gps and rice

[wyliec]

I've read and have been told if you have trouble with a gps (or cell phone), after being in the rain, to place it in rice for a few days; it supposedly absorbs moisture. Has anyone found this to work and, if you have, how long did you leave it. My gps has been in the rice not quite 48 hrs. Just wondering if this is one of those old wive's tales or it actually works.

 

[CyncySpyder]

It does actually work, or at least it did for us

We had a wet cell phone that we put in a bag of rice for a couple of days, after removing the battery, and when we pulled it out, and replaced the battery, we had a working cell phone again.

They also just aired an episode of the new tv show called "Elementary" about the new Sherlock Homes, and they actually had that very scenerio in this last episode :thumbup:

 

[Bob Denman]

With a little soy sauce; you might have the start of nice meal! :thumbup: :joke:

 

[donnellpj]

Something else to consider with this,...

If the device isn't "ON" when you drop it in the "fluid", or whatever happened (I'm not judging ) , don't turn it on to see if its still working,...

Immediately pop the battery out (if you can), dry everything off as best you can with a paper towel, or whatever you have handy, then go forward with your rice technique, or hairdryer, or whatever you're going to do. Give it at least 48-72 hours to dry out thoroughly before you pop the battery back in for testing.

Often the damage occurs when you try to power the device up while its still wet, the water crossing over the internal solid state can short out the board causing irreparable, or at least costly, damage.

Just a little extra, if you have the chance to consider it before hand.

 

[Bob Denman]

VERY good point! :thumbup:

 

[Carold571]

I dropped my IPhone 4 in a full sink of soapy water.
I put tape over all the openings on the sides and put in in a bag of rice for 24 hours.
It really works. I'm still using the phone and its been a years since it happened

 

[IGETAROUND]

I've read and have been told if you have trouble with a gps (or cell phone), after being in the rain, to place it in rice for a few days; it supposedly absorbs moisture. Has anyone found this to work and, if you have, how long did you leave it. My gps has been in the rice not quite 48 hrs. Just wondering if this is one of those old wive's tales or it actually works.

My I-touch survived a trip through the washing machine:yikes::yikes:.The rice acts as a descant absorbing the moisture. Patience prior to turning it back on the first time is NOT overratednojoke

 

[tobor9]

You can also buy Descant (damp rid?) at hardware stores or keep those packets that come in many products to keep out moisture.

 

[Bob Denman]

Ahhh... but you can't eat that stuff after you're done drying out your cellphone with it! :2thumbs:

 

[FrankPa]

Rice is a good dessicant, but...

a Square Trade warranty works even better... :bowdown:

 

[boborgera]

a Square Trade warranty works even better... :bowdown:

Just make sure if its wet under the battery you don't rub off the water soluble ink under the battery.

 

[boborgera]

I Just remembered another use for rice, Charlie would put it in a plastic bag hang it around his neck and body heat would cook it , I guess you can call it meals on the run.

 

[wyliec]

I Just remembered another use for rice, Charlie would put it in a plastic bag hang it around his neck and body heat would cook it , I guess you can call it meals on the run.

I guess I need to check with my gf on that one. She's Asian and I may have to tell her to quit using the rice steamer/cooker.

 

[asp125]

Rice is a good dessicant. Way back when, my grandfather used to have little cheesecloth pouches of rice in his camera gear bag. It works even better if you lightly roast the rice to get rid of all moisture.

Be careful, too much rice and your GPS may develop a predisposition to seek out the nearest sushi bar or chinese restaurant.

 

[Blue Star]

Rice and the refrigerator

My Cousin works for Verizon, and when my Daughter washed her 2 week old Droid I asked him what to do. He told me the rice thing too, but said to put the rice/phone in the refrigerator for three days. He said the rice would absorb the moisture, but did not explain the refrigerator part. I do know it worked.

 

[wyliec]

Be careful, too much rice and your GPS may develop a predisposition to seek out the nearest sushi bar or chinese restaurant.

I love sushi; not to into chinese food though.

 

[Bob Denman]

Be careful, too much rice and your GPS may develop a predisposition to seek out the nearest sushi bar or chinese restaurant.

And an hour later; it'll be hungry again!