Good Trick to Save a Drowned Cell Phone (in case you ever end up dumb like me)

Zombie · #1 12-19-2008, 08:47 PM

So, yesterday morning, half-awake, I stumbled into the bathroom to brush my teeth, clutching my BlackBerry as per usual because I use it as an extra alarm clock, and I accidentally knocked it into the toilet.

Long story short, I thought I bricked it, which was a very painful and sad thing, because I cannot afford to replace it right now and it's like my right hand.

BUT (after I stifled the weeping and rending of the garments, Old Testament style), I went online and discovered a trick that might help me save it - I took it apart as much as possible (back off, battery out, SD card out, etc) and put it in a Ziplock bag full of rice. Put the bag in a warm place (next to the heating vent, but not ON it), sealed, and left it there for 24 hours.

And whaddaya know? It worked - the rice acted like a desiccant, and dried my BlackBerry out, and it works again! Trackball is kinda sticky, but everything else is in order, and I can again hear Lindsey shout, "SHUT YO' MOUF! TALKIN' 'BOUT TUUUUUSK!" every time someone sends me a text.

I figured I'd post this fine tip in case anyone ever gets a phone or similar device wet - should theoretically work on mp3 players, etc, too.

GoldDustOrphan · #2 12-19-2008, 10:51 PM

The rice in a bag trick can work. The rice absorbs all the moisture. It's the same trick drug dealers use to keep cocaine from getting clumpy or moist. I'll make a note to ask Stevie about it the next time I see her....

Chrislit18 · #3 12-20-2008, 12:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoldDustOrphan

The rice in a bag trick can work. The rice absorbs all the moisture. It's the same trick drug dealers use to keep cocaine from getting clumpy or moist. I'll make a note to ask Stevie about it the next time I see her....

haha.

that stevie remark was funny....

i just made a similar one on my IM Chat. lol...

Thats a really good tip though, Thanks Zombie.
And I love your txt alert

Zombie · #4 12-20-2008, 01:20 AM

LOL, yes, she'll be the final vote on whether or not it works well enough on things more precious than my BlackBerry.

But you're welcome for the tip - as long as someone else can benefit from my perpetual clumsiness, I'm happy. As soon as I figure out a tip to correct that problem where I consistently misjudge spatial relations and wham into the wall every time I try to turn a corner, I'll let you know.

Also, I have a bunch of different FM-related text alerts and ringers. My Stevie text alert is the "AW!" noise she makes in the SNL performance of "Stand Back." That's like the best noise ever. I should upload them for y'all.

Sahara · #5 12-20-2008, 12:18 PM

I'm terrified of something like that happening to me - I know, it's only a phone, it's replacable, but it's such a damn nuisance.

I'm so glad your phone recovered...!

Zombie · #6 12-20-2008, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sahara

I'm terrified of something like that happening to me - I know, it's only a phone, it's replacable, but it's such a damn nuisance.

I'm so glad your phone recovered...!

Haha, thank you. Me too.

It is only a phone & replaceable, but I got my BlackBerry brand new for 40 bucks - if I had to buy another one, it would be several hundred bucks I completely cannot afford right now.

My sister puts her phones through the washing machine regularly, but fortunately, they are cheap-o phones.