Will the car key be damaged if soaked in the washing machine?
2 Answers
Generally, the car key can still be used after being dried if soaked in the washing machine. Ventilation and drying: Place the car key in a well-ventilated and dry area to air dry. Avoid pressing any buttons on the key, as the key contains a battery and circuit board, and pressing the buttons may cause electronic malfunctions. You can open the car key and wipe off the water inside. Wipe the battery: Use a dry cloth or tissue to clean the surface. If you have replaced the battery before, you can disassemble the key's outer shell, remove the battery, and use absorbent tissue to wipe off any internal moisture. Cold air drying: Use a hairdryer with cold air to dry the key. Do not use hot air, as the circuit board inside the key should not be overheated. Alternatively, you can wrap the key in a breathable bag and place it in a dry rice container, as rice is dry and can absorb moisture effectively.
I accidentally washed my car keys in the washing machine a while ago, and my heart was in my mouth when I took them out. Most modern car keys have electronic chips and circuit boards, and water will definitely seep in and cause a short circuit. Especially with the tumbling force of the washing machine and the corrosive nature of detergents, the plastic casing may crack, and the battery contacts may oxidize and rust. After drying, the buttons on my smart key stopped working, and I ended up spending over 400 yuan to replace it. My advice is to immediately remove the key, take out the battery, blow it with the cold air setting of a hair dryer for half an hour, and then leave it in a rice bucket to absorb moisture for three days. Even if the remote function is restored, don’t take it lightly—it’s best to go to a professional auto repair shop to check if the spare key slot has been exposed to water.
