Dropped my iPhone in paint thinner... suggestions?

jodyheavener · Nov 25, 2012, 02:51 PM

Hey guys,

I dropped my iPhone 5 in a bucket of paint thinner at work. It was submerged, but I grabbed it as quick as possible. I just started my contract last week on Rogers (Canada).

Does anyone have tips on what I can do to clean it out? It still works, however the corners are a shiny bright now. Should I be worried? I'm still at work so I've wrapped it in a towel for now. If it should be wrecked, does anyone know if Rogers or Apple can help me out? After all, I did just start my contract last week.

blesio · Nov 25, 2012, 03:12 PM

After all you just started your contract last week and this is supposed to help you? Unfortunately damages like that aren't covered under warranty.

dukebound85 · Nov 25, 2012, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jodyheavener

Hey guys,

I dropped my iPhone 5 in a bucket of paint thinner at work. It was submerged, but I grabbed it as quick as possible. I just started my contract last week on Rogers (Canada).

Does anyone have tips on what I can do to clean it out? It still works, however the corners are a shiny bright now. Should I be worried? I'm still at work so I've wrapped it in a towel for now. If it should be wrecked, does anyone know if Rogers or Apple can help me out? After all, I did just start my contract last week.

Doesn't matter when you started your contract. Applecare doesn't cover accidents.

HOWEVER, if you bought with a cc, you may have benefits that may cover accidents

gravytrain84 · Nov 25, 2012, 03:17 PM

Hope you bought insurance browski

Applejuiced · Nov 25, 2012, 03:34 PM

Or you can pay the out of warranty fee and get it replaced.

Kenjhee · Nov 25, 2012, 03:46 PM

Sorry about that. Don't have any advice, buy maybe you can help the rest of us. Some of us think the chamfered edges of the iPhone are painted, different from the broad anodized areas. Paint thinner may of course affected these parts, and not the anodized areas. Can you examine these beveled strips and tell us what you think? Thank you!

reclusive46 · Nov 25, 2012, 03:57 PM

You didn't happen to buy it on an American Express or anything did you? I know on my UK Amex its covered for 90 days for things like this.

swervinsuburban · Nov 25, 2012, 03:59 PM

If the phone still physically works you can get phone insurance if your carrier offers it you just have to make at least on phone call after to make it work or you can get AppleCare+ and just pay the deductible

JayLenochiniMac · Nov 25, 2012, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dukebound85

HOWEVER, if you bought with a cc, you may have benefits that may cover accidents

This. The number of people who don't do this never ceases to amaze me.

Jtludwig · Nov 25, 2012, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jodyheavener

Hey guys,

I dropped my iPhone 5 in a bucket of paint thinner at work. It was submerged, but I grabbed it as quick as possible. I just started my contract last week on Rogers (Canada).

Does anyone have tips on what I can do to clean it out? It still works, however the corners are a shiny bright now. Should I be worried? I'm still at work so I've wrapped it in a towel for now. If it should be wrecked, does anyone know if Rogers or Apple can help me out? After all, I did just start my contract last week.

Since you just started your contract, why should Apple or Rogers cut you a deal? That's the whole point of the contract.

LaynieGorilla · Nov 25, 2012, 04:20 PM

You can sign up for apple care over the phone .. Then take it to store and pay the $50 deductible for water damage

w00t951 · Nov 25, 2012, 04:23 PM

Did your iPhone get... Thinner?

darster · Nov 25, 2012, 04:34 PM

If it was removing the coating on the outside of the phone, just imagine what it is doing on the inside. Wrapping it in a towel only makes it worse as it is trapping in the moisture.

Jtludwig · Nov 25, 2012, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darster

If it was removing the coating on the outside of the phone, just imagine what it is doing on the inside. Wrapping it in a towel only makes it worse as it is trapping in the moisture.

Too bad it didn't get dropped in a bucket of paint first!

smoge · Nov 25, 2012, 04:42 PM

Any portables dropped in water you are meant to use a hoover to get the water out so you could try that. Also I believe apple give you 30 days to buy apple care+ (witch covers accidental damage)

I would go to an apple store and buy apple care+ for you phone (if you are able to) don't tell them you dropped it in paint thinner, then in a week or two, if your phone dies apple will replace it.

AutoUnion39 · Nov 25, 2012, 04:49 PM

lol, post pics OP

user418 · Nov 26, 2012, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LaynieGorilla

You can sign up for apple care over the phone .. Then take it to store and pay the $50 deductible for water damage

Requires in store inspection during first 30 days to purchase Apple Care on iPhone.

Quote:

Originally Posted by smoge

Any portables dropped in water you are meant to use a hoover to get the water out so you could try that. Also I believe apple give you 30 days to buy apple care+ (witch covers accidental damage)

I would go to an apple store and buy apple care+ for you phone (if you are able to) don't tell them you dropped it in paint thinner, then in a week or two, if your phone dies apple will replace it.

Honesty pays. Own up to your own mistakes.

Jtludwig · Nov 26, 2012, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by user418

Requires in store inspection during first 30 days to purchase Apple Care on iPhone.

Honesty pays. Own up to your own mistakes.

Incorrect. Inspection required for in store purchase, not over the phone (at least in USA).

ReallyBigFeet · Nov 26, 2012, 07:13 AM

Don't know about AppleCare + coverage but SquareTrade covers accidents. I ha a phone replaced for free with same after an accident ruined it (dropped mine into a boiling vat of soup....slipped out of shirt pocket as I leaned over same).

But if OP had no such insurance, you have two choices:

-Plead with either Apple or Rogers for mercy. Apple MAY offer you a refurb at the "repair replacement" price of $199 US.
-Attempt to self-repair. But I'm betting the whole thing is toast.

Good luck, sorry.

jessica. · Nov 26, 2012, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smoge

Any portables dropped in water you are meant to use a hoover to get the water out so you could try that. Also I believe apple give you 30 days to buy apple care+ (witch covers accidental damage)

I would go to an apple store and buy apple care+ for you phone (if you are able to) don't tell them you dropped it in paint thinner, then in a week or two, if your phone dies apple will replace it.

There is always one in the crowd.

OP, that does suck but take most of the advice offered here (not smoge's). I am curious though, can you post pics of the phone?

Menel · Nov 26, 2012, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jodyheavener

Hey guys,

I dropped my iPhone 5 in a bucket of paint thinner at work. It was submerged, but I grabbed it as quick as possible. I just started my contract last week on Rogers (Canada).

Does anyone have tips on what I can do to clean it out? It still works, however the corners are a shiny bright now. Should I be worried? I'm still at work so I've wrapped it in a towel for now. If it should be wrecked, does anyone know if Rogers or Apple can help me out? After all, I did just start my contract last week.

Towel not a good way to dry.

Ziploc bag with rice, draws out moisture.

Paint Thinner is going to be a bit like alcohol, dry really fast. I think far less harmful than water.

I don't think it would hurt the boards or electronics. You might be AOK if you let it dry good, like leave powered off 12-24hrs.

crezo · Nov 26, 2012, 07:48 AM

to be honest I would be EXTREMELY careful about still using the phone, especially when plugged in.

Bearing in mind how hot iPhones get when charging, and the fact that paint thinner is you know... kinda flammable... I would think there is a significant risk of remnants of the thinner sparking up (and I don't mean smoking a fatty).

So be SERIOUSLY careful about where you leave it overnight to charge if you hang on to it. Hopefully it will have all evaporated by now, but still!

FlatlinerG · Nov 26, 2012, 07:53 AM

Am I the only one who wants pics?

darkside flow · Nov 26, 2012, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jodyheavener

Hey guys,

I dropped my iPhone 5 in a bucket of paint thinner at work. It was submerged, but I grabbed it as quick as possible. I just started my contract last week on Rogers (Canada).

Does anyone have tips on what I can do to clean it out? It still works, however the corners are a shiny bright now. Should I be worried? I'm still at work so I've wrapped it in a towel for now. If it should be wrecked, does anyone know if Rogers or Apple can help me out? After all, I did just start my contract last week.

Rogers won't lift a finger to help you.

However, Apple will provide you with a replacement under their Out Of Warranty service for $199 + tax.

dictoresno · Nov 26, 2012, 08:28 AM

i doubt the thinner damaged the internals, electronically. water wouldve done worse damage. however, the thinner can weaken and corrode thin plastics i think. the screen may have taken a hit too. however, it dries extremely fast and likely is dry inside now, depending on how long its been set out. have you tried to power it on?

Nov 25, 2012, 02:51 PM	#1
jodyheavener macrumors newbie Join Date: Nov 2012	Dropped my iPhone in paint thinner... suggestions? Hey guys, I dropped my iPhone 5 in a bucket of paint thinner at work. It was submerged, but I grabbed it as quick as possible. I just started my contract last week on Rogers (Canada). Does anyone have tips on what I can do to clean it out? It still works, however the corners are a shiny bright now. Should I be worried? I'm still at work so I've wrapped it in a towel for now. If it should be wrecked, does anyone know if Rogers or Apple can help me out? After all, I did just start my contract last week.
	1

Nov 25, 2012, 03:17 PM	#4
gravytrain84 macrumors 6502a Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: LA	Hope you bought insurance browski __________________
	1

Nov 25, 2012, 04:49 PM	#16
AutoUnion39 macrumors 6502a Join Date: Jun 2010	lol, post pics OP __________________ rMBP 15 2.3 i7/16gb/256 SSD\| MacBook Air (Late 2011) 1.7 i5/4gb/128 SSD\| riPad 32gb WiFi\| TV (3rd gen)\| Airport Extreme\| iP5\|S4\|Note2
	2

Nov 26, 2012, 07:53 AM	#23
FlatlinerG macrumors 6502 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Ontario, Canada	Am I the only one who wants pics? __________________ Late 2011 MBP 13", Early 2009 20" iMac 2TB Time Capsule, 2nd Gen AppleTV 16GB Black iPhone 5, 32GB Black iPad 2 ...and many more.
	0

Nov 26, 2012, 08:28 AM	#25
dictoresno macrumors 6502a Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: NJ	i doubt the thinner damaged the internals, electronically. water wouldve done worse damage. however, the thinner can weaken and corrode thin plastics i think. the screen may have taken a hit too. however, it dries extremely fast and likely is dry inside now, depending on how long its been set out. have you tried to power it on? __________________ Verizon iPhone 5 32GB Black iPad Mini 16GB Black iPod Touch 4th Generation 64GB
	0

Nov 25, 2012, 03:12 PM	#2
blesio macrumors regular Join Date: Jun 2011	After all you just started your contract last week and this is supposed to help you? Unfortunately damages like that aren't covered under warranty.
	4

Nov 25, 2012, 03:34 PM	#5
Applejuiced macrumors Demi-God Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: At the iPhone hacks section.	Or you can pay the out of warranty fee and get it replaced.
	3

Nov 25, 2012, 03:46 PM	#6
Kenjhee macrumors regular Join Date: Jan 2011	Sorry about that. Don't have any advice, buy maybe you can help the rest of us. Some of us think the chamfered edges of the iPhone are painted, different from the broad anodized areas. Paint thinner may of course affected these parts, and not the anodized areas. Can you examine these beveled strips and tell us what you think? Thank you!
	4

Nov 25, 2012, 03:57 PM	#7
reclusive46 macrumors 6502a Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: England	You didn't happen to buy it on an American Express or anything did you? I know on my UK Amex its covered for 90 days for things like this.
	1

Nov 25, 2012, 03:59 PM	#8
swervinsuburban macrumors regular Join Date: Nov 2012	If the phone still physically works you can get phone insurance if your carrier offers it you just have to make at least on phone call after to make it work or you can get AppleCare+ and just pay the deductible
	1

Nov 25, 2012, 04:20 PM	#11
LaynieGorilla macrumors regular Join Date: Jan 2011	You can sign up for apple care over the phone .. Then take it to store and pay the $50 deductible for water damage
	6

Nov 25, 2012, 04:23 PM	#12
w00t951 macrumors 68000 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Seoul/Pittsburgh	Did your iPhone get... Thinner?
	14

Nov 25, 2012, 04:34 PM	#13
darster macrumors 65816 Join Date: Aug 2011	If it was removing the coating on the outside of the phone, just imagine what it is doing on the inside. Wrapping it in a towel only makes it worse as it is trapping in the moisture.
	2

Nov 25, 2012, 04:42 PM	#15
smoge macrumors regular Join Date: Jun 2011	Any portables dropped in water you are meant to use a hoover to get the water out so you could try that. Also I believe apple give you 30 days to buy apple care+ (witch covers accidental damage) I would go to an apple store and buy apple care+ for you phone (if you are able to) don't tell them you dropped it in paint thinner, then in a week or two, if your phone dies apple will replace it.
	2

Nov 26, 2012, 07:13 AM	#19
ReallyBigFeet macrumors 68020 Join Date: Apr 2010	Don't know about AppleCare + coverage but SquareTrade covers accidents. I ha a phone replaced for free with same after an accident ruined it (dropped mine into a boiling vat of soup....slipped out of shirt pocket as I leaned over same). But if OP had no such insurance, you have two choices: -Plead with either Apple or Rogers for mercy. Apple MAY offer you a refurb at the "repair replacement" price of $199 US. -Attempt to self-repair. But I'm betting the whole thing is toast. Good luck, sorry.
	1

Nov 26, 2012, 07:48 AM	#22
crezo macrumors newbie Join Date: Jan 2009	to be honest I would be EXTREMELY careful about still using the phone, especially when plugged in. Bearing in mind how hot iPhones get when charging, and the fact that paint thinner is you know... kinda flammable... I would think there is a significant risk of remnants of the thinner sparking up (and I don't mean smoking a fatty). So be SERIOUSLY careful about where you leave it overnight to charge if you hang on to it. Hopefully it will have all evaporated by now, but still!
	0

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