In emergency situations, such as floods or leaks, your electronic devices can be seriously affected. That's why we've prepared a comprehensive guide to help you save your water-damaged devices. By following these instructions, you will be able to recover much of your equipment, avoiding further damage.
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DO NOT PLUG IN NOW! Water and electricity never got along. There may be traces of water inside the wiring and appliance boards, so don't take the risk. If the equipment has a battery or was turned on during contact with water, it may not be repairable.
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OPEN THE APPLIANCE FOR CLEANING Water usually carries a lot of dirt that can cause poor contact with the parts. Therefore, it is important to clean with the appropriate tools. As you disassemble the device, take photos of each part of the process to help with reassembly.
Remember: you're trying to recover something that might otherwise be lost, so don't be afraid to open up and deep clean.
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WASH WITH RUNNING WATER For small appliances and hard-to-reach corners, use a toothbrush. For larger devices, a pressure washer may be helpful. Use contact cleaner and isopropyl alcohol to help with cleaning and drying. Finish with a special spray oil, such as WD-40, to prevent future oxidation.
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YOU NEED TO WAIT FOR IT TO DRY WELL After cleaning, it is essential to ensure that the device is completely dry. Leave it in a ventilated place and use dryers or blowers to speed up the process. For electronic boards, you can use an electric oven as an oven at a low temperature. Make sure there is not even a drop of water left inside the equipment.
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PLUG IN AGAIN When reassembling the device, do so with caution. Plug in again, equipment such as washing machines and dryers have test routines that can be checked with the manufacturer. If the device does not turn on on the first attempt, turn it off quickly and seek specialized technical assistance.
Instructions for Specific Devices
ELECTRIC OVEN AND MICROWAVE
These are simple to disassemble and clean. It's worth starting the cleaning with them.
REFRIGERATOR
If water has only reached the engine, it can be cleaned inside and out as the engine is sealed. The thermal relay must also be cleaned. If the electronic board has been hit, apply general instructions.
WASHING MACHINE
The washing machine motor is not sealed and needs to be cleaned. Open to clean out any accumulated dirt. The inner drum can be removed and cleaned, especially in machines that have a drying function.
OUTLETS AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
They should only be opened if the power supply is off. Cleaning is very important to avoid future problems.
TV, COMPUTER MONITOR AND LAPTOP
The screen may become smudged; cleaning is more technical and requires complete disassembly. If they took on water but little silt, let the moisture drain out and dry for a few days or weeks before trying to turn them on again.
If your device, even with technical assistance, does not work again, dispose of it correctly. Find a collection point in your region to help preserve the environment, avoiding contamination of soil and water resources.