I accidentally spilled my glycerin-based face wash in my bag, and when I plugged in my charging cable after wiping it off, I started getting a 'liquid detected in connector' warning on my iPhone. It's been about 4 days, and the issue persists. The face wash is thick and oily, and when I shine a flashlight into the charging port, it appears shiny as if there's a glycerin film inside, rather than just dirt or lint.
I've tried letting it dry, but no luck. T Mobile doesn't clean ports, and a repair shop told me not to deal with liquid contamination. I'm looking for advice on safely removing the glycerin residue. Specifically: 1) What's the safest method to clean the charging port? 2) What tools are small enough to reach inside? 3) Is using isopropyl alcohol fine if the phone is turned off? I'm considering using a small makeup brush with alcohol, but I'm unsure if that's safe. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
4 Answers
While I'm no professional, I’ve dealt with similar issues. Glycerin doesn’t evaporate easily, so your idea of using isopropyl alcohol is spot on. A small dry brush can help soak up the residue too. Try shaking the phone gently to dislodge any liquid first. Just remember, even when the phone is off, the charging contacts can still be powered when plugged in, so proceed with caution!
If your phone's water resistance is still intact, you might just need to rinse and dry the port carefully. But, if the seals are damaged, direct washing could be risky. I’d recommend using a Q-tip with a bit of water to clean, then perhaps a toothpick to remove any stubborn residue.
Honestly, sometimes that warning might not clear up. You could try flipping the cable around; that actually worked for me once!
I've heard glycerin mixes well with solvents like isopropyl alcohol. I’d suggest using a strong rubbing alcohol (90% or more) to help break down the residue.

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