So, what do you do when you spill coffee or a smoothie all over your computer or iPhone? And don’t have some sort of protective cover on it? This was a discussion topic on the MacLaw listserve, where we frequently discuss issues having to do with computers and problems which arise from time to time. There were a number of answers provided by people on the list, who know much more than I about these sorts of things, and I thought I would pass along some of the suggestions.
I would suggest, first, doing some online research as well. I often go to eHow.com; I found a discussion right on point, there. Also, it might depend on what spilled and what it got into. And, you want to be careful with cleaning electronic items! The following ideas are various alternative suggestions, only:
1. You should turn it upside down [the keyboard facing down], fully open, take all removable parts out of the computer and unplug it. You can turn the laptop on the side to drain liquids still in it. Let it dry for 24+ hours.
2. Use a hair dryer for initially drying it and then pack the phone in a plastic bag of rice for 24 hours or longer.
3. If moisture is the issue, after taking the above steps, some people place the computer back in the original box, place a cup of white rice somewhere within the box and let it sit.
4. Disassemble the computer [don’t open it up and remove internal parts!] and clean it with distilled water, obviously, unplugging it from its power source first. [Alcohol might work, but it might adversely affect the glue so while it looks faster it might be better to use distilled water]
5. If distilled water doesn’t work and after thoroughly drying it, it’s still not in tip top shape, then you could get a product which is designed to help you improve performance, such as mgchemicals’ alcohol or electronics cleaner.
The main point seems to be to: Unplug, Drip Dry, and Use something to collect any remaining mositure.
