If you’re one of those people that gets through phones like tissues after a break up, you’re not alone. In fact, surveys show that that the average amount of time people go without damaging their phone is only 10.4 weeks. Luckily for you, we have scoured the internet for the best hacks to salvage your handsets, because no one wants to fork out for a replacement – and lets be honest, your insurance premium is still recovering from that last claim three months ago. Here’s what to do if you...
You Dropped It In The Loo
Playing with your phone near water is like texting your ex when drunk. You shouldn’t do it, but what else are you going to do on the loo other than check your Twitter feed? If it does end in tears you’re not completely screwed. Firstly, turn the phone immediately off so it doesn’t short circuit. Then take out any parts you can – the battery and sim card – and wipe everything to dry them as much as possible. There are two options for drawing out that moisture: silica gel (those annoying sachets that you get in a new bag or a box of new shoes and immediately throw away) or dry rice. Either way, submerge your phone in a bowl of them for at least 24 hours, we’d go 72 hours to be extra-sure.
**You Got Sand In It Doing A #hotdogsorlegs Insta On Holiday **
This could easily have been avoided if you just hadn’t thought it necessary to piss off your friends with a smug holiday pic. Karma’s a bitch. First things first, don’t plug in the phone – all that will do is jam the grains further into the charging crevice (eurgh, crevice!). Your best bet is to try and get them out with a soft bristle brush (like an old toothbrush or makeup brush), but if you still don’t think you’ve got them, use a can of compressed air. Be careful, though – if it’s too powerful it can do more damage than good, so use with caution and make sure your phone is switched off first.
You Dropped It On The Dance Floor And Now It Looks Shit
So Saturday night was just one big disaster, wasn’t it? That hole in your bag (which you’ve been meaning to sew up, FYI) left you scattering your super plus heavy flow tampons across the floor, your tit-tape wasn’t quite sticky enough… and to top it off, that slut-drop sent your phone flying, leaving some effing annoying dents on it. SO unfortunately there’s no magic formula to undo them, but what you can do is invest in a good case. Not only will this hide them, it’ll also stop more happening in the future when you inevitably throw it down the stairs or drop it in the street. We like this one from Etsy.
**You Stood On It In Your New Zara Clogs **
We beg you, do not try and fix a shattered screen yourself. Unless you’re some kind of Steve Jobs. There is an abundance of phone repair shops that will replace your screen at a reasonable price compared to going straight to the manufacturer. Just remember to ask around and go somewhere with good reviews. In the meantime, buy a screen protector from eBay to stop the glass from shattering further, and to save your face/fingers from being cut on the loose glass.
Your Cameras Gone Foggy And It’s Ruining Your Selfies
You went to take a selfie and the camera has gone all blurry. This tends to be because steam has got in to your phone (we know, you desperately wanted to sing along to Taylor Swift whilst washing your hair in the shower, but just leave it the other side of the door!) For this one, the rice and sicila gel is your best friend again. Submerge it in either one, leave it over night and the moisture should disappear leaving your lens selfie-happy once more.
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This article originally appeared on The Debrief.