My cat urinated on my USB-C charger, and I accidentally connected it to my Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. The phone was powered off when I used a paper straw to clean inside the USB-C port, but there is still an odor from both the port and the charger. The "Check charger/USB port" warning remains. What is the safest way to clean the phone and get it working again?
3 Answers
If you’re comfortable doing basic cleaning, use a small amount of high-purity isopropyl alcohol—around 90% or higher—on a soft, lint-free tool, then let the port dry completely with the phone powered off. Don’t use hand sanitizer, water, or a paper straw, and don’t use heat or compressed air directly in the port. If the warning or smell remains, have a repair shop clean and inspect it.
Avoid charging through USB-C until the warning disappears. If your phone supports wireless charging, that may be a temporary way to power it while the port dries or is inspected, but replacing the contaminated cable is still necessary.
Stop connecting that charger and replace it. For the phone, power it off completely and leave the port alone to dry. Since urine can leave conductive residue, the safest option is professional cleaning or service rather than trying to disconnect the battery yourself. Don’t force anything into the port or keep testing cables while the warning is displayed.
I’ll definitely discard the charger. I’m mainly concerned about whether the residue in the phone can damage the port.