Washed the TV remote control in the washing machine

Everything from a passport and money to a smartphone and keys can be accidentally washed in the washing machine. A TV remote control is often thrown in with the clothes. A device soaked in soapy water may continue to operate normally after the cycle ends, or it may simply stop working. In any case, the damaged remote control must be disassembled and all water damage removed. We'll discuss how to do this and the chances of success in detail.

Initial actions

If you washed your TV remote control with your laundry, there's a chance it can be revived. Typically, the chances of a repair depend on how long you soaked the remote control in the soapy water. The less time the device spends in the drum, the more effective the repair will be. If you notice a TV remote control in your washing machine, don't wait until the cycle is finished. Here's a different approach:

• we forcefully stop the cycle by pressing the “Start/Stop” button;
• we launch the drain program;
• we wait until the drum is empty;
• After the door is automatically unlocked, open the hatch and take out the remote control.

Most often, the problem is only noticed at the end of the cycle, after the washing machine has washed, rinsed, and spun the items. In this case, don't hesitate – immediately open the battery compartment on the remote control, remove the batteries, and fill the "insides" with an alcohol-based solution. Detailed instructions are below.

We are trying to restore functionality

The remote control will be "reanimated" in any case, even if washing it in a washing machine didn't affect its functionality. Contact with water will sooner or later show its signs: the terminals will oxidize, the circuit board will fail, and the remote control will break. It's better not to risk it and try to fix the problem. The instructions for restoring the remote control after "water treatment" are quite simple. The sequence is as follows:

• open the battery compartment;
• remove the batteries and throw them away (wet batteries are unsafe to use);
• unscrew the bolts securing the body;
• open the latches and disassemble the remote control (an old plastic card inserted into the seam will make this task easier);
• get the keyboard;
• release the microcircuit without removing the sensor connected to it.

Batteries that have been in water cannot be used – they must be disposed of only!

The most common problem is disassembling the housing. Some models can be easily removed with a credit card or tweezers, while others require a Phillips-head screwdriver. If you don't have a Phillips-head screwdriver handy, you can use the tip of a knife or a bobby pin. If the back cover of the remote control is slightly recessed, you need to pry it up along the joints. Use a blade carefully to avoid scratching the surface of the remote control.

We must not forget about safety precautions. When working with screwdrivers and knives, it is necessary to use thick work gloves, especially if you have problems with fine motor skills. To reduce the risk of cuts, it's recommended to use blunt blades with curved tips. The next step after disassembling is to treat the board with alcohol. It's important to strike a balance: thoroughly wet the chip without flooding it. Also, generously spray the keyboard with cologne or vodka. You can completely soak the keyboard in the alcohol solution for a few seconds.

The alcohol-soaked board and keyboard are dried naturally. Ideally, the components are placed on newspaper half a meter from the radiator or left in a dry room for eight hours. Avoid using a hair dryer to speed up the drying process—direct hot air will damage the contacts and damage the electronics. If, despite all these steps, the remote control still dies after washing, don't despair. A new remote control is inexpensive, and some models are universal and will fit any TV.

   

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