It seemed like a great idea to bring your iPad to the local swimming pool. Until, of course, you lost it in the water. Now it seems like a terrible idea. Try not to panic. You might be able to save that iPad. It’s true: Water certainly isn’t a friend of technology. Even so it doesn’t have to be their end, either. If you act quickly, you may well be able to save your waterlogged tablet, smart phone or iPod.
Saving drowned technology
The tech Web site Gizmodo recently delivered a great tutorial of what consumers can do to save the gadgets that they have inadvertently dropped into water. First, and most important, you need to immediately turn off the device’s power. As Gizmodo explains, it’s not water that wrecks your electronic toys– it’s the electrical shorts that the water causes. So if your device contains a battery, quickly remove it. If it doesn’t, make sure to turn the power off and keep it off. Don’t be tempted to check to see if your device still works.
Other steps
Once the power is off, remove anything else you can from the device. This means taking off back covers, removing SIM cards and taking off ear port coverings. As Gizmodo explains, there’s a good reason for this: You want to open up as many holes as possible in your device. That will allow water to dehydrate quicker. It will also let more air into your device. Next, vacuum as much moisture out from the device as possible. A vacuum with a small nozzle is ideal for this. Finally, you’re ready to dry your device. Gizmodo has a surprising recommendation for this: Rice Krispies. Yes, dropping your iPad or smart phone in a bowl of dry Rice Krispies will suck water out of them. After 48 hours, give your device a go. If you’re lucky, it might work.
Keeping it dry
Of course, much better than rescuing a gadget from water is keeping it dry . There are several methods for this. The New York Times recently ran an excellent feature ranking the different waterproof cases that you can buy. Such options as the LifeProof, Joy Factory Rain Ballet and Liquipel cases come in handy if you’re hanging at the lake with your favorite eReader. Our advice, though, is easier: Keep your electronics away from the water. It is tempting to take your phone to the edge of the swimming pool. But this type of move might prove very expensive.