Spilling liquid on your Mac can be a scary and frustrating experience. Your expensive device could be permanently damaged if you don’t act quickly. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to give your Mac the best chance of survival.
What types of liquids cause the most damage?
Not all liquids are equally hazardous to your Mac. Water, coffee, tea, juice, soda, alcohol, and other non-conductive liquids can still cause corrosion over time. However, they are less immediately damaging than conductive liquids like saltwater or sugary drinks.
Conductive liquids are very dangerous because they can cause short circuits and fry your Mac’s electronic components instantly. They need to be addressed immediately to avoid permanent damage.
How to minimize damage from a spill
If you’ve just spilled a liquid on your Mac, remain calm but act quickly. Here are the steps to take:
- Immediately unplug the power cable and any other connected cables.
- Turn off the Mac by holding down the power button for 5 seconds.
- Disconnect any external devices like drives, dongles or accessories.
- Wipe off any excess liquid from the exterior with a dry towel or cloth.
- Turn the Mac upside down to let the liquid drain out.
- Pat the ports and openings dry with a towel or dry cotton swab.
- Do not try to turn on the Mac or plug it in to charge.
- If you spilled a sugary drink like soda, rinse the exterior under running water to wash away sticky residue.
Following these steps can prevent short circuits and further liquid penetration. Do not try to use electronics after a spill until completely dry and inspected.
Drying out the interior
Liquid inside your Mac can cause corrosion and electrical shorts over time. It’s important to remove any moisture from the interior:
- MacBook – Leave upside down on a towel for at least 24-48 hours to allow the liquid to drain out through openings.
- iMac – Wipe the screen down with a microfiber cloth and leave upside down on a towel to drain.
- Mac Pro/Mac Mini – Open the case and inspect for visible moisture. Blot affected areas dry with a towel.
Using a hair dryer or placing parts in rice is not recommended, as this can push moisture further inside. Let your Mac dry out slowly at room temperature.
When is it safe to turn on?
Do not attempt to turn on your Mac until you are sure all liquid is completely evaporated. This can take 1-3 days depending on the amount spilled. Indications it is safe to try powering on:
- No visible moisture on or inside the device
- Ports/buttons feel dry to the touch
- No sloshing or rattling sounds when gently shaken
If you try to turn on too soon, you risk short circuiting and damaging components. Be patient and let your Mac dry thoroughly before reconnecting power.
Cleaning corrosion and residue
Even after drying, spilled liquids can leave behind residue that can continue to damage your Mac over time:
- Sticky sugar – Use isopropyl alcohol and a clean toothbrush to gently scrub away sugary residue stuck on/in ports, crevices and vents.
- Mineral deposits – Vinegar diluted with distilled water can dissolve mineral deposits and corrosion from water or soda.
- Grease/oils – Rub a small amount of dish soap on remaining grease/oil spots and wipe clean with a damp cloth.
Avoid getting moisture inside when cleaning. Wipe down the exterior and visible interior parts only. This can restore your Mac’s ports and buttons to working order after corrosion.
Signs of liquid damage
If your Mac exhibits these symptoms after a spill, liquid has likely reached the interior:
- Not powering on when pressing the power button
- Distorted or flickering display
- Keys or trackpad not responsive
- Odd behaviors like repeated crashing or freezing
- Corrosion around ports, vents or openings
- Burning electrical smell coming from vents
Any of these are signs of water damage and the need for professional repair. Do not continue trying to power on a malfunctioning Mac after a spill.
When to seek repair
If your Mac still exhibits problems after thoroughly drying out, seek professional repair immediately. An experienced repair tech can:
- Diagnose extent of liquid damage
- Disassemble to clean corrosion from internal components
- Replace any damaged parts like the logic board
- Completely clean, dry out, and decontaminate the interior
- Get your Mac working again, or advise if beyond economical repair
Seeking immediate repair gives you the best chance of saving your Mac rather than waiting. Liquid damage can rapidly worsen if left unchecked.
Repair or replacement cost
The cost for Mac liquid damage repair varies widely based on these factors:
| Mac model | Newer Macs with more complex construction tend to cost more to take apart and repair. |
| Type of liquid | Conductive spills usually cause more damage needing extensive disassembly and replacement of parts. |
| Level of damage | A quick splash on the keyboard vs. a soaked machine can significantly change cost. |
| Service provider | Authorized Apple repair shops generally charge higher rates than independent repair techs. |
Typical repair costs range from $200 to over $1000 depending on above factors. Replacement cost for a soaked machine can exceed the value of an older Mac.
DIY or professional repair?
Is it better to repair liquid damage yourself or take it to a repair shop? Consider the pros and cons:
| DIY Repair | Professional Repair Shop |
|---|---|
|
|
In most cases, professional repair is worth the cost to give your Mac the best chance of fixing liquid damage properly. DIY is an option mainly for simpler fixes or troubleshooting minor issues after a spill.
Data recovery from a liquid damaged Mac
If your Mac won’t power on after drying, you may need data recovery to retrieve your files and documents. Options include:
- Professional data recovery service – Expensive but can retrieve data from even severely damaged drives.
- Remove drive and connect to another Mac – Won’t work if the drive itself is damaged but lets you access data if other components are faulty.
- Time Machine backup – Allows full restore to another Mac if drive is intact.
Prioritize data recovery if your spilled Mac appears beyond economical repair. But first dry it thoroughly -Attempting recovery on a wet drive risks short circuit damage.
Could your homeowners or renters insurance help cover costs?
One bright spot – your insurance may help pay for repair or replacement of your Mac after accidental liquid damage at home or work. Check your homeowners or renters policy to see if covered.
Coverage to consider:
- Personal property – Covers accidental damage to electronics up to policy limits.
- Additional rider – Electronics coverage rider provides extra protection for high value items.
- Proof of loss – Keep damaged Mac and get estimate for insurance claim.
Note that policies often have deductibles of $500 or more. But insurance can still offset a portion of the repair costs from an unfortunate spill.
Preventing liquid damage
While accidents happen, you can take steps to reduce the risks of liquid damage to your Mac:
- Keep drinks away from your device workspace.
- Close lids on cups and bottles when not sipping.
- Don’t eat over your device or use near kitchen spaces.
- Install a waterproof keyboard cover if desired.
- Shut down Mac before moving it to avoid spills.
- Carry Mac in protective case when in transit.
- Keep your Mac away from sinks, tubs, pools.
- Use a spill-proof mat under your workspace.
Making liquid damage less likely will save you the headaches of emergency cleanup and repairs down the road.
Conclusion
Liquid getting inside your Mac can be devastating, but prompt action can sometimes save it. Follow these steps if you experience the misfortune of a spill:
- Immediately power off and unplug.
- Wipe away excess liquid.
- Drain upside down and allow 1-3 days to thoroughly dry out.
- Clean corrosion and residue from any openings.
- Seek professional repair if still not functioning normally.
- Retrieve important data before permanent failure.
- Inquire about homeowners insurance covering damage.
- Take steps to prevent spills on your electronics.
While nothing can guarantee saving your Mac from liquid damage, quick reaction and proper drying can help minimize costly destruction. With some luck and the right steps, your Mac may survive its unwanted liquid encounter.