Whether it’s your wallet, keys, or, most tragically, your phone, the portable toilet is the last possible place you want to drop something. But don’t panic just yet—before you mentally prepare for a phone sacrifice, let’s walk through the steps to deal with the disaster, and most importantly, how to prevent it from happening in the first place.
Step 1: Stay Calm—It’s Not the End of the World
First things first, breathe. Yes, your phone is now in a less-than-ideal location, but this is not the apocalypse. Panicking won’t help, and it definitely won’t make your phone any cleaner.
Take a deep breath, and step back to assess the situation. Ask yourself: “Can I retrieve it?” and “What are the risks involved?” In most cases, if you’re careful and follow some simple guidelines, you’ll be able to get your phone back without too much drama.
Step 2: Don’t Reach In Barehanded
It might sound obvious, but in the heat of the moment, you might be tempted to just reach in and grab your phone. Please—don’t. Even if you can see it clearly and it seems easy to reach, the porta potty’s contents are not exactly the kind of thing you want to touch with your bare hands.
If your phone is still in the unit and hasn’t fallen into a perilous, undetectable position, use a tool—like a long stick, a coat hanger, or even a small shovel—to try to hook it or pull it to a more accessible spot. If you have a friend with you, ask them to help you with the retrieval process. That said, if the phone has fallen too deep or into a hazardous area that’s hard to reach, it may be time to reevaluate the situation.
Step 3: If You’re Really in a Bind, Call for Help
If the phone is stuck in an inaccessible place, or if it’s in the “hazard zone” (let’s be honest, we all know where the danger zone is), don’t try to be a hero and risk more contamination or injury. It’s better to call for help.
If the porta potty is on a construction site or at an event, there may be staff nearby who can assist you. In many cases, a trained employee or professional can provide the necessary equipment or service to retrieve your phone, or at least assess the situation and determine the safest way to proceed. It’s definitely better than trying to dive in headfirst and end up making things worse.
Step 4: Assess Whether Your Phone Is Still Usable
Once your phone has been retrieved (or once you’ve accepted that it’s really gone), it’s time to figure out whether it’s still usable. Even if your phone has survived the drop, there’s a chance it could be damaged by the environment. Let’s look at how to assess the damage:
- Inspect for Visible Damage: Check for cracks in the screen, damage to the casing, or any external issues. The less water or mess on your phone’s exterior, the better.
- Wipe it Off Immediately: As soon as you’ve got it in your hands (or even before), use a wet wipe or alcohol wipe to clean off as much of the mess as possible. If you don’t have sanitizing wipes on hand, use paper towels, toilet paper, or any clean cloth you can find.
- Disinfecting Is Essential: After removing the visible grime, disinfect your phone thoroughly. You’ll want to kill any germs that may have transferred during the retrieval process. You can use an alcohol-based sanitizer or alcohol wipes to gently clean the device—this will also help dry off the phone if it’s damp.
- Dry It Properly: If your phone has fallen into liquid or wet areas (or if you accidentally dropped it into the bowl), you’ll need to dry it thoroughly. If your phone isn’t waterproof, place it in a bag of uncooked rice (or silica gel packets, if available) for 24-48 hours. These substances absorb moisture and can help dry out the internal components, which may prevent long-term damage.
- Test the Phone: After drying, power it on and see if it’s functioning. Test the touchscreen, buttons, camera, and speakers. If you’re lucky, everything might be just fine. If it’s not working, it might be time to look into getting it repaired or replaced.
Step 5: Prevent Future Incidents
Now that you’ve survived the disaster, you’ll probably want to do everything you can to ensure that your phone doesn’t take another unplanned dive into a porta potty in the future. Here are a few preventative tips:
- Use a Lanyard or Wrist Strap: If you’re at a festival, event, or construction site, and you know you’ll be using your phone in the restroom, consider attaching a wrist strap or lanyard. This gives you an added layer of security so if your phone slips, you can grab it before it falls.
- Place Your Phone in Your Pocket: When you’re using a porta potty, the easiest and most effective thing you can do is secure your phone in your pocket. It may seem obvious, but it’s surprising how many people keep their phone in hand or precariously perched on the ledge while using the restroom. Keep it in your pocket or bag to ensure it stays safe.
- Invest in a Waterproof Case: If you’re frequently in situations where your phone might be exposed to wet environments, consider investing in a high-quality waterproof case. While this won’t save your phone from falling into the toilet, it can prevent serious water damage if the phone comes into contact with liquid. Some cases even offer additional shockproof protection in case of drops.
- Use the Porta Potty With Caution: Many porta potties have a designated shelf or ledge for holding your personal items. Use this space wisely. Don’t leave your phone perched too close to the edge—this is a common place where phones and other items tend to slip and fall. If you can’t find a safe spot to place your phone, consider holding it in your hand until you’re finished.
Final Thoughts: A Porta Potty Experience You Won’t Forget
Dropping your phone in a porta potty is undeniably one of life’s more cringeworthy moments. But it’s also a reminder that sometimes the unexpected happens, and all you can do is take a deep breath, deal with it as best as you can, and laugh about it later (preferably in a safe, dry space). With a bit of caution, some basic hygiene practices, and a few preventative steps, you can minimize the chances of your phone taking another plunge—and keep your outdoor event, project, or experience running smoothly.
Just remember: while a porta potty might be temporary, the lessons you learn from this kind of disaster? Well, those are truly unforgettable!
