Oh No! My Cell Phone Went Through the Wash!

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

This thread centers around personal experiences and suggestions regarding cell phones that have been accidentally washed. Participants share their frustrations, recount similar incidents, and discuss various drying methods and outcomes.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses frustration over their phone not working after being washed and reflects on their usual habit of checking pockets.
  • Another participant mentions the common advice of placing the phone in rice to absorb moisture.
  • Several users share their experiences of phones surviving after being dried out, with varying methods including letting them air dry or using rice.
  • One participant recounts a specific incident where their phone was submerged in various liquids but still functioned afterward.
  • Another participant notes that some newer phones may not have removable SIM cards, leading to confusion about their phone's design.
  • One participant shares a story of their phone being replaced for free at the Verizon store after explaining the situation.
  • Some participants mention that salt water exposure may complicate recovery efforts, expressing doubt about the phone's chances of working again.
  • Several users emphasize the importance of patience, suggesting waiting 24 to 48 hours before attempting to turn the phone back on.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the effectiveness of various drying methods and the likelihood of phones recovering from water damage. No clear consensus emerges regarding the best approach or outcomes.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal anecdotes and experiences, reflecting a range of outcomes based on different phone models and circumstances of water exposure.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants and community members who have experienced similar incidents with their phones may find the shared experiences and suggestions relevant.

babywings76
babywings76
Gold Member
Messages
7,266
Now what do I do?!! It won't work now. Will it work when it dries out? I'm so mad at myself. I usually check pockets and everything, I can't believe I didn't check them. I was just trying to hurry and get things done, I have 6 loads I'm doing today. Ugg! :(
 
I heard you should take the battery out and put it in a bowl of rice (uncooked and covered ) for 24 hours and hope for the best......
 
Just take it apart and let it dry out. I've never used rice, but my phone has taken a bath in the toilet, a cup of water, the washing machine, the kitchen sink, and just on the counter spread apart works just fine.
 
Did you already try to turn it on? If not, DON'T DO IT!!!Take it apart and let it dry out for AT LEAST 24 hours. Good luck!
 
Here are several suggestions from...WikiAnswersLifehackerhttp://www.switched.com/2007/08/15/how-to-save-a-wet-cell-phone/eHowThey all seem to say about the same thing but the usual conclusion is...maybe this will work.
 
DebbieJ said:
Did you already try to turn it on? If not, DON'T DO IT!!!Take it apart and let it dry out for AT LEAST 24 hours. Good luck!
Click to expand...
True, in fact, one of the sites I listed says to take the phone apart while it's still under water to dissipate any capacitance in the battery and to prevent shorts. And if you hadn't left the cell phone in your shorts this wouldn't have happened.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #7
My phone was fully charged and "on" when it went through the wash. When I got it out of the wash, I opened it and pushed buttons, but I don't remember if I tried to turn it on or not, I was frantic and calling out to my DH to come and help me. Oh man, I hope it's okay. We opened it up and took the battery out and kept the cover off to let it dry out, but we can't seem to find where the sim card (or whatever it's called) is. Our old VCast phones had one, but these newer model ones don't it seems. I looked through the manual and everything and I guess this phone just doesn't have one? Or is it built into the battery?
 
Usually if you take the battery out and let it dry out for AT LEAST 24 HOURS - preferably 48, then charge it and turn it on, it will be fine.We've had cell phones in the lake before that worked fine later.Don't worry about the card if you didn't take it out.We've had an I-phone (not ours but from an accident) survive in a snowbank/puddle for 3 weeks. It was on when it got wet.Hopefully it shut down before it shorted....just wait and see...
 
The sim card is probably hiding under a slide out panel. That's where mine is. If you don't see it when you remove the battery, look for a little door that slides or hinges open.
 
Some of the newer phones don't have SIM cards at all... Good luck doing this. My SIL dropped his in the toilet and plugged it into the charger for 48 hours and it never came back...
 
My son's went through the washer and never worked again. I hope you have better luck!!
 
I dropped mine in the toilet (pre-pee Thank goodness) I snatched it and HAD to use it that night. It worked for 2 calls, then the 4 button kept sending me to my contact list LOL. I took it apart, let it dry for 24 hours, put it back together, recharged it and it works just fine.
My Mom dropped her's in the toilet (post-pee - don't tell her I told you guys, she would be mortified LOL) she fished it out, washed in soapy water - battery and all, let it dry out for 48 hours, recharged it and it works fine.
My DH dropped his in the parking lot at the job site found it the next morning and it worked fine. The job site was Fargo North Dakota in December, ie 2 feet of snow & -15 degrees at midnight.

Don't give up right off the bat, try the dry out rechagre route first. Good luck!
 
I had a Samsung phone that I did this with and let it dry out. It worked for 2 weeks and then just completely crapped out on me. I think it really depends on the brand. I have heard of people who have done this and it ended up working just fine and those were Sony Ericksons.
 
when my daughter dropped hers in the potty we dried it on 200 in the oven overnight works fine
 
  • Thread starter
  • #15
Mine's the Verizon VCast phone. There aren't any other slots other than a memory card slot. I'm guessing mine's the kind with the sim card built in. Well, I'll wait 48 hours, then charge it and see what happens. I guess I'll prepare myself for the fact that it might not work, or it'll only work for a little then die. I'll just wait and see. Thanks everyone! :)
 
Well, I have no advice about drying it out, just that I did the same thing, just to let you know you are not the only one. Went to wash jeans and decided to wash the shorts I had on so I took them off and threw them in the washer---- and then the dryer. I kept hearing this kulunk kulunk and thinking my son had left rocks in his pocket again I reach in and there was my cell phone! :yuck: All I can say is thank goodness for insurance!
kim
 
Teresa Lynn said:
when my daughter dropped hers in the potty we dried it on 200 in the oven overnight works fine
Click to expand...

And in the morning, you stuck in one of the old TPC cake testers, and it came out clean, so you knew it was done? :confused:
 
  • Thread starter
  • #18
Well, it's ruined. I let it dry out till today. I just tried to hook it up to the charger and nothing happened. It didn't make the typical noise and light up at all when I connected it. I guess I'll be heading over to the Verizon store this week. :(
 
Bummer!!!!!!!!!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #20
Well I just got back from the Verizon store. They were so nice. I was honest and told them what happened. They gave me a one time courtesy and replaced my phone for free! Yay! It was such a nice surprise! :) I didn't even ask, I just went in and told them what happened and they told me that's what they were going to do!
 
babywings76 said:
Well I just got back from the Verizon store. They were so nice. I was honest and told them what happened. They gave me a one time courtesy and replaced my phone for free! Yay! It was such a nice surprise! :) I didn't even ask, I just went in and told them what happened and they told me that's what they were going to do!
Click to expand...

Lucky you! :balloon:

Verizon wouldn't even give my son a discount when that happened to him.
 
Well I need to print your response of getting a free phone or drive to your VZ Wireless store in PA!!

My son just swam w/his phone yesterday in the ocean. Poor kid! He already is not feeling good w/a terrible cold. I think that's why he forgot about it because he has been so great w/taking care of it. He was very upset! We are going to let it dry for at least 72 hours before trying to turn it on, but I don't think there is really any hope. Salt water is just not good!

His phone is not cheap either - it's an Envy II.

We all make mistakes don't we.
 
Experience is what you gather just after you need it.
 
The_Kitchen_Guy said:
Experience is what you gather just after you need it.
Click to expand...

So true......
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after my cell phone goes through the wash?

First, turn off your phone immediately to prevent any electrical short circuits. Remove any cases, SIM cards, and memory cards. Then, gently wipe off any excess water with a soft cloth.

Can I put my cell phone in rice to dry it out?

While placing your phone in a bowl of uncooked rice is a popular method, it may not be the most effective. Rice can absorb moisture, but it can also leave dust and starch inside your phone. Instead, consider using silica gel packets or a dedicated phone drying kit for better results.

How long should I leave my phone to dry?

It's recommended to leave your phone in a dry environment for at least 24 to 48 hours. The longer you can leave it, the better the chances of it drying out completely and functioning again.

What if my phone doesn't turn on after drying?

If your phone still doesn't turn on after drying, it may have suffered permanent damage. You can try connecting it to a charger or performing a hard reset. If it still doesn't work, consider taking it to a professional repair service for further evaluation.

Is there a way to prevent water damage in the future?

To prevent future water damage, consider investing in a waterproof case or keeping your phone in a secure, dry place away from water. Additionally, be mindful of where you place your phone, especially in environments where spills are likely.

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