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Liquid Damage

After a spill, the first hours and the right next steps matter most

Act immediately!

The sooner you turn off the device and bring it to us, the better the chance of saving it. Every hour counts.

TURN OFF the device immediately
DO NOT try to turn it on again
BRING it to us as soon as possible

What happens when liquid contacts electronics

When liquid gets into electronics, it can start damaging components and conductive joints very quickly. Clean water is usually less harmful than sugary or salty liquids, but even that can leave mineral residue behind as it evaporates and cause short circuits or corrosion.

Types of damage

  • Clean water (lowest risk)
  • Sugary drinks (coffee, tea, soda)
  • Alcoholic drinks and other sticky liquids
  • Salt water, vinegar, and cleaning products (worst)

Time matters

  • 0–24 h: Best chance of recovery
  • 1–3 days: Still good
  • 3–7 days: Dropping
  • 7+ days: Every extra day works against you

Our process

Every liquid damage case is handled systematically - diagnostics first, then a decision on the next steps

Device intake

We receive the device and record the circumstances of the damage

Disassembly & battery disconnect

By disconnecting the battery, we stop further damage to the electronics

Drying + diagnostics

Thorough drying and damage assessment (1–2 days)

After diagnostics, we contact you with a status report and recommendation for the next steps.

Depending on the result, one of two scenarios follows:

Device is working

The device powers on and works, but there may be oxidation or liquid residue on the board - it depends on where exactly the damage occurred. Even though everything runs fine now, without cleaning there is a risk of gradual corrosion and future failure. We recommend cleaning the board and the inside of the device - the scope and method depend on the type and extent of damage.

Recommendation: Board and internal cleaning

Device is not working

The liquid damaged the board - the board needs to be repaired first, and only then can ultrasonic cleaning be performed. The order matters: ultrasonic cleaning on a non-functional board is a waste of money and also erases damage traces needed for diagnostics.

We send you a price quote first. We don't start without your approval.

Process: Board repair → ultrasonic cleaning → final testing

Secondary damage notice

The initial price quote covers only what can currently be assessed - typically the board condition. Until the board is functional, the keyboard, display, speakers etc. cannot be reliably tested. If additional issues appear after the board repair, we always contact you first with the next steps and updated pricing. Work you've already approved is billed separately - you always know what you're paying for.

Sticky keyboard on MacBooks

After a spill involving anything other than clean water, residue can dry inside the key mechanisms - keys may stick, click, or stop pressing properly.

Spot cleaning

Best when only a few keys are affected. We remove the keycap, clean the mechanism, and fit it back in place.

Deep keyboard cleaning

Chassis disassembly, cleaning bath, and compressed air blow-dry. May need repeating, but a 100% result is not guaranteed.

Keyboard replacement

Recommended

The most reliable solution. We replace the keyboard itself inside the chassis - the result is like new.

Cleaning is a paid service, and with heavily affected keyboards the issue can return. If you want the more reliable outcome, we recommend a full replacement.

How to prevent more serious damage

What helps

  • Keep drinks as far from your device as possible
  • If you drink near a laptop, use a bottle or cup with a lid
  • Protect the device with a sleeve or case when carrying it around
  • Back up important data regularly

After a spill, do not

  • Do not try to turn the device on again
  • Do not put the device in rice
  • Do not dry it with a hairdryer, on a radiator, or in direct sunlight
  • Do not wait several days before bringing it in for service

Liquid damage FAQ

Should I try turning the device on after a spill?

No. Turn it off, do not charge it and bring it to service as soon as possible. Repeated power-on attempts can cause further shorts.

Does rice or drying at home help?

Rice does not solve the problem, and home drying often leaves minerals, sugar or corrosion inside. The key is to open the device, disconnect the battery and inspect the board.

Can data be recovered after a spill?

Often yes, but it depends on the damage. Sometimes we repair only enough to boot the device and safely create a backup.

When is it worth dealing with a device after a spill?

As soon as possible. Even if the device works for a while after a spill, liquid residue and corrosion can cause later failures or data loss.

Fast intake in Brno

After a spill, acting quickly matters. You can bring the device directly to Příkop 153/27b in Brno, where we start by disconnecting the battery and running diagnostics.

Spilled liquid on your device?

Call or stop by - we'll advise on the next steps and agree on a plan.