Tech Tip of the Day: Spilled Liquid on Your Laptop? Do This Immediately

Liquid spills happen fast — and when it hits your laptop, every second matters. Whether it’s water, coffee, or something stickier, how you respond in the first 60 seconds can determine if your computer survives.

Here’s what you should do immediately:

🚨 Step-by-Step Response:

1. Power it off right away

   • Hold the power button until the screen shuts down.

2. Unplug everything

   • Remove the charger, USB drives, headphones — all of it.

3. Flip the laptop upside-down

   • Open it and set it keyboard-down in an upside-down “tent” shape to help liquid drain out.

4. Dry what you can

   • Use a towel or paper towel to dab around the keyboard, ports, and screen edge — don’t rub it in.

5. Do NOT turn it back on

   • Even if it seems dry, hidden moisture can short your components.

6. Let it sit (24–48 hours)

   • In a dry place, possibly with a fan nearby — not rice (that’s a myth).

🧠 If It Wasn’t Just Water…

If it was soda, coffee, wine, or anything sugary, you’re dealing with residue that can still cause damage even after drying. It’s best to have it professionally cleaned or inspected before trying to power it back on.

🐾 Need Help After a Spill?

Working Dog Tech can help you assess the damage, guide recovery, and avoid losing important files. Don’t risk it — get a second opinion before turning it back on.