Q&A for How to Save Your Laptop After Water Damage with Rice

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My son placed his wet keyboard upside down on a bed of rice overnight. Can I now cook the rice or might there be toxins?

Community Answer

There are likely some germs and toxins there, though probably not enough to harm you. It's up to you whether you want to take the risk. Most people would find the idea of eating that rice disgusting and throw it away.

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Question

What if my parents' laptop is water-damaged, but I don't want them to find out because they'll blame me for it, even though it's not completely my fault?

Jarod Smith

Community Answer

If the computer is toast, then its toast. There is nothing that you can do about it. Just explain to them what happened, and apologize.

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Question

Can I use an external keyboard with my laptop?

Community Answer

Yes. You can plug an external keyboard into the USB jack and use as normal, or you can use a wireless or Bluetooth keyboard with the appropriate USB dongle (some notebooks have built-in Bluetooth, and would not require a dongle).

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Question

Can the rice itself damage the laptop?

Community Answer

Not at all. If so, using it wouldn't be advised.

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Question

Do I need to do this if the water was only under the laptop?

Jarod Smith

Community Answer

It doesn't matter where the water was -- damage can still be done. As long as your computer works though, then you should be good to go.

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Question

If I accidentally got disinfectant spray on my laptop, would this still work?

Community Answer

Yes, these steps should also work for disinfectant spray.

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Question

What if the computer has no battery?

Community Answer

Every laptop has a battery, but for some laptops, you may need to unscrew the bottom of your laptop to get the battery out. See the instruction manual for your laptop or look it up online.

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Question

My screen was not lighting at all, and I used a hair dryer but some water is still in there. Will it come out if I unscrew the screen and put it in rice?

Community Answer

It might work. It's best to leave the phone in the rice for at least 24 hours.

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Question

What if my laptop open button is open but my screen doesn't turn on? Does it mean it's broken?

Community Answer

It sounds like the PC is getting power but the screen is most likely broken.

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Question

Does this really work?

Community Answer

Yes. In most cases this works. If it doesn't, your computer may be more severely damaged, and you should consult a professional.

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Question

My laptop was near my shower. When I wanted to change the song, I'd reach out to the mouse and click. After, my keyboard stopped working. I tried shutting it down and now I can't type the password. Any ideas?

Rudy Toth

Community Answer

You should practice safer measures. Think about it you are taking a shower with electricity around you running (besides the lamps in the ceiling). Water and electricity are both very good conductors. You could have been seriously hurt or even killed touching a computer while you are in the shower.

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Question

If my laptop still works even after spilling water, is that fine?

Rudy Toth

Community Answer

Don't turn it on when water has spilled on it. Get it serviced instead and stay safe. Water and electricity don't mix and you can get yourself killed.

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