Tip of the week: How to save a wet cell phone

Act fast. Remove the battery and SIM card, where your personal information is stored. “Shake the phone gently to get rid of liquid, then blot off excess.”

Check the salt content. Seawater corrodes electronics. If the phone took an ocean dip, take it apart and “rinse it with fresh water” before drying.

Dry it out. Remove the casing and open any panels to expose circuitry. Place in an airtight container of uncooked rice, which will draw out water overnight.

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Suck it up. A hand vacuum cleaner can suck out moisture. Don’t try a blow dryer; it will only “force water deeper inside.”

Give it juice. If the phone doesn’t turn on after being reassembled, plug it in to recharge. “Still dead as a doornail? Replace the battery and keep your fingers crossed.”

Source: Ladies’ Home Journal