If it hasn't happened to you, it's happened to someone you know: a cellphone accidentally dropped into a toilet or sink.

If you have the courage to fish it out of the toilet ( it's highly recommended you don't try to flush it down), what should you do after you're left with a sopping wet smartphone – after scrubbing your hands clean, that is?

Well, before you ditch it and pay your carrier (or confront your boss) for a new one, there are some simple things you can do to save money – and embarrassment.

Here are the steps:

Step 1: Take the device out of the water as soon as possible. The longer it is under water, the less likely you can fix it.

Step 2: Don't turn on the device to see if it still works, as you can damage the smartphone by short-circuiting it.

Step 3: Make sure the phone is off and take out each of the components, such as the battery, memory card and SIM card.

Step 4: Lightly towel dry the phone and each of the components. Leave the back cover off.

Step 5: Contrary to what you might think, don't use a hairdryer on the phone and components (not even with the "cold" air option), as this can further push moisture into areas that aren't wet.

Step 6: Here's the important one: Take a bowl or Ziploc bag of uncooked rice and submerge the phone and all components. Leave it overnight. The rice will absorb any remaining moisture. Even better than rice, if you have it, is a desiccant packet you might find with a new pair of shoes, a leather purse, and so on; place it in a Ziploc bag with the phone and its components and leave it for 8 to 10 hours.

Step 7: If your phone does not work a day later, try plugging it into its charger - without the battery - and see if it'll work. If it does, you'll only need to replace the battery.

Step 8: If it still doesn't work, bring your phone to an authorized dealer in your neighbourhood and explain what happened (believe me, they've heard it all) and ask if they could help.

Good luck!