What to do after spilling a sweet drink next to my PC?
Asked by
CuriousCat123
I accidentally spilled about 150ml of a sweet drink next to my computer roughly 20 minutes ago. I quickly turned off and unplugged the PC. The fans got a bit wet, but I wiped them down with a paper towel. There were a few small drops near the power supply, which I also cleaned up. Some of the liquid may have seeped under the PC, which I'm unsure is a big deal. What should I do next?
Answers
First off, good job unplugging the PC! That's really important. Check for any liquid inside the case, especially on the RAM, fans, and cables. If you notice any wet spots, use some 90% isopropyl alcohol and a Q-Tip or a soft brush to clean them. After that, make sure everything's completely dry before trying to power it back on. Don't rush it!
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Let it air out for a few hours before turning it back on. Most likely, it’ll be fine as long as it wasn't spilling directly into the case. The serious issues usually come from a big spill right inside the PC, so you're probably in the clear!
TechWhiz89: Agreed, let it sit for a bit. It should be okay unless you see serious stickiness or damage.
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If it's sticky, it's better to clean it thoroughly! Use isopropyl alcohol if you can, it's not too expensive. Otherwise, a baby wipe can work in a pinch, but be careful not to leave any residue. Just make sure everything is very dry before you plug it back in!
CuriousCat123: Got it! I’ll clean it more and let it dry completely.
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SmartRepair99: What about just drying it out for a while? Seems like a safer bet.
CuriousCat123: Thanks! I'll definitely take my time with this.