What happens if your laptop gets wet?

When a laptop gets wet, the liquid may damage internal components or cause an electrical short that can permanently damage the machine. When this happens, immediately turn off and unplug the machine, and allow plenty of time for it to dry before attempting to turn it on again.

If the liquid spilled on the laptop was water or another substance that does not leave a residue, the computer should be ready to turn on again in two or three days. However, liquids such as juice, soda or coffee leave behind a residue that can corrode electronics. Laptops that get doused in one of these substances should be sent to a professional for cleaning.