Your backpack might be water resistant, but damage can still be done if water still gets into your laptop or other devices. Now a clever multi-function solution might just save your very wet day. UAG’s Dryout Ultimate Sleeve might rescue your MacBook, iPad, keyboard or storage device before any invasive moisture has more time to cause damage.
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How to use the UAG Dryout Sleeve to dry your laptop
The sleeve is a secondary drying aid designed to draw out residual moisture; it is not a substitute for immediately shutting down, unplugging and draining the MacBook first.
- Shut down the MacBook immediately. Don’t keep using it to check whether it still works.
- Disconnect it from power and unplug any accessories. Electricity combined with moisture increases the risk of a short circuit and permanent damage.
- Turn the MacBook keyboard-side down to help liquid drain out. Avoid shaking it, which could spread moisture further inside.
- Wipe away visible liquid from the keyboard, case and ports with a clean, absorbent cloth.
- Now place the MacBook inside the UAG Dryout Sleeve and close it so the moisture-removal material can work.
- Leave the MacBook switched off while it dries. UAG recommends leaving it in the Dryout Sleeve for around 3–9 hours, but after a significant spill you should be prepared to keep the MacBook powered off for at least 24 hours.
Ways in which moisture can get into and damage your laptop
Desk accidents—such as beverage or vase spills—or working too close to a water source, for instance in a kitchen or even by a swimming pool, can too easily cause a gadget emergency. Weather exposure, where you are caught in heavy rain or snow while carrying your gear in a vulnerable bag, is an obvious situation we’ve all been in. Few of us, however, consider the dangers of condensation—bringing your cold laptop into a warm, humid room can cause moisture droplets to form inside. I hate to mention it, but excessive sweating can also cause moisture to invade your tech gear, so maybe towel off after a workout, and certainly following a swim, before leaning over your laptop.
Keys are not airtight so liquid can flow directly through the key switches into the chassis. Side ports, such as USB and HDMI, provide a straight path to internal boards. Even vents for cooling fans and hinges can let moisture seep inside if placed on a wet surface or exposed to heavy rain.
Moisture inside your tech can cause short circuits that fry sensitive chips, and corrosion that eats away at metal circuits over time.
Can a laptop survive a water spill?
Yes, if you act fast. Good advice is to shut it down immediately and unplug from power (it’s electricity that causes the permanent damage), then flip the device upside down to drain what liquid you can. You should be prepared to leave it turned off for at least 24 hours.
