How to Save Your Electronics From a Spill

By the time the glass has tipped over, most people think it’s too late, though it might not be the case. While liquid spills can render your gadgets useless, there is still a chance it can survive. Just follow these tips.

Shut it Down

Believe it or not, getting the motherboard wet won’t do any damage; it’s the electricity you want to watch out for. You’ll want to shut your gadget off and remove the battery in order to prevent a short circuit.

Dry it Off

The next step is to get it as dry as possible. Avoid using a hairdryer or forced air, as that can just spread the liquid around and make it harder to dry. Hot air can also mess with a solder’s composition, so really disassembling it is the best option. Sealing the gadget with a desiccant like rice, silica packets or pasta can help absorb moisture. Spraying with a dielectric contact cleaner or 99 percent alcohol can also help dry it faster.

Wipe it Clean

Coffee, soda and anything besides water can leave a corrosive residue that has to be cleaned. For this situation you have no option but to take the device apart and physically scrub the dried remains off the motherboard.