I spilled coffee into my laptop, how long should I dry it before trying to use it again?

Question

I had a groggy moment this morning where I spilled coffee on the keyboard of one of my laptops (not this one). I removed the keyboard and there is a little bit of spillage inside of it.

I was thinking of leaving it in front of a space heater for a few days before plugging it back in.

Answer 1

First of all while liquid itself can destroy your computer, coffee is worse because it is far from pure water. The "dirt" (coffee grounds, suspended particles, etc) can damage your computer even when dry. Realistically you should open it up, make sure all power is detached, then clean it with lint-free cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol.



At the very least wait a week and let it NATURALLY dry before use. Don't put it next to a heater lol. A dehumidifier might help a bit.

Answer 2

The mob is correct. The coffee "dirt" (and stickiness) will do more damage over time then the "water". If you have access to the inside, clean it will contact cleaner (not alcohol!!!).



Also DO NOT PUT IT IN FRONT OF A HEATER!!!! Fan is fine, but not a heater. (I hope that you are only using the "fan" setting on the heater as heat will damage the unit for sure.



It has to be completely dry before you power it up. Not knowing humidity, etc of your location it is hard to give a time period. But at least a couple days.

Answer 3

First thing to remember coffee is a sticky substance and can cause damage to the internal circuits , contact cleaner is a good stuff to clean it up inside the laptop can buy it from a auto parts store and once clean up let it dry for a day or so

Answer 4

Don't put it near direct heat!!! That will melt glues and other soft items in the laptop. Put your laptop in a tupperware of rice(uncooked). Make sure that the area which was spilled on is completley covered. Leave the laptop in for about 12-48 hours (depending on the amount of coffee spilled). The rice absorbs all the moisture. I did it with my iPhone and now it works perfectly.

Answer 5

Don't put it next to a heater... Rice is the best but like nakkiel said there will be coffee "dirt" still left in there after it dries up

Answer 6

You can continue using it immediately