I accidentally spilled water on my laptop, and now it's indicating that it's charging even though it's not plugged in properly. I've taken a few precautions: I turned it off after it briefly turned on while I was trying to wipe it down, I flipped it upside down to let any remaining water drip out, and I used a blower to dry it. Can anyone explain why it might be acting this way?
4 Answers
What's likely happening is that the water created pathways for electricity where it shouldn't be. Open it up, disconnect the battery, and check for corrosion—white stains usually indicate where water damage is. Avoid turning it on until you’ve inspected it, or you risk making the damage worse.
Definitely don't use a hair dryer or heat gun—they can do more harm than good. It's best to take it apart and let each component dry individually. After that, see if the issues persist; if they do, go to a repair shop you trust.
It sounds like the water might've shorted a component, or there could be residue causing a false connection. Once it evaporates, the minerals can leave behind conductive materials that might be shorting things out. You'll probably need to open it up, clean it with isopropyl alcohol, and check for damages.
There might still be some moisture trapped inside. You could try a contact cleaner to help displace any remaining water. Just be careful and make sure to let everything dry out completely before reassembling.
And if you're unsure about opening it yourself, definitely consult with a professional. Because trying to charge a damaged system could lead to more issues.