You’ve probably heard the advice to place a wet phone or laptop in a bag of rice when it comes into contact with liquids. This common solution is popular because rice is readily available in most households and is known for its liquid-absorbing properties. But does it really work for “drying” your electronic devices?
There are numerous myths surrounding computers and electronics, such as the belief that bringing a magnet close to a computer will cause it to malfunction. This myth is outdated since modern electronics have safeguards against magnetic interference.
Another well-known myth involves the use of rice to absorb liquids. While rice does have impressive absorption capabilities, there are some caveats to consider. Let’s examine whether rice lives up to its reputation.
Does Placing a Wet Laptop or Phone in Rice Work?
The short answer is yes, but there’s more to it.
First and foremost, simply burying your wet cell phone, laptop, or electronic device in a bag of rice isn’t sufficient. To maximize the rice’s effectiveness, it’s essential to disassemble the electronic device as much as possible. This allows the rice to absorb the moisture more efficiently.
Next, you should find a container, bag, or box that can accommodate your electronic device. Place a layer of rice at the bottom of the container before inserting the device. Once the device is in place, seal the container as tightly as possible to ensure efficient moisture absorption by the rice.
This is a time-consuming process, and it’s recommended to leave the device covered in rice for 48 to 72 hours. Be prepared to wait for a few days to assess the results.
However, there are a couple of important points to keep in mind. Firstly, there’s no guarantee that your device will function correctly after this process. Water exposure may have caused a short circuit or other problems, and it’s possible that the damage is irreversible. Secondly, rice can potentially damage the device due to its high starch content. Therefore, it’s not the ideal material for saving your cell phone, laptop, or other electronic device.
What Material Should You Use Instead?
Instead of rice, consider using silica gel, which is often found in small packets inside new shoes or electronic product boxes. Silica gel has excellent moisture-absorbing properties and is a more reliable option for drying electronic devices. A couple of these silica gel packets in a sealed container should suffice for a cell phone or laptop.
Important: You don’t need to open the silica gel packets for them to be effective; simply place them in the container with your device.
