There's nothing worse than watching a cup of coffee spill onto your laptop. Liquid spills can quickly damage it, preventing you from doing your homework or work. To avoid this disaster, you can buy or make your own protective gear. While these changes won't save her if she falls into a lake, you'll still have a safer and more waterproof laptop. Just consider what to do if it gets wet.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Buy Protective Gear
Step 1. Get a silicone or plastic keyboard cover
Spills on the keyboard can be the most damaging. Small holes under the keys can allow liquids to damage the machine quickly. The waterproof keyboard covers fit directly on top of the keys, preventing liquids from entering the keys.
- You can also use keyboard covers to personalize your laptop. Some even come in rainbow colors!
- If possible, go to an electronics store to test covers. These can make it more difficult for you to write, so choose one that you can adapt to as quickly as possible.
- Buy one made specifically for your laptop. It must fit snugly for it to work properly.
Step 2. Buy a waterproof protector
Choose a custom one that fits the top and bottom half of the laptop. Many of them are made of sturdy plastic, which is a good waterproof material. The protector will expose the side ports and the fan at the bottom of the laptop, thus protecting it only from small spills.
In general, protectors will only fit properly if they are made specifically for your laptop
Step 3. Choose a waterproof padded cover
Look for a cover labeled "waterproof" or "waterproof." Some may even have an outer and inner bag for added protection. This will keep the laptop dry when you are walking or traveling.
- Nylon and Neoprene are water resistant materials.
- You don't have to buy a case made solely for your laptop. Instead, find one that is the correct size.
Step 4. Get a portable bag made of waterproof materials
As a final layer of protection, make sure your travel bag is waterproof too. Most backpacks and bags will only hold a small amount of liquid. Choose portable bags made specifically to hold up when soaked.
This is especially important if you take your laptop on frequent outdoor excursions. They are also a good option if you are commuting to work and back home
Step 5. Look for the best deals
Laptop accessories can be very expensive. Choosing the added benefit of water resistance can drive the price even higher. Shop a variety of stores to compare prices before purchasing equipment.
- Major electronics stores may have better deals than laptop manufacturers.
- If you shop online, determine if you are eligible for free shipping. Otherwise, you will have to consider this additional cost.
Method 2 of 3: Make Your Own Equipment
Step 1. Choose a good workspace
You will need some space to cut and paste. Choose a sturdy, empty table in a room with good lighting.
Step 2. Cut some sheets of clear polyethylene
Measure your laptop and use scissors to cut three sheets of polyethylene that are several centimeters (or a few inches) longer than the measurements.
You can buy clear polyethylene sheets at hardware stores or online
Step 3. Glue the sheets to the surfaces of the laptop
Lay the sheets on the laptop's surfaces and use scissors to trim the excess. Use electrical tape to secure them to the outside sides of the laptop and over the keyboard and trackpad. Do not cover the touch panel with the tape.
- If your laptop has a fan on the bottom, you will need to cut a hole to expose it.
- Do not cover any ports or openings on the sides of the laptop.
- Before gluing the surface covering the keyboard, press the foil to fit as tightly as possible over the keys.
Step 4. Cover the edges of the laptop with a 1 mm (40 mil) PVC liner
Measure the length and width of all the outside edges of the laptop. Use scissors or a utility knife to cut four curved pieces of PVC siding. Use electrical tape to attach the pieces to the edges of the laptop. Just stick them on top. You should be able to turn them over to expose any ports or openings.
- You can buy PVC siding online or at hardware stores.
- It is best to use one that is 1 mm (40 mils) or thicker.
- These flipped edges will allow fluids to drain down the sides if spills do occur.
Step 5. Make port plugs with custom ear plug putty
Get this product on the internet. Use a cotton ball soaked in mineral oil to lubricate the ports and openings on the sides of the laptop. Then put the putty into the openings and let it harden for about five minutes. Now you will have custom waterproof plugs!
You can buy mineral oil at your local pharmacy
Step 6. Glue two pieces of neoprene together to create a cover
Buy neoprene fabric online. Cut two sheets that are 2.5 cm (1 inch) longer than the laptop. Use electrical tape to hold the two sheets together, leaving only an opening on one shorter side.
- To create a closure, buy adhesive velcro strips and place them inside the opening.
- If you are good at sewing, skip the tape! Just sew the two sides with a thick needle and waterproof thread. You can also sew a zipper for the opening.
Method 3 of 3: Prevent and Fix Spills
Step 1. Keep liquids and food away from the laptop, if possible
If you can, avoid eating or drinking liquids near the laptop. This is the best way to ensure that you don't spill anything on it.
Step 2. Cover any glass near the laptop
If you work for several hours or most of the day on the laptop, you probably can't keep all liquids away from it. Choose coffee and water glasses with lids. Drink soups from a thermos. You can also keep a 1 foot (30 cm) space between the liquids and the laptop. Better to have to stretch a little more than spill something on it!
Step 3. Unplug any AC adapters if a spill occurs
Unplug the charger from the wall and from the computer right after you spill a liquid. This will stop the electricity from flowing to the battery.
Step 4. Turn off the laptop right after a spill
Turn it off as quickly as possible. The faster you can turn it off, the more likely you can fix it. At least this will protect your files.
Resist the urge to turn it back on. It is important that you wait until it is disassembled and cleaned, or that you take it to a repair shop
Step 5. Remove the battery
If you know how to do it, remove it and set it aside. If you don't know how to do this, look for instructions on the manufacturer's website.
It is very easy to remove the battery in most laptops. You will not need special tools or experience with electronic devices
Step 6. Clean up any liquid on the outside of the computer
Use a soft, lint-free cloth to remove excess liquid so it stops seeping into the laptop. Dry the exterior surfaces of the laptop completely and the space inside where you removed the battery. Dry the battery if it is also wet.
Step 7. Turn the laptop upside down to drain the liquid for a minimum of 12 hours
Lay it on its side, leaving the surface with the most openings flat on a desk or table. After you drain it all day or night, use the lint-free cloth to wipe up any liquid that has leaked out of the appliance.
Don't use a dryer to speed up the process
Step 8. Take it apart if you have experience with electronic gadgets
Disassembling most computers requires tools and knowledge of how to remove each part and put it back in place. If you do not have these tools and experience, it is much better that you go to a professional.
Laptops are expensive, so don't test your skills with them unless you know what you're doing
Step 9. Go to a repair shop if you don't know how to disassemble it
Many major electronics stores have laptop repair shops. The manufacturer of yours may also have a store that you can visit to have it checked. Look online for options and call a few for an approximate price.