I accidentally left an Insignia Bluetooth universal adapter in my shorts. It went through the washing machine and then made it into the dryer before I noticed. Now it won't power on. Is there anything I can do to clean or dry it out and possibly recover it, or should I replace it?
2 Answers
Stop trying to power it on and let it dry completely for at least a day or two. If you can safely open the case, disconnect any battery, and clean out detergent residue with distilled water or electronics-grade isopropyl alcohol, then leave it somewhere warm and well ventilated. Don’t rely on rice—it doesn’t remove corrosion or detergent very well. Since it also went through the dryer, the heat may have caused permanent damage, so replacement is probably the practical option.
These adapters are usually inexpensive, and a full wash-and-dry cycle is rough on small electronics. You can give it a thorough cleaning and drying attempt, but if it remains completely dead afterward, buying another one will likely be easier and cheaper than repairing it.
If it was powered on while still wet, a short circuit may already have damaged the board. Drying it is still worth trying, but I wouldn’t expect much.