Thumb Drive Gone Through A Hot Wash Cycle!!!

[RSDonovan]

Hi

I just ran an 16Gb "Connect" thumb drive through a 40 degree wash cycle! What is the likelihood that it will still work (after I've left it to dry out)?

I'm scared to try it in my computer in case it blows the USB port!

Has anyone else done this, and if so, with what effect?

Cheers!

[jakep]

Excuse my lack of knowledge please. Is it the same as a memory stick? If so, my husband left one in the pocket of his jeans. 40 degree wash and then a hot tumble dry!
It worked fine and still does.

[RSDonovan]

Yes indeed it is a memory stick! Glad your husband's is OK and hope mine will be!

How long after the event did he leave it to dry out?

Thanks for you help

[stuey]

Place it in a ZipLoc bag of rice and leave it for for a day or two. The rice should absorb most of the water.

[jakep]

Well it had been in the tumble. I think he tried it a couple of days later and I know it worked immediately. Thank goodness!

[Old_Geezer]

stuey's advice is likely to be good. I've heard it said that's the way to treat submerged mobile phones. Probably good to keep it somewhere warm such as an airing cupboard too.

In the end though I doubt anyone knows the likelihood and you can only try it and see when it dries out.

[Old_Geezer]

No doubt it was all backed up anyway.

[mikey4444]

Try leaving it in the airing cupboard for a couple of days. This should provide the gentle drying that may be needed ! But as long as its not still wet, I can't see that using it in your computer, to try it, can do any harm.

Let us know what the result is please !

[Hypognosis]

USB socket has 5V on one of the terminals. If this shorts across to a data-only terminal, it will probably fry a chip - either inside the stick or inside your PC. So thourough drying and check for salt deposits.

If memory sticks have their internal circuit board embedded in resin, this might explain the success stories described here but I'm talking about moisture and/or salt bridging contacts on the socket section.

[RSDonovan]

Follower the advice regarding rice and Ziploc bag, put bag in airing cupboard for 36 hours, USB drive worked perfectly!

Thanks for all your help!

The files were backed up as Old_Geezer suggested, but |I wouldn't have known what files and folders were on there, which leads me to another question!

I don't know how to link questions but if you want to see it I'm sure you'll be able to get to it via my profile.

Thanks again