Tech care
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Do not use NeverWet spray on cell phones.
It can disable the LCD screen afterward.
- The product box may not include warnings about electronics.
one person who lived it
Keep a ziplock bag in your backpack or wallet to protect phones and keys from rain.
It provides protection against rain damage.
- Carrying a ziplock bag may attract police attention and lead to searches in some areas.
- Putting car keys and phones in the same bag can scratch screens.
5 people, independently
- Keep ziplock bags in your bike, backpack, or luggage to protect electronics at outdoor events.1
Do not use rice to dry electronics.
Moisture carries rice residue into the device, coating the logic board and causing corrosion.
3 people, independently
Test a new waterproof phone case by sealing it empty and submerging it in water for five minutes before inserting the phone.
Some cases may only seal properly when the phone is inside.
one person who lived it
Carry a disposable raincoat instead of an umbrella if rain is unlikely.
It saves space and provides protection.
- You will generate plastic waste afterward.
- Some emergency ponchos may be missing the head hole.
one person who lived it
If professional repair is unavailable, power down the device and submerge it in 99% isopropyl alcohol.
Using 99% alcohol avoids dilution with water and prevents deposits from forming after evaporation.
- Anything less than 99% is diluted with water.
- This must be done ASAP before water evaporates leaving deposits behind.
one person who lived it
Place a water-damaged phone in a Ziploc bag with silica gel packets for three days.
2 people, independently
Wrap the phone in stretchy cling film (plastic wrap) to protect it from sweat or light moisture while allowing touchscreen operation.
It protects against moisture while still allowing operation.
- Talking and listening may be difficult.
one person who lived it
Wear a baseball cap under a raincoat hood to keep your face drier and prevent the hood from obstructing your vision.
Turning your head moves the cap, which turns the hood away from your eyes; this is especially helpful for glasses wearers.
one person who lived it
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Turn off the phone immediately after it falls in water to prevent electricity from interacting with the water and causing damage.
Water interacts with electricity to cause damage, rather than the water itself being the primary issue.
- Removing the battery is better if possible.
one person who lived it
Rinse phones exposed to salt water with fresh water immediately.
Failure to rinse can cause corrosion in the charging port, preventing charging.
one person who lived it
Clean water-damaged phone internals with rubbing alcohol and a toothbrush instead of soap and tap water.
Alcohol or distilled water prevents corrosion on components, whereas tap water and soap do not.
one person who lived it