/ Computers and Spills

Computers and Spills

I have an ACER laptop, and spilled something on it. Now, it will not run or work properly. Is it cost effective to repaired it and can it be repaired? Susan Keenan

Computers and Spills

The easy answer here is going to be “maybe.” In all honesty though, whether or not you can have the laptop repaired is going to depend on several things. For starters, this list includes: how long has it been since the spill occurred, how much did you spill on it, and where did the spill actually go inside the laptop?

You can attempt to repair the laptop yourself to save money. I recently spilled liquid on a thirteen-year old keyboard and repaired it myself despite my husband’s howls of, “It only costs twenty bucks to replace the thing!” Obviously, I have become quite attached to my keyboard and still am. If you aren’t comfortable doing this, shop around for a good price. I’d suggest taking the middle range of prices rather than the lower.

Computer Damage Due to Spills

Whenever someone has spilled something on a computer, there is usually some type of repercussion. The following are the types of damage that can occur when you’ve spilled something on computer:

Short circuit from liquid or from dried liquid residue
Damage to electronic components due to short circuit
Corrosion (occurs with acidic drinks)

Laptop Repair after Computer Spill

If you attempt to repair the laptop on your own, make sure that the warranty is over. If it isn’t, then you should send it in for repair. As far as whether it is cost effective, call ahead and get a quote in order to determine how much it will be. Additionally, if you try to repair the laptop, you are on your own as far as any additional damages.

The first step is to disconnect the laptop from its power source, taking all safety precautions to avoid electrocution. For example, if the laptop is powered on and sitting in a puddle of soda, do not take any chances. Turn off the home’s power before going near it.
Once safely disconnected from its power source, wipe up any external spills. Also disconnect the battery and any peripherals that you have attached to the laptop.
Now turn it over to drain as much of liquid as possible. The best position is to open the laptop so that the lid is perpendicular to the keyboard. Place the keyboard section face down on the table with the lid hanging over. Use absorbent materials to soak up the liquid.
Once you believe most of the liquid has drained out, allow the laptop to dry for at least eight hours.
The next step is one that you have to decide for yourself based on your knowledge of what and how much you spilled. Either you can try to use the laptop as is or you can opt to try the internal laptop clean up after a spill.

Internal Laptop Repair after Computer Spill

Once you are ready to clean the internal area of the laptop, gather your supplies: screwdriver, some cotton swabs, distilled water, unscented rubbing alcohol, WD-40, and rags for cleanup.

Make sure the laptop is disconnected from the power and ground yourself before you begin working. Remove the keyboard with the screwdriver. Check your computer’s manual for the location of its screws.
Dip the cotton swabs into the distilled water to remove any remaining residue from the laptop spill. You can also try unscented rubbing alcohol.
If you notice signs of corrosion due to the spill, dampen a cotton swab with WD-40 and clean the area carefully. There are varying viewpoints on this, so you might want to try distilled water or rubbing alcohol first.
Use a clean cotton swab to dry the area you have worked on.
Check the internal area of the laptop out as thoroughly as possible to check for additional signs of damage. Make sure you have sufficient light to see.
Allow everything to dry before putting it back together.