Home and dry: 5 ways to waterproof your gadgets this monsoon

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

gadgets safe. Even accidental exposure to rain can damage expensive electronic items. Here are some simple and practical tips to get you through the next few months:

Smartphones, smartwatches and earbuds all have IP ratings, which grade the device’s resistance against intrusion of dust or liquids, but they are not impregnable. So, use a zip lock pouch or a plastic bag to store your phone, watch or other devices that you carry with you. Adding a silica gel to the mix will ensure that all the moisture is absorbed, thereby offering better protection.

Stay indoors as much as possible when the rain is pouring. When outdoors, stop using your phone or your watch or earbuds. If necessary, move to a shaded or covered area to take a call or respond to a message. Also avoid using the phone with wet hands, since the water may sip in from ports and buttons, and cause damage.

Moisture is an enemy of gadgets. This applies to phones, smartwatches, earbuds and even power banks. So, keep your power bank packed in the zip lock pouch and also avoid charging when the phone is moist.

The most common misconception about drying a wet phone is to blow dry it. However, that can potentially damage the phone. Instead, remove the cover and wipe it properly and then leave it buried in a bowl filled with uncooked rice for almost a day.

If you somehow drop the phone in water, act quickly, switch it off and let it dry completely before turning it back on to avoid causing damage to the phone.