What to Do If Your Garage Remote Gets Wet
Whether you have left your garage remote out in a rainstorm or dropped it into the backyard pool, water damage can stop the remote from working properly. Here are a few steps you can take when your garage remote gets wet to restore its function.
1. Remove the Battery
The first thing you should do is to remove the battery from the garage remote. This will help to limit the water damage that occurs in the circuits. Leave the battery cover off the remote to make the following steps more effective.
2. Use Silica Gel Packets to Dry Out the Remote
Silica gel packets often come in packaged products that need to stay dry during transit. These tiny packets soak up moisture from the environment. If you have some silica gel packets, put them in a container with the remote and push down the lid to create a seal.
3. Use White Rice
If you cannot get hold of silica gel packets, white rice is a good household alternative. Simply pour uncooked white rice over the remote and place it inside a sealed container. White rice also has the ability to soak up moisture, so it can draw the water out from the inner parts of the remote. Be sure to completely cover the remote with white rice to maximise its moisture absorbing ability.
4. Put the Remote Somewhere Warm
Place the box containing the remote and the silica gel or rice in a warm place to give it a chance to dry out. For example, you could put the box in an airing cupboard or on a shelf above a heater. If the weather is good, you could even leave it on a sunny windowsill in a room without air conditioning. Do not put the box in an oven or in the microwave to heat it up as excessive heat will damage the remote.
5. Replace the Battery
After a few days, put a new battery into the remote. Now it is time to test it out. Take the time to test all the functions several times to ensure the remote works reliably.
6. Replace the Remote
If the remote still does not work, you will need to replace it. Contact the manufacturer of your garage door to ask about a garage remote replacement. Before you confirm the order, double-check the model of your garage door to ensure you receive a compatible remote.