If you work at a desk with a laptop, sooner or later you are going to spill a drink on it.
I once spilled a drink on my own MacBook Pro and nearly lost the documents I needed to graduate.
So here is what to do when your computer gets soaked.
What to do right after a spill
First of all, when you spill a drink, resist the urge to turn the computer on to see if it still works.
Shut it down immediately and stand it on the side where the liquid was spilled, so that no more of it seeps further inside or into areas it has not reached yet.
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Once you have confirmed that the surface of the computer is dry (after several hours to a day), try turning it on and check its condition.
What to do next
Depending on the condition, there are several options.
Coverage from the retailer or manufacturer
Some manufacturer warranties include accidental damage coverage, so check whether your case qualifies.
If you can use this coverage, it is likely to be the cheapest way to get your machine back.
With a standard manufacturer warranty, liquid damage is usually excluded.
That said, manufacturers often still accept repair requests, so it is worth asking.
Computer repair shops
Many computer repair shops handle liquid-damaged machines.
Some also work on MacBooks, so this is well worth considering.
They can also inspect the inside of your computer, so even if you only spilled a little and simply want peace of mind, they will check it for you.
And if a repair is needed, they handle a wide range of problems, so the chances of recovery are very high.
Why leaving it alone is a bad idea
Even after a spill, a computer will often work again a day later.
Even so, I strongly advise against just leaving it at that.
If moisture has reached the board, it can cause an unexpected short circuit or corrode the board.
You often hear about machines that kept working for a while after a spill and then suddenly died, so get the computer repaired as soon as you can.
Acting early may mean a simple cleaning is enough, and it keeps the cost down.
What you can do in advance
After liquid damage, recovering your data is often difficult.
For exactly that reason, back up your computer regularly.
Computers tend to break down precisely when you need them most, such as when you are down to the wire on a thesis.
Not being able to retrieve your data at a time like that is a serious problem.
I have been in exactly that situation myself…