more than 200-300 ml of liquid be spilled. It is important to quickly turn the case upside down and prevent the moisture from penetrating deeply. Carefully shaking out any drops and wiping the case with a dry cloth can also be helpful.

The situation becomes even more critical when a significant amount of liquid has been spilled. It is crucial to remove the water as quickly as possible. Placing the case on its edge with the vents facing downward can allow the liquid to drain out. Wiping the case with a rag or cloth until the water is absorbed is also recommended.

What not to do

It is necessary to wait until the unit is completely dry before proceeding with any other actions. This typically takes about two to three days. Some individuals attempt to expedite the drying process by using a blow dryer. However, it is important to avoid doing this at all costs. Applying hot air will cause the water to evaporate, resulting in condensation forming inside the unit.

Keep in mind! Do not attempt to power on the laptop! Doing so may result in a short circuit, leading to damage of expensive components.

The average price for PC repair at a service center ranges from 1500 to 4500 rubles.

Detach the battery pack

Take it to a service center or rescue it yourself

If you’re facing a dilemma, you have to make a decision: whether to try fixing the device yourself or take it to a professional service center. It’s up to you to determine the best course of action. For individuals with limited knowledge about technology, opting for the latter choice is generally more preferable.

It is crucial to call for professional service as soon as possible. Despite properly drying the device, there may still be residual water inside the housing, which kickstarts the process of corrosion. With every passing hour, the corrosion spreads to new areas, causing damage to the internal components of the PC. If left unattended for a few months, the corroded gadget will become irrevocable.

While attempting to revive the PC on your own is not an unreasonable option, not everyone feels comfortable entrusting service centers. Furthermore, the money saved from repairing it independently can be of great value.

Take off the keys from the laptop in a cautious manner

How to save the laptop yourself

Disassembling the laptop and keyboard into individual parts can be a challenging task. Simply unscrewing the screws underneath the bottom of the case is not enough. Some of the screws are concealed under panels that are secured by special latches, requiring careful removal.

Important! You will need a set of screwdrivers, a blotter, brushes with stiff bristles, cotton swabs, a can of compressed air, and distilled water for the process.

The most straightforward approach is to follow the provided instructions. Visit the manufacturer’s website and download the repair manual. By following the instructions, you can systematically disassemble the device. If you can’t find the manual, don’t worry. If you have confidence in your skills, you can attempt to troubleshoot and fix the issue yourself.

Degrees of aggressiveness of liquids

The classification of liquids is based on their impact on equipment, dividing them into aggressive (such as sugary and salty drinks) and non-aggressive (like pure water). In terms of damaging potential, spilled sweet tea on a keyboard falls into the aggressive category. This is because the beverage can cause more serious harm compared to ordinary water. When tea comes into contact with the keyboard, it initiates a corrosion process and can lead to short-circuits in the conductive tracks. Consequently, the motherboard is at high risk of severe damage. If tea spills on the keyboard, prompt action is necessary.

Unfasten the key latches with care

Disassemble the notebook and keyboard

To disassemble the laptop and locate any tea that may have entered, follow these steps if a manual is not available:

• Utilize a screwdriver to unscrew the screws.
• Lift the latches to detach the cables.
• Remove the cover of the device.
• Release the latches to remove the keyboard.

If there are any moisture droplets, blot them with a tissue. Use a can of compressed air to eliminate any remaining moisture in hard-to-reach areas.

Water tends to accumulate in the keyboard, speakers, and beneath the hard disk. Blow air thoroughly into each key and remove the optical disk drive to treat the area with compressed air.

To prevent a short circuit, take out the CMOS battery from the motherboard. It’s simple to find; the battery resembles a coin and is flat in shape.

The CMOS battery comes in a circular shape

To disassemble the keyboard, you will need to separate its components. Using a flathead screwdriver, carefully remove the keys. It is important to avoid damaging them, so pry them from underneath. Take caution not to break any fasteners. The underside of the keyboard is protected by multiple layers of protective film. One of these films is dielectric, while the other two are conductive. Typically, they are glued together at various points. If there is no moisture present in this area, you can proceed no further. The process of detaching these films can be quite labor-intensive and requires specific skills.

Important! If water has entered the hard disk, do not attempt to repair it yourself. Instead, disassemble the drive and bring it to a professional data recovery service center.

Clean and flush

Thoroughly examine the motherboard for any signs of deposits or stains. If you notice any dirty areas, use a stiff brush to clean them. To remove any excess debris, gently apply an alcohol solution and then rinse the area with distilled water.

Remember: Avoid using tap water to wash PC microchips as it contains metal salts that can leave behind impurities on the motherboard, potentially causing short circuits.

To ensure a thorough cleaning, it is important to disassemble and wash each PC component separately. Make sure to thoroughly rinse any dried stains and use a blotter or soft cloth to wipe them away. If you encounter any hard-to-reach areas, such as crevices or corners, you can use a cotton swab to gently blot them.

It is possible that there is moisture underneath the film.

Dry the notebook

Once you have thoroughly rinsed the components of the device, it is essential to ensure they are properly dried. Avoid using a hair dryer for this purpose, as it can blow hot dust into the internal components and potentially damage microchips. Additionally, the hot air from a hair dryer can cause overheating issues for the PC’s working elements.

To effectively dry the laptop, it is advisable to disassemble it and place the various parts in a warm and dry location away from direct sunlight. It is recommended to use some sort of grate underneath the case, keyboard parts, and motherboard to facilitate airflow from all sides. It is important to allow for at least 24 hours of drying time to ensure thorough drying.

Assemble and test the device

Once the structural parts of the PC have dried, you may proceed with the assembly process. Assemble the laptop in the opposite sequence. Once the assembly is finished, connect the power supply and attempt to power on the device. It would be ideal if the laptop starts up successfully. Test the device to confirm that it is functioning correctly. The most convenient method for doing so is using a text editor.

If the PC fails to power on, it will be necessary to contact a service center.

Get rid of stains and plaque by using a brush

Conclusion

Nowadays, the laptop has become a ubiquitous and essential tool for work. However, it is important to use it with caution and care. Unfortunately, many people have the bad habit of eating and drinking while working, which often leads to unfortunate accidents. Accidental spills can be especially damaging to the laptop and its delicate components. However, if you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, there is no need to panic. By following a few emergency measures and utilizing some helpful recommendations, you can minimize the potential damage and prevent any further complications. This proactive approach can save you from serious problems and costly financial losses in the long run.