Found a Liquid Dropped in Computer

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around experiences and advice related to liquid spills on computer keyboards, specifically focusing on the effects of different types of liquids and methods for addressing the issue. Participants share personal anecdotes and propose various approaches to mitigate damage from spills.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes successfully resolving typing issues after a small liquid spill by placing the laptop open and facing down near an air conditioning unit.
  • Another participant recounts a past incident where soda spilled into a keyboard, leading to sticky keys, and reflects on the mistake of flipping the keyboard upside down to remove the liquid.
  • A participant questions whether the presence of powerful air conditioning would have influenced the outcome of their spill, noting that their spill was much smaller than a soda can.
  • Some participants argue that water and soda (sugar water) have different effects on electronics, suggesting that allowing soda to evaporate might have been a better approach due to protective measures in place.
  • One participant humorously comments on the irony of technological advancements not leading to the creation of water-resistant keyboards.
  • A later reply suggests using isopropanol to clean computer components, emphasizing safety precautions regarding ventilation and ensuring components are dry before reassembly.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the best methods for handling liquid spills and the implications of different types of liquids. There is no consensus on a single best practice, and multiple competing perspectives remain throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference personal experiences that may not account for all variables involved in liquid spills, such as the specific types of liquids, the extent of the spills, and the protective measures in place. The discussion includes anecdotal evidence rather than systematic analysis.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in computer maintenance, particularly those who have experienced liquid spills on electronic devices, may find the shared experiences and suggestions relevant.

WWGD
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Hi, I thought I would post this, hope not against protocol, thought may be helpful to someone else at some point -- though hope it is not necessary:.

I had dropped a bit of liquid on the PC (laptop) , in the keyboard area. PC was not working well, typing errors, etc.
I put the laptop open, facing down, close to the AC blasting in high mode. Problems gone.
 
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I did something similar years ago where I answered the corded phone on my desk. The cord snapped and hit a soda can dumping the contents into the keyboard of a brand new display terminal (televideo). I made the mistake of flipping the keyboard upside down to dump out the soda.

What happened was the keys acted as little umbrellas protecting the stem of the key and by flipping it upside down the soda liquid was able to coat the stem causing sticky keys forever. I felt so bad but luckily they had a spare replacement keyboard and I was back in business.
 
Wonder if any powerful AC nearby would have made a difference. And I dropped a small amount of liquid too, far less than a can of soda.
 
Water is different from soda sugar water.

In my case, it would have been better to let the soda evaporate as things were protected with plastic sheets under the keyboard for just such an occurrence.
 
jedishrfu said:
Water is different from soda sugar water.

In my case, it would have been better to let the soda evaporate as things were protected with plastic sheets under the keyboard for just such an occurrence.

It was not really water, though. Still, we can still use the (Seinfeld ) cliché : they can send a man to the moon, but they cannot ... build a water -resistant keyboard.
 
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I prefer using isopropanol to wash my computer components. Do it under a fumehood if you have access to one or somewhere with a LOT of ventilation like outside and away from any heat/electrical sources (stuff is highly flammable). Make sure parts are completely dry before turning them on.
 

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