How to Clean a Phone

Disassemble, clean and dry the phone

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Photo 1: Scrub off the crud

Dip the toothbrush into the cleaning solution and gently scrub the soda residue from the push buttons and the circuit board.

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Photo 2: Dry off the parts

Shoot compressed air into the earphone jacks, mechanical switches and all over the circuit board to remove excess water.

Nobody knows who spilled the soda on the portable phone. But now the buttons are all gummed up and you can’t use it. You may have to pitch the phone and buy a new one. But first, here’s how to clean a phone and maybe save it from the recycling center.

Remove the batteries and any screws inside the battery compartment. Check for other screws holding the case together and remove them, too. Then use a butter knife to pry open the case.

Remove the entire circuit board and the silicone push buttons. Cover the speaker, microphone, earpiece and any mechanical switches with duct tape to keep them dry. Then clean all the parts with water/dishwashing detergent solution and a soft toothbrush (Photo 1).

Once you get the crud off, rinse the parts with lukewarm tap water. Blow off the excess water with compressed air (Photo 2). Remove the tape and store the circuit board and push buttons in a bag of rice for a few days. Then reassemble and try making a call. If cleaning the phone has worked, you just saved yourself some bucks. If not, you’re just out a little time.