![]() You can remove and clean a sticky keyboard using a damp cloth or soft toothbrush and distilled water before drying it thoroughly, and in extreme cases, people try methylated spirits (ethanol) or solvents (isopropyl alcohol). This may allow you to retrieve any data that hasn't been backed up. If it boots the operating system, does everything else work? If the keyboard doesn't work, try plugging in a USB keyboard: most computer shops and many supermarkets sell keyboards at very low prices. When you are sure the laptop is absolutely dry, you can replace the battery and see if it starts. You can get a computer repair shop to do it, but with a cheap laptop, the cost may be more than it's worth. You can strip it down and do this yourself, but it takes a lot of time and effort. If your laptop has been hit with a large caramel frappuccino (topped with whipped cream and extra syrup) then it will need a thorough cleaning. ![]() If you've only spilled a small amount of clean water on it, you may well get away with it. The next step depends on the size and type of spill, and the price of the laptop. Don't use a hair dryer, which will blow hot dust into a sticky environment. When you have done as much as you can, leave the laptop propped up somewhere warm to dry for at least a day, and preferably for two days. If the liquid is from the bad end of the spectrum, and will leave residues from (for example) milk and sugar, wipe the laptop down with a damp lint-free cloth. (A pro would wear an anti-static wrist strap.) So can unscrewing the bottom of the case and removing the hard drive, though you should be careful not to touch any of the electronics. If the spill is quite big, tilting the laptop towards an air vent and shaking it gently can help get more liquid out. Try to blot rather than wipe, bearing in mind that cloths and tissues can also leave residues. ![]() If nothing else is handy, use paper towels or tissues. Not many people carry lint-free or microfibre cleaning cloths, but a well-washed handkerchief is a good alternative. It's natural to use whatever's handy to remove as much liquid as you can. Either way, try to keep the laptop upside down to reduce the risk of liquid reaching the motherboard. ![]() If the battery is sealed in, the best you can do is shut the machine down. This will reduce the risk of electrical damage. A good first response to a spill is to unplug the laptop immediately, if it's plugged into the mains, and then remove the battery as quickly as possible. ![]()
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