What to Do If Liquid Is Spilled on a Desktop Computer

Support Article | University PC Care

Liquid spills near or on desktop computers may not seem as urgent as with laptops, but they can still cause significant damage to internal components like power supplies, motherboards, and input devices. Here's how to respond quickly and safely.

Safety First

Before anything else:

Do not touch the liquid or any wet components until the machine is powered down and unplugged.
If you suspect liquid has entered power outlets or the PSU, do not attempt to power it down manually — shut off the breaker if necessary.

Power Off and Unplug

As quickly (and safely) as possible:

Press and hold the power button to shut down the machine.
Unplug the power cable from the wall outlet.
Disconnect all accessories — monitor, keyboard, mouse, USB hubs, etc.
If liquid has entered the monitor or speakers, unplug them as well.

What Not to Do

Don’t turn the desktop back on to “check if it works”
Don’t attempt to open the tower or iMac unless authorized
Don’t use a hair dryer or heat gun to speed up drying

Assess the Spill Area

Determine where the liquid went:

On the keyboard/mouse only: Proceed to clean or replace these peripherals.
On or near the desktop tower/iMac: Immediate internal inspection may be needed.
Under or behind the device: Risk of bottom ventilation or PSU exposure.
Take photos if needed and notify IT of the affected components.

Dry External Surfaces

Use a lint-free cloth or paper towel to gently blot moisture from all visible surfaces.
Tilt the machine (without shaking) to help liquid run away from vents.
Avoid using compressed air, which can drive liquid deeper into ports.

Air Dry and Isolate

Do not power the machine back on.
Leave the device unplugged and upright in a dry, well-ventilated area for at least 48 hours.
If the device has visible internal exposure (via vents or ports), position it to allow airflow — ideally using a fan or dehumidifier.

Notify IT for Inspection

Desktop machines often mask internal issues — they may boot up, even with hidden damage:

Create a support ticket or notify IT staff immediately.
Indicate what was spilled and which components were affected.

We will evaluate whether the device needs:

Component replacement
Internal cleaning (especially sugary/sticky spills)
Full teardown or decommission

What About Peripherals?

If only the keyboard, mouse, or external speakers were affected:

Disconnect and clean them using 70% isopropyl alcohol on a lint-free cloth.
For wired devices, do not use them until fully dry.
Wireless peripherals with exposed battery compartments should have batteries removed.
Peripherals are usually replaceable and not worth attempting to repair unless specialty hardware is involved.