The Rice Myth Debunked
Putting your water-damaged MacBook in rice is one of the most persistent tech myths. Here's why it doesn't work and can actually make things worse:
- Rice isn't a good desiccant: It absorbs moisture very slowly compared to proper drying agents
- Corrosion continues: While you wait for rice to work, corrosion is actively damaging your MacBook's components
- Rice particles: Small rice particles and dust can enter ports and vents, causing additional problems
- False sense of security: The time wasted with rice allows damage to spread
What Actually Happens During Water Damage
When liquid enters your MacBook, several processes begin immediately:
1. Short Circuits: Water conducts electricity, causing components to short circuit. This can happen within seconds.
2. Corrosion Begins: Within minutes, corrosion starts forming on the logic board and other components. This process accelerates with power present.
3. Mineral Deposits: As water evaporates, it leaves behind minerals and contaminants that can cause permanent damage.
4. Component Degradation: Sensitive components like capacitors and chips begin to degrade immediately upon contact with liquid.
What You Should Do Instead
Immediate Actions (First 5 Minutes):
- Power off immediately - don't try to save your work
- Disconnect all cables and peripherals
- Turn the MacBook upside down in a tent position
- Wipe away visible liquid with a lint-free cloth
- Do NOT use a hair dryer or heat source
Critical: Do NOT attempt to turn it on to "check if it works" - this causes additional damage!
Professional Water Damage Treatment
Professional repair is essential because:
- Ultrasonic Cleaning: We use specialized ultrasonic baths to remove all corrosion
- Component-Level Inspection: Every component is inspected under microscope
- Proper Drying: Professional equipment ensures complete moisture removal
- Corrosion Treatment: Special solutions neutralize ongoing corrosion
- Component Replacement: Damaged components are replaced at board level
Time Is Critical
The success rate of water damage repair depends heavily on response time:
- Within 24 hours: 85% success rate
- 24-48 hours: 65% success rate
- After 72 hours: 40% success rate
- After 1 week: Less than 20% success rate
Every hour counts - bring your MacBook to professionals immediately for the best chance of recovery.
Prevention Tips
- Keep liquids away from your workspace
- Use spill-proof containers with lids
- Consider a keyboard cover for minor spill protection
- Maintain backups - water damage can result in data loss
- Consider AppleCare+ which covers liquid damage (with deductible)