I accidentally spilled a small amount of water on my computer. Some seems to have gone through an air vent, and I can see a few drops inside the case, although I'm not sure whether any components were directly hit. The computer is still powered on right now—what should I do to prevent damage?
3 Answers
Shut it down immediately, unplug the power cable, and disconnect any other accessories. Don’t turn it back on just to test it. Remove the side panel, carefully blot up visible moisture, and leave the case open in a dry, well-ventilated place for at least 24–48 hours. Make sure everything is completely dry before reconnecting it.
Avoid using heat from a hair dryer, since it can push water farther inside or damage components. If you use one at all, use only cool air from a distance. Blot gently rather than rubbing, and inspect the motherboard, graphics card, power supply area, and connectors for droplets or residue.
After it dries, check carefully for leftover moisture or mineral residue before powering it up. Plain water is less risky than sugary drinks, coffee, or anything with additives, but even water can cause a short circuit while the system is energized. If liquid entered the power supply, don’t open that unit—have it inspected or replaced.
I’ve shut it down and unplugged it. The vent area was slightly wet, but I’m not sure whether water reached anything important.