A water-damaged MacBook needs urgent, professional diagnostics. MacLife has specialised in rescuing MacBooks after contact with liquids since 2007 and accepts such devices as a priority. If you come to us right after the incident, we act immediately.
Why time is critical
Liquid inside a MacBook conducts electricity and causes short circuits. Worse still, liquids containing sugar, mineral salts or chemicals leave deposits that lead to corrosion. The longer you wait, the greater the risk of irreversible damage to the logic board.
What to do immediately after a spill
- Turn off the MacBook — do not check whether it still works
- Disconnect the power adapter and all accessories
- Place the open laptop in a "tent" position (screen and keyboard facing down)
- Wipe the enclosure with a dry cloth
- Contact MacLife as soon as possible
What NOT to do
- Do NOT use a hair dryer, radiator or oven (high temperatures destroy components)
- Do NOT put it in rice — that is a myth; rice removes neither deposits nor corrosion
- Do NOT try to power the device on to "check if it is alive"
- Do NOT charge a water-damaged MacBook
Diagnostics at MacLife
Comprehensive liquid-damage diagnostics include:
- Disassembly and internal inspection
- Assessment of the extent of the damage under a microscope
- Ultrasonic cleaning of the logic board
- Corrosion neutralisation
- Testing of all components
- A detailed report and repair quote
Liquid-damage diagnostics: 350 zł gross — the fee is added to the repair cost (total cost = technician's quote + 350 zł) and is also payable if you decide not to proceed after the quote. Turnaround time: usually 1–2 business days. You will find current rates in the Mac service price list, and you can read about why cleaning is necessary even when the MacBook still works here: cleaning after a spill (PL).
Possible scenarios
The MacBook returns to 100% functionality — the best possible outcome with a quick response.
The main functions work, although some components may need replacing. You decide whether to accept the scope and cost.
If the repair is uneconomical or impossible, we focus on data recovery (PL) from the drive.
When the repair no longer pays off, we can buy the device back for parts under our trade-in (PL) programme.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a MacBook water-damage diagnosis cost?
Liquid-damage diagnostics cost 350 zł gross and include disassembly, assessment under a microscope, ultrasonic cleaning and corrosion neutralisation. The fee is added to the repair cost — the total is the technician's quote + 350 zł. You also pay it if you decide against the repair after receiving the quote.
Does putting a MacBook in rice help?
No. Rice removes neither deposits nor corrosion, and it gives a false sense of security while corrosion keeps progressing. The best course of action is to switch the device off, not turn it back on, and hand it over for professional diagnostics as soon as possible.
Will you recover my data if the MacBook cannot be repaired?
In many cases, yes — even when a repair is uneconomical, we can attempt data recovery from the drive. The sooner the water-damaged equipment reaches us, the better the chances.
I live outside Warsaw — can I send my MacBook by courier?
Yes, we serve the whole of Poland via our courier service. With liquid damage, however, time matters — the sooner you send or bring in the device, the better the chance of saving it.
Spilled liquid on your MacBook? Don't wait
Every minute increases the risk of corrosion. Contact us immediately.