Almost everyone has encountered something unimaginable: your smartphone lands in the toilet. Or, you forgot to take off your smartwatch before jumping into the pool. Or, maybe you plan to remove these earplugs from your pocket before you do laundry. What now?

Internet forums are full of suggestions that can dry out that wet device, but problematic myths about liquid protection and repair make it difficult for consumers to separate facts from fiction.

I am a researcher who studies how technology plays a role in people’s daily practice and experience. My new book, Spill License: Where Dry Equipment Is Fitting Liquid Life, explores how people view and deal with the wet-dry boundaries of electronic devices.

Here are five common myths about wet equipment:

Misunderstanding 1: My device is back on! very good

While it is a relief to see your technology rise from the dead, what you don’t see is the delicate processes that happen internally, such as corrosion. Crashing of metal parts of equipment usually occurs over time due to moisture, which can occur within days, weeks or months after the breach.

This is why wet climates or wet showers have long-term effects, despite the fact that it starts immediately after a splash or dunk.

My Misunderstanding 2: My "waterproof" device can tolerate any moisture

The term "waterproof" is a controversial - in fact, it is controversial that the Federal Trade Commission has strict regulations on advertisements using the term, even once it is banned from selling watches in ad copies.

Given the ambiguity of the term, it is best to check different waterproof standards such as admission protection, IP, ratings and MIL-SPEC, or in the case of a watch and read about the exquisite prints that these standards actually cover.

Myth 3: My device has a great IP rating, so it was tested in reality

Companies often promote IP ratings as a way to attract consumers to buy their products, but it is important to know that these ratings are based on contact with freshwater. If you are concerned about a jacuzzi or beer can, there is no guarantee that the manufacturer has tested your device in these cases (usually sticky) and that the IP rating will not consider them.

Misunderstanding 4: I ate some rice in the kitchen. I can fix it myself!

When a spill or dunk occurs, it is natural to panic and find the fastest home solution, and a cup of rice is still the usual choice.

However, rice hacking is not working very well, and rice particles can enter the equipment to cause further damage. Apart from bringing the device to a professional repairman, you'd better lower the product immediately, remove its battery and plug if you can, and let all components dry in a day or two.

Misunderstanding 5: Well, this device is broken, but I have guaranteed that I can replace it

When you pull the product out of its water’s grave, you may find it comes with a warranty. Not so fast.

Most traditional consumer technology limited warranty does not cover liquid damage. Today, you usually need to purchase an additional warranty, often referred to as accidental damage. Beware, though: Even these policies may limit how much humidity you allow each year “events” or “events”.

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Stay realistic

Waterproofing on devices such as laptops, tablets, smartphones and smartwatches has improved recently, but the decks are still often stacked on consumers who must involve advertising claims, mysterious classification systems and punishment policies.

This is why manufacturers must think carefully and ethically about the design, sales and service of their products. When it comes to design, waterproofing is no longer a niche feature that is only suitable for industrial workers or outdoor adventurers. While it is unrealistic to expect devices designed to resist every hazard, it is unreasonable to require consumers to provide access to critical resources and social support around these products.

It is important for manufacturers to avoid the hopeful consumer moon. Samsung Australia, for example, paid a $14 million fine for exaggerating its protection of mobile phone swimming. It must be fun to watch ads with Lil Wayne, or to see him soaking his smartphone in a fish tank, but if manufacturers suggest opposing these practices, they shouldn't romanticize them.

Of course, your phone shouldn't be bathing in champagne, which is probably common sense. However, from showers, kitchens to gyms and beaches, life has been happening around and around our equipment. This means that, as promoted by the right to repair campaign, policies around repair are more fair, ensuring that consumers should be stopped from being treated “bad” users.

After all, each of us is crying away from the spilled milk.