What to do if liquid spills on my MacBook

Support Article | University PC Care

Spilling water, coffee, or any other liquid on your laptop can feel like a nightmare — especially when your documents, photos, or work depend on it. Acting quickly and correctly can make the difference between a quick fix and a costly replacement.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to do immediately after a spill to give your laptop the best possible shot at survival.

Power Down Immediately

Liquid acts as a conductor, allowing electricity to travel to areas it shouldn’t. This can cause short circuits and permanent damage.

Hold the power button until your device fully shuts off.
Unplug any accessories, power cables, or external devices.
If you’re using an older laptop with a removable battery, remove the battery.

Dry the Outside

Use a clean, dry cloth (towel, paper towel, or microfiber).
Gently blot (don’t wipe) any visible liquid.
Avoid shaking the laptop — this can spread moisture inside.

Position to Drain

Let gravity help:

Open the laptop and position it in an upside-down “V” shape (like a tent).
Alternatively, place it keyboard-side down on a towel.
This helps liquid drain away from internal components.

Let It Dry — Completely

This is the most important step:

Leave it powered off for 48 to 72 hours.
Place it in a warm, dry environment. A fan or dehumidifier nearby can help speed up drying.
For extra moisture absorption, consider placing it in a container with silica gel packets (or uncooked rice as a last resort — rice can leave dust).

Do not try to power on your laptop until you’re sure it’s completely dry.

Test (With Caution)

Once it’s fully dry:

Reconnect the charger.
Power it on and check basic functionality.
If anything seems off — strange sounds, flickering screen, or failure to start — turn it back off immediately.

Get a Professional Inspection

Even if your laptop powers on, liquid can leave behind corrosion that causes future problems.

Bring it to University PC Care for a full inspection and cleaning. Our expert technicians can assess internal damage, clean sensitive components, and help prevent issues down the road.

This is especially important for high-value or mission-critical devices.

Extra Tips

Apple’s limited warranty does not cover liquid damage.
If you have AppleCare+, you may be eligible for a discounted repair.
Watch out for delayed symptoms: random shutdowns, battery drain, screen glitches, or unresponsive keys.

Need Help Now?

If you've experienced a spill and want peace of mind, bring your device to us as soon as possible.

📍 Visit us at University PC Care
📞 Call: (252) 558-1280
📧 Email: support@universitypccare.com

Quick action can save your laptop — and your data. Don’t wait. We’re here to help.