A water-damaged TV remote is a frequent issue that many encounter. It happens when the remote is exposed to water, be it through accidental spills or submersion, leading the remote to not function properly. Thankfully, a number of repair options exist that may prevent the need for immediate replacement.
Firstly, take out the batteries from the damp remote and carefully wipe down the outside using a cloth. Next, place it in a bowl of dry, raw rice for 24-48 hours to draw out the moisture. If moisture persists, consider cleaning the circuit board with isopropyl alcohol or using a hairdryer set to a cool temperature. If these approaches fail, it could be time to think about getting a new remote or a compatible universal remote for your devices.
This article will look at the top remedies for a water-damaged TV remote, covering precautions and alternatives, whether for a Samsung or a Sony TV remote.
Our tips include resetting the remote, checking for obstructions, repairing visible damage, and more. These fixes will help you revive your remote and get back to enjoying your favorite shows and movies in no time!
| Method | Steps | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|
| Remove the batteries | 1. Remove batteries 2. Dry remote control for 24 hours 3. Insert fresh batteries | Effective for preventing further damage, but may not fix extensive damage |
| Air-dry the remote | 1. Remove batteries 2. Dry remote control for 24 hours 3. Insert fresh batteries | Effective for drying out the remote control, but may not fix extensive damage |
| Put it in a bag of rice | 1. Remove batteries 2. Place the remote control in a sealable plastic bag with silica gel packets 3. Wait for 24 hours 4. Dry the remote control 5. Insert fresh batteries | 1. Remove batteries 2. Place the remote control in a sealable plastic bag with silica gel packets 3. Wait for 24 hours 4. Dry the remote control 5. Insert fresh batteries |
| Effectiveness is disputed; it may not remove moisture from deep inside the remote control | 1. Remove batteries 2. Place remote control in a sealable plastic bag with silica gel packets 3. Wait for 24 hours 4. Dry the remote control 5. Insert fresh batteries | Effective for drying out the remote control, suitable for preventing further damage |
Top Fixes for Wet TV Remote
Following are the top Fixes for Wet TV Remote:
1. Remove the Batteries and Dry the Remote:
The battery compartment becomes the most vulnerable when a remote control gets wet. Water can seep into the compartment and cause the batteries to corrode, damaging the remote control. Therefore, the first step in fixing a wet remote control is removing the batteries to prevent further damage.
After removing the batteries, it’s crucial to dry the remote control thoroughly before attempting to replace them. Using a soft cloth to remove any excess water and leaving the remote control in a dry place for at least 24 hours is recommended.
Once the remote control is completely dry, fresh batteries can be inserted, and the remote control can be tested to see if it works properly. If the remote control still doesn’t work after replacing the batteries, it may have suffered more extensive damage, and professional repair or replacement may be necessary.
2. Air-dry the remote:
Another way to fix a wet remote control, air-drying can be an effective method. First, remove the batteries and use a soft cloth to remove excess water from the remote control. Then, place the remote control in a dry, well-ventilated area for at least 24 hours to air-dry completely.
Before replacing the batteries, ensure that the remote control is completely dry. If any moisture remains, it can cause the batteries to corrode, further damaging the remote control.
Once fully dries the remote control, insert new batteries and test if it functions properly. If the remote control still doesn’t work, it may have undergone more extensive damage and require professional repair or replacement.
3. Put it in a bag of rice:
Placing a wet remote control in a bag of rice is a popular home remedy to fix it. Rice is known to absorb moisture, which makes it a plausible method. However, the effectiveness of this method is disputed, as rice may not remove moisture from deep inside the remote control.
Remove the batteries and wipe away any excess water with a soft cloth to try this method. Then, place the remote control in a bag of uncooked rice and seal the bag. Leave the remote control in the rice for at least 24 hours to allow the rice to absorb any moisture.
After removing the remote control from the rice bag, ensure it’s completely dry before replacing the batteries. If any moisture remains, it can cause the batteries to corrode and damage the remote control.
4. Use a silica gel packet:
When a remote control gets wet, taking quick action is essential to avoid potential damage. While removing the batteries and air-drying the remote control are effective methods, using a silica gel packet is another option that can be just as effective.
Silica gel packets contain small beads of silica that absorb moisture, making them ideal for drying out wet electronics. To use this method, remove excess water with a soft cloth and remove the batteries.
Then, place the remote control in a sealable plastic bag with one or more silica gel packets. Seal the bag tightly and leave it for at least 24 hours to allow the silica gel to absorb moisture.
Alternatives and Precautions to Using the Remote
Following are some alternatives and precautions to using the remote that has gotten wet:
1. Use a universal remote:
One of the simplest and most effective precautions to prevent your remote control from getting wet is to keep it away from liquids. This may seem obvious, but accidents can happen, and even a small amount of fluid can cause damage to your remote control.
Keep your remote control away from any drinks or other liquids that could spill or splash onto it. If you have young children or pets in your home, keeping your remote control out of their reach is especially important to avoid accidental spills or chew marks.
Use a smartphone app:
Another alternative solution to a wet remote control is to use a smartphone app as a remote control.
A smartphone app can control many televisions, cable boxes, and other electronic devices. These apps are typically free and can be downloaded to your smartphone from your app store.
To use a smartphone app as a remote control, you must connect your phone to your device using a Wi-Fi network or Bluetooth. Once connected, the app can be used to control your device just like a traditional remote control.
2. Use a remote control holder:
Using a remote control holder is a great precautionary measure to help prevent your remote control from getting wet in the first place. A remote control holder is a container designed to hold your remote control when you’re not using it.
Keeping your remote control in a holder when you’re not using it can help protect it from accidental spills or water damage. Depending on your preferences, you can choose from various holder designs, including wall-mounted or tabletop holders.
Another benefit of using a remote control holder is that it can help keep your remote control from getting lost or misplaced. With a designated spot for your remote control, you’ll always know where to find it when you need it.
3. Keep it away from liquids:
One of the simplest and most effective precautions to prevent your remote control from getting wet is to keep it away from liquids. This may seem obvious, but accidents can happen, and even a small amount of fluid can cause damage to your remote control.
When using your remote control, be sure to keep it away from any drinks or other liquids that could spill or splash onto it. If you have young children or pets in your home, keeping your remote control out of their reach is especially important to avoid accidental spills or chew marks.
Water damaged remote control, possible to repair?
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Moreover, you can check the video below for further fixes:
FAQS
Can you use a hairdryer as a fix for the wet remote?
Using a hairdryer to fix a wet remote control is generally not recommended, as the heat from the hairdryer can cause damage to the electronic components of the remote control.
The heat can also cause the plastic casing of the remote control to warp or melt, further damaging the device. It’s best to use gentler methods like air-drying or wiping the remote control with a soft cloth to remove any excess water.
How to fix a firestick remote that got wet?
If your Firestick remote has encountered water damage, your first step should be to prevent further damage by removing the batteries. Then, use a soft cloth or paper towel to wipe the remote clean and dry it, paying extra attention to the battery compartment. If the remote is still damp, use a hair dryer set to low heat to aid in drying.
Allow the remote to air dry for several hours before replacing and testing the batteries. If the remote continues to malfunction, it may be necessary to purchase a new one.
How do I fix an unresponsive remote?
When your remote fails to respond, it can be frustrating. However, there’re several steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem. Begin by replacing the batteries and correctly inserting them into the remote.
If the issue persists, try resetting the remote by pressing and holding the power button for at least ten seconds. Additionally, check for any obstructions between the remote and the device, such as furniture or walls.
Conclusion
- Fixing a wet TV remote requires removing the batteries and drying the remote thoroughly.
- Air-drying and using a bag of rice or silica gel packets are effective ways to dry the remote.
- To prevent this issue, it’s best to keep the remote control away from liquids and use a remote control holder.
- If the remote control cannot be fixed, using a smartphone app or a universal remote can be an alternative solution.
- Taking these precautions and following these fixes ensures your TV remote control stays dry and functional.
- So, next time your remote gets wet, don’t panic. Just follow these steps to get it back in working condition.
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