I spilt milk on my laptop

[TommyT01]

So my sister spilt some milk on her laptop screen and keyboard, I quickly shut it down and unplugged it and gave the most thorough clean I could but I cannot tell how much milk got under the keys (if any), I know when milk dries it leaves a residue so I am worried to turn it back on. I have searched the internet if there is any way to open up the keyboard side of the laptop but I can't find anything. I am not sure if I need to send the laptop in or if there is a way for me to potentially clean under the keys? Any advice would be appreciated.

[Garp_senchau]

Hey @TommyT01, Welcome to HP Support Community,

Thank you for posting your query; I’m here to help by guiding you through steps to resolve this issue

It's good that you acted quickly when the spill happened. Dealing with liquids, especially milk, on electronics requires extra care, as the residue can cause corrosion or malfunction if left untreated. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to attempt cleaning under the keys and ensuring the laptop is safe to power on again:

Power Off and Unplug

• Since you already did this, you're off to a great start. Ensure that the laptop is fully powered off and unplugged from any power sources, including any connected external devices.

Dry the Surface

• Use a microfiber cloth to gently wipe the screen, keyboard, and any visible areas where milk might be. Don’t use paper towels or tissue as they may leave residue.

Remove the Battery (if removable)

• If the battery is removable, take it out. This will eliminate any risk of electrical damage.

Positioning for Drainage

• Place the laptop upside down in an inverted "V" shape (keyboard facing down). This allows any remaining milk inside the keyboard to drain out.

Disassemble the Laptop (if comfortable)

• If you’re confident in your ability to disassemble the laptop without voiding warranties or causing further damage, this is the most thorough way to inspect and clean the internals. Here's how:

Steps to Disassemble the Laptop:

• Step 1: Find the screws holding the bottom panel. You'll typically need a small screwdriver. Keep track of the screws and any clips that hold the bottom panel in place.
• Step 2: Once the panel is removed, you may be able to access the keyboard from the inside. Be gentle when removing any internal components like the hard drive, RAM, or battery.
• Step 3: Carefully inspect the underside of the keyboard for any visible milk residue. If you spot any, use a soft brush (like a paintbrush) or a can of compressed air to clean it.

Note: Opening the laptop may void any warranty, so if you’re not comfortable with this, proceed to the next step.

[Garp_senchau]

Cleaning Under the Keys (if no disassembly)

• If you're not comfortable disassembling the laptop, cleaning under the keys can still be done externally using these methods:

Steps to Clean the Keyboard:

• Step 1: Use a can of compressed air to blow under the keys. Hold the can upright and spray in short bursts, angling the nozzle around each key to try to force out any milk that may have gotten under them.
• Step 2: Use a cotton swab lightly dipped in rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) to clean the edges of the keys. The alcohol will help break down any residue and evaporates quickly without leaving moisture behind.
• Step 3: If the milk has dried, gently use a small, soft brush (e.g., a toothbrush) to scrub between the keys.

Drying and Residue Removal

• After cleaning, let the laptop air dry in a cool, dry place for 24-48 hours. You may also use a silica gel pack (if you have one) to absorb any remaining moisture.

Check for Residue or Sticky Keys

• After drying, check the keyboard to see if any keys feel sticky or resist pressing. If you find any, it may be due to the milk residue, and the laptop will need further cleaning or disassembly to fully clean it out.

Testing the Laptop

• Once you are confident that the laptop is completely dry and clean, power it on. Check if the keyboard works properly and test other functions like the trackpad, ports, and screen. If you notice anything unusual (like unresponsive keys, strange sounds, or flickering screen), it could indicate internal damage or milk residue affecting components.

Further Steps if Milk Damage Persists

• If the laptop isn't functioning properly after the cleaning or if you're unsure about the extent of the damage, you may need to consult a professional technician. 

Important Precautions:

• Avoid using excessive moisture when cleaning the laptop. You only want to dampen a cloth or cotton swab slightly to avoid causing more harm.
• Be patient: After cleaning, the laptop should be left to dry completely before trying to power it on. A rushed power-on attempt can lead to more damage if any moisture is still present inside.

If you’re ever unsure about opening the laptop yourself, it’s always a good idea to consult a technician to avoid causing further damage.

I hope these steps help resolve the issue

Please feel free to reply here if you have any questions or if you need further clarification on any of the steps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

Problem solved? 🎉 Awesome! Mark this as the Accepted Solution to help the next person find their way faster. 🧭 And if it was helpful, click 'yes'—you’ll make someone’s search journey that much easier (and give this reply some well-deserved street cred 🏅)

Regards,