Accidents can happen to anybody, and it’s common for individuals to spill water or other liquids on electronic equipment accidentally. If you’ve ever spilled water on your MacBook, speed is crucial to minimize damage and short-circuiting from corrosion. This article will give you a step-by-step process for getting water out of your MacBook.
If a MacBook comes into contact with water, users should immediately turn the device off, unplug and disconnect everything, and dry the exterior thoroughly. To absorb any moisture, silica gel packets can be placed around the MacBook. Leave the device to dry for an extended period. Afterward, inspect the MacBook, attempt to turn it on, and if issues persist, it’s advisable to consult a professional technician for Apple device repair.
3 Steps to Get Water Out of MacBook
Water damage is the worst nightmare of any MacBook owner. Your expensive equipment could suffer serious damage from spilled drinks, rain, and any other liquid accident. Rapid action and appropriate techniques can make a huge difference in saving your MacBook.
1. Things To Do First
- Turn Off Your MacBook Immediately: The first and most crucial step is to power off your MacBook. Hold the power button if your MacBook is still on until it shuts down. If it’s already off, do not attempt to turn it back on. In situations where your data might be at risk, consider consulting a professional for a data recovery service to protect your important files.
- Unplug and Disconnect Everything: Unplug the charger from your MacBook to prevent any electrical current from flowing through the wet components. If you have an older model with a removable battery, take it out immediately. Newer MacBooks have sealed batteries, so you must proceed without this step.
- Dry the Exterior: To dry out a wet MacBook, use a soft, lint-free cloth to blot and gently wipe the exterior. Avoid using a hairdryer or other heat sources, as the intense heat could damage the internal components. If water is visible around the keyboard, tilt the MacBook sideways to let gravity help with the drainage. Be careful not to shake it; it could push water deeper into the device.
2. Drying the MacBook Internally
- Open the MacBook and Let It Ventilate: Open the MacBook to a 90-degree angle and place it upside down in an inverted V shape. This allows gravity to pull the water from the keyboard and remove it from your MacBook. Position the MacBook on a surface where air can circulate freely, such as a wire cooling rack. This can help your MacBook to dry it completely.
- Absorb Moisture Using Silica Gel: Place the MacBook in a large, sealable plastic bag with many silica gel packets. Silica gel absorbs moisture and is good at drying electronics.
- Leave It to Dry for an Extended Period: Take your time to remove water from your MacBook; let it dry for at least 48 to 72 hours. Meanwhile, avoid the temptation to turn it on to see whether it’s working. The longer it dries, the better the chances of recovery. If you are in a hurry, you can try sticking the container with your MacBook near a dehumidifier or using a fan to help speed up the process. Don’t try direct heat, which may do more harm than good.
3. Assessing the Damage
- Inspect the MacBook: After drying, carefully review your MacBook and identify any signs of corrosion or further water damage. Look for signs, especially around the keyboard and charging port, to ensure water is removed from the MacBook. If any areas should show discoloration, you may have water on surfaces and may have to involve a third party for servicing.
- Try to Turn It On: Try to turn it on when you are sure the MacBook is completely dry. If it turns on as usual, this is a positive sign; however, internal damage may take some time to manifest itself. If your MacBook doesn’t turn on or exhibits issues like flickering screens or nonresponsive keys, it is time to contact a professional for hardware and software repair.
What should you do if you spill water on my MacBook?
If you spill water on your MacBook, turn it off immediately, unplug all cables, and remove any accessories. Blot the water with a soft cloth or paper towel, avoiding pressing keys or buttons. Leave the MacBook open for 24 hours to fully dry out before turning it back on.
Can you use a hair dryer to dry your MacBook?
No, don’t use a hair dryer to get water out of your MacBook. Hair dryers can create heat and moisture, damaging the device and pushing water further into the internal components. Instead, use a soft cloth or paper towel to blot the water and air dry the device gently.
Can you use a towel to dry your MacBook?
While using a towel to dry your MacBook may be tempting, it’s not recommended. Towels can leave behind lint or fibers that can cause further damage or create a mess. Instead, use a soft, lint-free cloth to blot the water and gently prevent damage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, getting water out of your MacBook requires quick thinking, and careful handling can do much to minimize the damage. In case of water exposure, MacBook users must switch off the device immediately, disconnect and unplug everything, dry the exterior, and absorb moisture using silica gel. After leaving it to dry for a while, they can check the MacBook, attempt to turn it on, and consult a professional technician at repair centers like Vantel if the problem persists.
