How long should I wait before using my laptop after a small ramen spill?
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MellowOrbit47
I accidentally spilled a small amount of ramen water over roughly one-fifth of my keyboard, reaching about as far as the D key. I immediately shut down and unplugged my Legion laptop, then removed the keycaps and wiped the surface. I need it for studying, so what is the shortest reasonably safe amount of time to wait before turning it back on?
Answers
Since it’s a Legion laptop, the safest approach is to keep it unplugged and, if you’re comfortable doing so, disconnect the battery after opening the bottom panel. A small spill can still reach the keyboard circuitry, and turning it on too soon can cause a short. Waiting several hours is risky; 24–48 hours is a much better minimum. If the ramen water had oil, seasoning, or salt in it, it should eventually be inspected and cleaned because residue can cause corrosion even after it dries.
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Don’t power it on until you’re confident the inside is completely dry. For a laptop, I’d leave it shut down and disconnected for at least 24 hours, preferably 48 hours after a liquid spill. Prop it upside down in an inverted V so any moisture can drain, and use airflow rather than a hair dryer or direct heat.
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MellowOrbit47: How can I tell whether the inside is actually dry? I can only see the area under the keycaps.