A computer that has been flooded needs immediate action to prevent short circuits and permanent damage from water and corrosion. Time is critical.
1. Safety First: Power Down and Disconnect
The most crucial step is to cut off all power immediately to stop electrical current flow, which can cause a short circuit when it contacts water.
Turn Off: Immediately shut down the computer. Do not attempt a graceful shutdown; press and hold the power button until it completely turns off.
Unplug: Disconnect the power cord from the wall outlet and the laptop/PC.
Remove Battery (if possible): If your laptop has a removable battery, take it out immediately. For internal batteries, you will need to open the casing, but if you are uncomfortable, skip this step and take it to a professional quickly.
Disconnect Peripherals: Unplug all external devices like your mouse, keyboard, flash drives, external hard drives, and network cables.
2. Dry the Device
You need to remove as much water as possible and allow the rest to evaporate.
Drain Excess Water: Gently shake or tilt the laptop to drain water out of the keyboard and ports.
Wipe Down: Use a lint-free cloth or paper towels to gently dab (do not rub) any visible moisture from the surface, keyboard, and ports.
Air Dry: Open the laptop and place it in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area with a towel underneath. You can use a fan to blow air across the device to speed up evaporation.
Wait: Allow the device to air dry for at least 24 to 48 hours—longer is better.
DO NOT use a hairdryer, heat gun, or place it in direct sunlight, as excessive heat can damage internal components.
DO NOT use rice. Rice can leave starch and dust/lint, which can cause corrosion and further problems.
3. Disassembly (If Comfortable)
If you are technically comfortable and it won’t void your warranty, opening the casing allows for better airflow and drying.
Remove Components: Carefully remove removable parts like the RAM modules and the storage drive (HDD/SSD). Wipe them gently with a lint-free cloth and set them aside to dry. This is vital for data recovery.
Leave Open: Leave the computer case open to maximize air circulation.
4. Seek Professional Help
Even if the device seems dry after 48 hours, floodwater may contain contaminants that cause long-term corrosion.
Professional Assessment: Take your laptop or computer to a professional repair technician as soon as possible, ideally within 24-48 hours. They can perform a deep cleaning with isopropyl alcohol or use specialized tools like an ultrasonic cleaner to remove corrosive residue, which is often the cause of eventual failure.
Professional Assessment: Take your laptop or computer to a professional repair technician as soon as possible, ideally within 24-48 hours. They can perform a deep cleaning with isopropyl alcohol or use specialized tools like an ultrasonic cleaner to remove corrosive residue, which is often the cause of eventual failure.
Data Recovery: If the computer doesn’t turn on, the hard drive or SSD (which contains all your files) is often salvageable by a specialist.
Never attempt to power on the device until you are absolutely certain it is completely dry inside, or after a professional has inspected it.
