How Long Should a Wet Car Key Be Left in Rice?
2 Answers
Car keys must be completely dry before they can be used again after getting wet, which typically takes at least a few days. Here are some methods for dealing with a wet car key: Use a hair dryer on the cold setting: Blow dry the key with a hair dryer on the cold setting—avoid using warm air as the internal circuit board is not suitable for high temperatures. Alternatively, place the key in a thin, breathable bag and then into a container of highly absorbent rice. Wipe the surface: After the key gets wet, first wipe the surface. If possible, open the casing, remove the battery, and use highly absorbent paper towels to dry the internal components.
Last time I dropped my car key in the pool, I disassembled the casing to remove the battery and directly put it in a rice container. I left it there for a full 48 hours before daring to take it out, even changing the rice twice in between. Actually, the required time depends on the extent of water exposure—light rain might only need 24 hours, but severe submersion could require up to three days. Rice has limited moisture-absorbing capabilities; if the rice clumps together after removing the key, it means it has absorbed plenty of water. Some people rush to dry it with a hairdryer, only to end up with deformed plastic buttons, which is even more troublesome. Don’t forget to replace the battery after drying—many malfunctions are actually caused by uncleaned battery leakage. Later, I prepared silica gel desiccant, which works much faster than rice.
