What to Do When Car Keys Are Washed in the Laundry?
4 Answers
If the key cannot be disassembled by itself, you can place it in a cool and ventilated area to dry, or use a hairdryer to dry it. Remember not to use hot air. If it is a car key that can be disassembled, use tools to take it apart. After disassembling, remove the battery and circuit board, and dry the moisture inside. If you are still concerned, you can wipe the circuit board and the contact points of the buttons with high-purity alcohol. After wiping, use the hairdryer again before reassembling it.
I accidentally washed my car key with the laundry, but experience tells me not to panic. First, quickly remove the key and avoid pressing any buttons, as water can cause a short circuit or damage the electronic components. Use a dry cloth to wipe off surface moisture, then open the back cover to remove the battery—this step is crucial to prevent internal corrosion. Next, place the key in a bag of rice or a silica gel packet to absorb moisture for at least 24 hours. After that, reinsert the battery and test the key's functionality. If it doesn't work, the circuit board might be damaged, and you'll need to visit a repair shop for diagnosis. Remember not to use a hairdryer with high heat, as it can cause deformation. Make it a habit to check your pockets before doing laundry to reduce such accidents. Also, having a spare key is important—it comes in handy if you lose or damage your primary key. Promptly addressing a water-damaged car key can save you a lot on repair costs.
I often help friends and family with similar issues. If a car key gets washed, the priority is to prevent further damage. Immediately remove the battery to avoid short circuits caused by water stains, then seal the key in a desiccant or rice bag to dry for about a day. If the buttons don't respond when checked, the motherboard might be corroded, requiring repair or replacement. Nowadays, many car keys are smart, and water damage repairs can be costly, ranging from hundreds to thousands of yuan. It's advisable to have a backup plan, such as keeping a spare in a fixed place or using a waterproof key pouch. Always check pockets before doing laundry—this habit has saved me a lot of trouble. If the key does get damaged, don’t panic; a dealership or professional locksmith can provide a replacement, though it may take some time. Protecting your car key means safeguarding your travel convenience.
Last time my car key fell into the washing machine, I immediately removed the battery and placed it in a rice bag to dry for a day. Fortunately, the functionality was restored, but it was a profound lesson. The most critical step is immediate action after water exposure - removing the battery prevents short circuits, and rice is very effective for moisture absorption. After completion, test all buttons; if any malfunction occurs, repair might be needed. For prevention, I now always check pockets before doing laundry - small oversights can lead to big troubles. After developing this habit, such accidents have become much rarer. Additionally, keeping a spare key at home provides insurance for emergencies, preventing travel delays.
