What to Do if Your Laptop Battery Damaged by Water

Laptops have become an essential part of our lives, especially during this era of remote working. However, accidents can happen, and one of the worst things that could happen to your laptop is having it come into contact with water. If you find yourself in this situation where your laptop battery has been damaged by water, all is not lost.

There are steps you can take to save your laptop from complete damage.

We’ll explore the steps you can take if your laptop battery has been damaged by water and how you can minimize the impact of water damage on your laptop.

1. Assess the extent of the water damage

When your laptop battery gets damaged by water, it is important to assess the extent of the damage before taking action. Check if the water has caused any visible damage to the battery, such as swelling or leakage. Also, check if the water has seeped into the motherboard or other internal parts. This will help you determine the next steps to take. Don’t panic, as there are preventive measures to avoid future water damage. 

2. Disconnect all power sources immediately

If you spill water on your laptop battery, the first step is to disconnect all power sources from the device immediately. This means removing any cords or chargers and turning off the laptop. Continuing to use the laptop while it is wet can cause further damage and potentially harm the user. By removing the power sources, you can prevent electrical shorts from occurring and reduce the risk of damage to other components.

3. Do not turn on the laptop

When your laptop encounters water damage, it’s important to resist the temptation to turn it on. Even if it appears to be functioning normally, water can cause corrosion and create circuit paths that can damage your device’s components. To minimize further damage, remove the battery as soon as possible. Avoid turning on the laptop and instead disassemble it to clean all affected parts with isopropyl alcohol. By following these steps and allowing the laptop to dry thoroughly, you have a better chance of restoring its functionality.

4. Remove the battery and dry it out

One of the first things to do if your laptop battery gets damaged by water is to remove the battery right away. This is an important step in preventing further damage, as water and electricity don’t mix well. Once the battery is out, dry it carefully using a soft cloth. Be sure to remove any excess water from the battery and avoid using heat to dry it out. Keep in mind that it may take some time for the battery to dry completely, so be patient and let it air-dry for at least 24 hours before attempting to use it again.

What to Do if Your Laptop Battery Damaged by Water

5. Clean the affected areas with isopropyl alcohol

To clean the affected areas of the laptop after water damage, use isopropyl alcohol. This will help remove any residue from the water and prevent further damage to the internal components. It is important to use pure isopropyl alcohol, which can be found in rubbing alcohol or antiseptic wipes. Apply the alcohol using a lint-free cloth or cotton swab and gently clean the affected areas. This step will ensure that the laptop is thoroughly cleaned and ready to be dried out for at least 24 hours.

6. Let the laptop dry for at least 24 hours

After turning off the laptop and removing the battery from the damaged laptop, the next step is to let it dry for at least 24 hours. It is crucial not to rush this process as moisture can cause serious damage to the internal components. Place the device on a flat surface and let it air dry naturally in a well-ventilated area. Avoid using heat sources like hair dryers or ovens as this can further damage the laptop. After 24 hours, check if the laptop is completely dry by testing the keyboard and ports before attempting to turn it on.

7. Test the laptop with a replacement battery

If you suspect that your laptop battery has been damaged by water, it’s important to test the laptop with a replacement battery. This will help determine whether the battery or other parts of the laptop have been affected by the water damage. If the laptop works with the replacement battery, then replacing the damaged battery is the next step. However, if the laptop still doesn’t work with the replacement battery, professional repair services may be necessary. It’s always best to back up important data and take preventative measures to avoid future water damage. 

8. Consider professional repair services

If the damage caused by water to your laptop is severe, it’s best to consider professional repair services. While it might seem like an additional expense, a professional technician will have the expertise and tools required to assess and fix the damage. Attempting to repair the laptop on your own can cause further damage and might not address the underlying issue. Trusting professionals can also offer peace of mind and ensure that your laptop is in good working condition. 

9. Backup important data

To avoid losing important data, it is essential to back up your laptop regularly. This is especially important if you have experienced water damage. Backing up your data can be done in various ways, such as using an external hard drive, cloud storage, or a USB flash drive. With backup options available, you can ensure that your valuable information is safe and secure, and you can easily access it even if your laptop is damaged beyond repair. Remember to regularly back up your data to avoid future loss. 

Take preventative measures to avoid future water damage

If you want to avoid water damage to your laptop in the future, here are some preventative measures you can take:

  1. Keep liquids away from your laptop.
  2. Use a spill-proof keyboard cover.
  3. Keep your laptop on a raised surface to avoid accidental spills.
  4. Store your laptop in a waterproof bag or backpack.
  5. Consider investing in a waterproof laptop case.
  6. Have a backup power source in case you need to remove the battery quickly.
  7. Use a dehumidifier in humid environments where moisture can accumulate inside your laptop.
  8. Avoid exposing your laptop to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight.
  9. Keep your laptop clean and dust-free to prevent any debris from clogging up the internal components.
  10. Lastly, be careful when transporting your laptop and make sure it is securely fastened in your bag or case. 
laptop battery damaged by water