Rep: 21
1
My 6s fell down into the water, I turned it off and put it in the rice since yesterday, I am planning to open it and clean inside with brush and alcohol, what are the alternatives for 99% rubbing alcohol? Because I only see 70% alcohol online. Please help, I don't know what to do.
Is this a good question?
Rep: 448.8k
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Water and electronics and electricity are not a good mix.
The impurities in the liquid causes corrosion and provides circuit paths for the electricity which were not in the phone’s operating design and could damage the components. The corrosion is ongoing until it has been properly cleaned away.
First do not try to charge or to turn on the phone, then disconnect the battery as soon as possible from the phone to minimize any further damage.
Rice does not fix the problems caused by corrosion. Rice is for dinner, not repair
You need to disassemble the rest of the phone and clean all the affected parts using Isopropyl Alcohol 99%+ (available from electronic parts stores) to remove all traces of corrosion and water. Try not to use "rubbing alcohol" as in some cases this is <70% IPA, can contain additives and is not as effective. If you do have to use it, check the label to verify the amount of IPA. The higher the percentage of IPA, the better.
Here is a link that describes the process. Electronics Water Damage
As always with electronics, especially surface mounted pcb be gentle when handling and especially when brushing away the corrosion. You do not want to remove any components from the boards. You will also have to remove any shields that are covering some components as there may be corrosion under them as well and disconnect and clean any cable ends and connectors etc
Hopefully after you have done all this the phone might possibly work correctly again.
Here is a link to the ifixit iPhone 6s guides which may be of some help.
If this process seems too daunting, take your phone to a reputable, professional mobile phone repair service, experienced in water damage repair and ask for a quote for a repair.
If you decide to do this, do it sooner than later.
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I opened it and saw some water drops, can I just wipe it with cloth? and can I just touch any components with my hands, because on the computer, you need to ground yourself before touching it or what. please reply asap
and also, is >90% okay? or 99 is a must?
Clear the water away using a Q-Tip or similar, "lightly moistened" with IPA as this will remove any possible residues that just wiping it away may leave.
You should try to avoid touch any electronic components with the hand as the body can give off static electricity. Grounding yourself beforehand and then not walking across carpets etc is better than nothing if you don't have a wrist strap that you can connect to an earth point. If you have thin cotton gloves this may also help (no perspiration etc from the fingers ;-)
90% is fine. The problem with "rubbing alcohol" is most have additives which may not evaporate like the alcohol does and at <70% there is obviously more water content which means that you have to wait longer for it to dry after cleaning.
99%+ is virtually pure alcohol so obviously it is the best to use.
As always do all cleaning with the battery disconnected (or removed) and wait until satisfied that it is completely dry before reconnecting any power.
Good luck with the repair
Cheers.
Ill just probably give it to someone expert in things like these, last question. The water damage indicator, its not red, its greenish or I am just seeing greenish because of the pcb that is color green I think? Does that mean water does not reached the logic board? And is it logic board's damage indicator or no? I hope you get it hahaha THANKYOU IN ADVANCE! It was a big help for me :)
Hi @cjpasturin11,
Not really sure as it is usually white or silver and red when it has been in contact with water.
There are two LCI indicators in a 6s so you may have to check both to get a better idea
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