Laptop flooding is one of the most common causes of computer equipment failure, which often ends with a visit to the service center. It seems that the reason can only be water or coffee, but the reality is much more surprising. This time, our service center received a laptop that had contact with… Curacao. What are the effects of flooding with this type of drink and what to do in such a situation?

Flooding a laptop with liquids such as sweet liqueurs, carbonated drinks or coffee, has different consequences than in the case of pure water. Contrary to appearances, a laptop flooded with ordinary water is not easier to save. We often imagine that water is not as dangerous as other liquids, because it does not contain sugar or salt, which can lead to corrosion of electronic components. However, experience shows something completely different.

In our service we have analyzed the effects of flooding about 100 laptops. Surprisingly, the largest percentage of devices that could not be saved were laptops flooded with water. Water, although theoretically less harmful, quickly penetrates the device, causing short circuits and corrosion of the paths on the motherboard. The lack of electrolytes means that the device does not always turn off immediately, which gives the user a false sense of security. As a result, the laptop can operate for several minutes or hours after flooding, which results in further damage.

On the other hand, laptops flooded with sweet liquids (such as Curaçao) or alcohol, although also difficult to repair, could be saved in many cases. Paradoxically, the alcohol contained in drinks such as semi-sweet wine accelerates the process of liquid evaporation, which minimizes the risk of permanent damage to internal components. Sure, sugars and dyes in drinks can cause keys to stick together and clog ports and connectors, but this is often a superficial problem that is easy to fix.

What to do if your laptop gets wet? If you do get wet, regardless of the type of liquid, the most important thing is to act immediately:

1. Turn off your laptop and unplug it. This is an absolutely crucial step to avoid further damage.
2. If possible, remove the battery and any connected accessories (mouse, USB drives, SD cards).
3. Dry your laptop – gently wipe it with a dry, lint-free cloth. Do not try to dry your laptop with a hair dryer, as hot air can damage internal components.
4. Do not turn your laptop on. Even if it seems dry, there may be some liquid residue inside the device. Attempting to start it may cause a short circuit.
5. Contact service as soon as possible. The sooner the specialists take care of your device, the greater the chance of saving it.

Remember that each case of flooding is different and requires an individual approach. Therefore, if your laptop has come into contact with liquid, do not delay – react immediately!