liquid damage
They don't like getting wet!
Liquid damage macbook or laptop
A TICKING TIME BOMB
What Happens When Your MacBook Meets any Liquid Spill?
Let’s face it – spilling wine any liquid on your MacBook is an experience that leaves you in sheer panic. You may have had dreams of sipping your favorite drink while typing up that masterpiece, but now it’s more like a nightmare. So, what exactly happens to your precious MacBook when it takes a dip in something not so tech-friendly? Grab a towel (for both your laptop and your tears), and let’s dive into the science of liquid spills!
1. The “Oops” Moment: The Initial Impact
First things first – your MacBook’s keyboard is designed to be a sleek, responsive marvel, but it was never meant to serve as a beverage holder. When liquid makes contact, the keyboard’s circuits are the first to feel the heat—well, the wetness. Liquids seep into the delicate keys and internal components faster than you can shout “noooooo!” The liquid might not even be visible, but trust us—it’s already starting to make its way into the innards.
2. Liquid on Logic: The Motherboard’s Frown
Your MacBook’s motherboard is its beating heart, and it’s more sensitive than a hot cup of tea on a cold morning. Liquids can cause short circuits by bridging connections that were never meant to meet. Think of it like a party where all your electrical components are mingling, and then, suddenly—*BAM*—an uninvited liquid guest shows up and starts creating chaos. This can lead to serious damage that could cause your MacBook to malfunction or even shut down completely. Not the kind of party anyone wants to be a part of!
3. The Screen Saga: A Touch of Wetness
Your screen, that lovely Retina display, is as fragile as a delicate petal. Liquid that seeps through the keyboard may make its way into the screen itself. Depending on the volume of liquid and the severity of the spill, this could cause ghosting (we’re not talking about Halloween vibes) or discoloration, making your crystal-clear display look more like a watercolor painting. Imagine trying to edit photos with a blurry mess. Not ideal.
4. Keyboards Gone Rogue
Once liquid seeps into your keyboard, you’re likely to experience a few sticky keys—or worse, no keys at all. You may find yourself pressing a key and getting no response or, worse, accidentally typing “asdfjkl” repeatedly. So much for that productivity session! In the worst-case scenario, the liquid could cause the keys to stop functioning entirely, forcing you to get creative with your typing.
5. The Battery Blues
Batteries and liquids are the ultimate *don’t-mix* duo. If liquid spills into your MacBook’s battery compartment, it could cause short-circuiting or even corrosion of the battery cells. This results in a dead battery that refuses to charge, or, in the worst-case scenario, a battery that can become a little… unpredictable. It’s like your MacBook’s battery has gone on strike, refusing to do its job ever again.
6. Why You Shouldn’t Freak Out (Just Yet)
First, take a deep breath. Spills happen, and it’s not the end of the world. If you act quickly, you might be able to salvage your MacBook from the clutches of disaster. Here’s your plan of action:
Turn Off Your MacBook Immediately
- Press and hold the power button to turn it off. This reduces the risk of electrical short circuits.
Unplug All Cables and Disconnect Devices
- Remove any connected peripherals, such as charging cables, USB devices, or headphones.
Dry the Surface
- Use a soft, dry cloth or paper towel to blot the liquid from the surface. Avoid wiping, as it could spread the liquid further.
Flip Your MacBook Upside Down
- Turn it over to help drain any liquid from the keyboard and other openings. You can place it in an inverted “V” position (like a tent) to allow better drainage.
Remove the Battery (if possible)
- For older MacBooks with removable batteries, take out the battery. For newer models, this is not possible, so proceed carefully.
Let It Dry Completely
- Allow your MacBook to dry for at least 24 to 48 hours. Consider placing it in front of a fan or using silica gel packs to absorb moisture. Avoid using a hair dryer!!
Do Not Use the MacBook Until It’s Dry
- Even if you think it’s dry, it’s best to wait until it has fully dried. Turning it on prematurely could lead to further electrical damage.
Inspect for Damage
- After drying, check for any visible signs of damage or liquid still inside.
Get it looked at and properly cleaned and dried!
- Even if your Mac turns on after drying out it is almost certain to get internal corrosion, this usually starts to get really bad after 2 to 3 weeks depending on the liquid.
Note: If the liquid is something like water, the damage may be minimal, but other liquids (like coffee, soda, etc.) can cause more serious issues. It’s always safer to seek professional help if you’re uncertain about any step in the process.
Bottom Line: MacBook + Liquid = Bad Idea
As clever and durable as Apple’s designs are, there’s no hiding from the fact that liquids and electronics don’t play well together. Whether it’s wine, coffee, or soda, any liquid spill could lead to permanent damage if not handled properly. So, let’s just say that your MacBook will not be joining you for happy hour anytime soon.
If disaster strikes, stay calm, dry off your MacBook, and seek help before you end up with a soggy mess of tech. It’s just a laptop, not a boat – keep it dry and enjoy the ride!
Here is a video of me using the amazing Ultrasonic cleaner machine. With specialist fluids, the Ultrasonic is a noisy little beast but has saved countless devices over the years and can remove any liquid damage or corrosion from a board, giving it a new lease of life.
The sound in the video gets very loud and distorted due to the noise the machine makes.
What is an Ultrasonic Cleaner
An ultrasonic cleaner is a device that uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasonic waves) to clean delicate or complex electronic components and circuit boards. It’s commonly used in electronics for cleaning items like PCBs (printed circuit boards), connectors, components, and other parts that might have accumulated dust, grease, flux residue, or other contaminants.
How It Works:
1. Ultrasonic Waves: The cleaner generates ultrasonic sound waves, usually in the range of 20-40 kHz. These sound waves create high-frequency vibrations in a liquid medium (often water mixed with a cleaning solution).
2. Cavitation: As these sound waves travel through the liquid, they cause microscopic bubbles to form and collapse in a process called *cavitation*. When these bubbles implode, they create tiny shockwaves and high-pressure forces.
3. Cleaning Action: The implosion of these bubbles helps dislodge dirt, grease, dust, and other contaminants from the surface of the electronic components. The process is gentle, so it doesn’t damage sensitive parts, but it effectively removes particles from tiny crevices, connectors, and pins.
4. Cleaning Solution: Often, a cleaning solution is added to the water to improve the efficiency of the process. The solution can range from plain water to special cleaning chemicals designed to target specific contaminants (e.g., flux residue, oils, or soldering paste).
Benefits in Electronics:
– Thorough Cleaning: Ultrasonic cleaners can reach areas that are difficult or impossible to clean manually, such as small gaps between pins or under components.
– Non-Contact: Since the cleaning is done by sound waves, there’s no physical contact with the parts, which reduces the risk of damage.
– Time-Efficient: The process is typically faster than manual cleaning, which is especially important when cleaning a large number of parts.
My recent Mac liquid damage discoveries
Click the images to enlarge and have a good look at what liquid damage does to a macbook’s logic board.
Liquid spills is such an in depth subject for way more information with photos and videos of how liquid can affect your Macbook see the following link that will take you to a great in depth page about liquid spills on the iFixit website.
See this Youtube video by Loius Rossman to get a better idea of what work is involved in repairing a Macbook with liquid damage.
