Question:

How to deal with a coke spill on a mac book pro keyboard?

I accidentally spilled about 20ml of coke on my mac book pro keyboard and quickly wiped it off. I disconnected the power and let it dry, but I am not sure if that is enough. What are the best steps to take to prevent any damage to the keyboard or the laptop? How long should I wait before turning it on again? I have scheduled a visit to a computer repair shop for Monday, but I would appreciate any guidance you can offer.

Answer:

Spilling any liquid on your laptop can be a stressful and frustrating experience, especially if it is something sticky and sugary like coke. Coke can cause corrosion, short circuits, and sticky keys on your keyboard, which can affect the performance and functionality of your laptop. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to minimize the damage and save your laptop from a costly repair.

The first thing you should do is to turn off your laptop immediately and disconnect the power cord and any other peripherals. This will prevent any electrical damage and reduce the risk of fire or shock. Next, you should gently tilt your laptop to let the excess coke drain out of the keyboard. Do not shake or move your laptop too much, as this can spread the liquid to other parts of the laptop. Use a soft cloth or paper towel to blot the keyboard and remove as much coke as possible. Do not rub or wipe the keyboard, as this can push the coke deeper into the keyboard.

Next, you should let your laptop dry completely before attempting to turn it on again. This can take several hours or even days, depending on the amount of coke spilled and the humidity level. You can use a fan, a hair dryer, or a desiccant (such as rice or silica gel) to speed up the drying process, but be careful not to overheat or damage your laptop. You can also remove the battery and the back cover of your laptop to expose the internal components and let them dry faster. However, this may void your warranty and require some technical skills, so do this at your own risk.

Once your laptop is dry, you can test it by turning it on and checking if everything works normally. If your laptop does not turn on, or if you notice any problems with the keyboard, the screen, the sound, or the performance, you should take it to a professional computer repair shop as soon as possible. They can diagnose the problem and fix it for you, or advise you if you need to replace any parts or the whole laptop.

You have already scheduled a visit to a computer repair shop for Monday, which is a good idea. They can clean your keyboard and check for any hidden damage that you may have missed. They can also give you some tips on how to prevent or deal with future spills. In the meantime, you should avoid using your laptop until you get it checked, as this can cause more damage or void your warranty.

Spilling coke on your mac book pro keyboard is not the end of the world, but it is a serious issue that requires immediate attention and proper care. By following these steps, you can increase the chances of saving your laptop and avoiding a costly replacement. Remember to be careful and cautious when handling liquids near your laptop, and always keep a backup of your important data.