It’s true, I’m ashamed to say. I managed to wash my 2-year-old iPhone 3GS for a full cycle this past weekend. The usual left-it-in-my-pants-pocket excuse. And it sat in there all night. *facepalm*
However, I took comfort in the fact that a quick google search revealed that I’m by FAR not the only one who has done this. Also, it revealed an interesting CURE for smartphones that have been water damaged. Yes, it indeed involved dry rice (which sucks out the moisture), and some people even recommend putting in an open oven at 150 degrees or so. That, or a hair dryer. But the oven, plus the rice, makes for funnier comics.
It’s no guarantee, but it’s a step you can try before shelling out another $200+ to replace it with your tail between your legs.
The update on my iPhone, at this point and if you care, is that the rice trick worked in that my phone is functional again- it plays music, makes calls, texts, charges, connects to wifi… with no problem. That IS pretty dang amazing if you ask me. However, the backlight is dead, so I can only use it in certain types of lighting when I can see the faint dark screen. I have heard, despite water damage usually voiding the warranty, and depending what kind of mood one of the so-called “Geniuses” at the Apple store is in, Apple may give me a new iPhone free of charge. So, fingers crossed. If I can make it until December with this 3GS, I’ll be due for an upgrade anyway… and then, hello iPhone 5.
Just a little techie tip for those of you who are idiots like me and may wash your mobile device. Or drop it in the toilet. (likely water damage incident #2)
In my humble opinion, baker’s hats are an underutilized accessory in today’s society. Poppin’ Fresh, The Pillsbury Doughboy, is due for a fashion rebound.
I agree. Anytime you cook/bake anything, you should have to wear a baker’s hat. Also, you should have to wear a stupid accounting visor if you;re paying bills.
Well even if that doesn’t fix the phone you at least have a nice aroma of Rice and “Apple” thru out the house. 🙂
ha ha, nice one Todd.
I was on vacation with some friends and put my phone in the pocket of my bathing suit waiting for a call from the friends to join me. An hour later, i forgot it was in my suit and jumped in the pool. ooops
ooooooh no, that bites. Did that once with a digital camera, but was able to at least save the memory card & pics.
I’ve heard that sealing your phone in a small bag of (clean) cat litter is also supposed to draw out the moisture. I guess it would work for people who own cats and like the smell of pine sand.
heh, yes thanks for specifying “clean”. ugh.
There’s many options, but dry rice is one most ppl have in their house. There’s also stuff you can buy at a craft store that absorbs moisture.
Better the phone be baked than the owner, I say -eh?!? *grin*
*drums fingers*.. waiting for Mr. I-Love-the-70’s to respond…..
Byron? comments? meh, he’s probably “baking” as we speak. ;0P
I’m in the “Washed My Phone” club. It was years ago when my now young lady was a baby and spit up on the bed. I, thinking I could be SuperMom, rushed in to take the sheets off the bed and wash them immediately, and forgot that my phone had been there, and didn’t notice until I wanted to call someone I had in my contacts – mid rinse-cycle. Back then it was a 2-day old Razr phone. Yay. Because it was within a week of my buying it, despite the fact that I’d read the literature and it said water damage = no, my husband encouraged me to ask, and sure enough, they did replace it, even though it was due to my stupidity.
Thanks for the tips, Dawn! I hope I get a Genius in a good mood when I go get my iPad checked in a few days – it would be my first time in an Apple Store…
I never wash my cell phone, but the LCD screens will crack if you put them in the freezer. Found that out when I put my cell phone in the pocket of my lunch cooler that has the built in freezer packs. Forgot it was in there and put the bag in the freezer for the next day….
This reminds me of the time I put my (very expensive, at the time!) 1GB USB drive through the washer AND the dryer. Thank goodness it was hardy and still worked!