1. Get the power off first
If the device is on, turn it off. If it’s wet, don’t charge it and don’t switch it on to see whether it still works. Water and a live circuit is how a small spill becomes a dead board.
2. Take the battery out
Open the compartment and take the battery out if you can. A cell sitting in a puddle can short, heat up and swell, and a swollen cell is a much bigger problem than a wet one.
3. Dry it properly
Turn the device upside down so water drains out of the openings, then leave it somewhere dry and ventilated for a day or two. A desk lamp or a gentle flow of cool air helps. Don’t use rice, a hairdryer or a hot oven.
4. Watch for corrosion afterwards
Keep an eye on the battery compartment for a few weeks. Green or white crust on the contacts means the water has carried the corrosion in, and the device may need cleaning or a new holder.
5. Corrosion can appear late
A device that works fine straight after a spill can fail a month later, because the damage keeps creeping under the crust. If it starts misbehaving after a wet spell, take the battery out and look for corrosion.