What to Do If Your Garage Door Remote Gets Wet

A garage door remote is one of the most convenient devices in a modern home. With the press of a button, you can open or close one of the largest entry points to your property. However, like any small electronic gadget, a remote is vulnerable to water. Whether it has been dropped in a puddle, soaked in the rain, or accidentally put through the washing machine, water exposure can quickly cause problems.

Many UK homeowners face this issue at some point, and the good news is that getting a remote wet does not always mean it is ruined. If you act quickly and carefully, there is often a chance to save it. This guide explains step by step what to do if your garage door remote gets wet, how to prevent long-term damage, and when replacement is the better option.

Why water damages garage door remotes

Garage door remotes are made of plastic casings that house delicate electronic circuits, a battery, and buttons. When water gets inside, it can cause immediate short circuits or longer-term corrosion.

• Short circuits occur when water creates a bridge between electrical contacts that were not meant to connect. This can cause the remote to malfunction or stop working entirely.
• Corrosion happens when water lingers on metal contacts or circuit boards, leading to gradual degradation that prevents proper operation.
• Battery damage is also a concern, as moisture can cause batteries to leak or corrode, which spreads further damage inside the casing.

The level of risk depends on how much water entered the remote, how long it was exposed, and how quickly you respond.

Step 1: Act quickly

The most important thing you can do when your remote gets wet is to act fast. The longer water sits inside, the greater the chance of permanent damage. Do not press any buttons while the remote is wet, as this can push water further inside and cause short circuits.

Remove the remote from the water immediately and prepare to dry it thoroughly.

Step 2: Remove the battery

Open the remote’s casing carefully and remove the battery straight away. This prevents electrical current from flowing through wet circuits and reduces the risk of short circuits.

Inspect the battery for any signs of damage such as rust, bubbling, or leakage. If you see any, dispose of it safely and plan to replace it with a new one once the remote is dry. Do not reuse a battery that shows signs of corrosion, as it can damage the remote even if the electronics are intact.

Step 3: Dry the casing and visible parts

Use a clean dry cloth or paper towel to wipe down the exterior and interior of the casing. Gently dab away as much moisture as possible without pressing water deeper into the components. If available, use cotton buds to dry corners and small spaces.

Do not use excessive heat such as a hair dryer on high setting, as this can warp the plastic or damage components. A low gentle flow of warm air is acceptable if kept at a safe distance.

Step 4: Let the internal parts dry completely

After wiping, the next step is to allow the remote to dry thoroughly. There are several methods homeowners can use:

• Air drying: Place the open remote in a warm, dry area for at least 24 to 48 hours.
• Absorbent drying: Place the remote in a bowl of uncooked rice or silica gel packets to draw out remaining moisture.
• Dehumidifier use: If you own a dehumidifier, place the remote nearby to speed up drying.

Whichever method you choose, patience is key. Do not reinsert the battery until you are confident that all moisture has evaporated.

Step 5: Clean contacts if needed

If you see any signs of corrosion on the metal contacts or circuit board, clean them gently. A small amount of isopropyl alcohol on a cotton bud can remove corrosion and restore conductivity. Be careful not to use too much liquid, as the aim is to clean rather than soak.

If corrosion is extensive, the remote may not recover and replacement may be necessary.

Step 6: Reassemble and test

Once completely dry, reinsert a fresh battery and reassemble the casing. Test the remote by standing near your garage and pressing the button. If the door responds, you have successfully salvaged the device.

If the remote still does not work, repeat the drying process for a further 24 hours in case hidden moisture remains. If there is still no response after this, the internal circuits may be too damaged to repair.

When replacement is necessary

Not all remotes can be saved. If your remote does not respond after thorough drying, or if the buttons feel sticky and unresponsive, it may be beyond repair. Water can cause invisible internal damage that is difficult to fix without specialist equipment.

In these cases, the safest solution is to replace the remote. Most UK homeowners can purchase a new genuine remote for their motor brand or use a reputable universal alternative if official remotes are no longer available.

Replacement is also necessary if the remote was submerged for an extended period, such as being put through a washing machine cycle. The pressure and detergent make recovery unlikely.

Preventing water damage in the future

While accidents happen, there are practical steps you can take to reduce the risk of future water damage.

Store remotes securely

Avoid leaving remotes in places where they can easily get wet, such as coat pockets during heavy rain or on dashboards exposed to condensation. If you keep a remote in your car, ensure it is in a compartment rather than on the visor where it may be exposed to damp.

Use protective covers

Silicone covers or waterproof key fob pouches are available for many remote models. These provide an extra barrier against splashes and spills without interfering with the signal.

Avoid carrying remotes loosely

If you carry your remote in a bag or pocket, keep it separate from liquids such as water bottles or drinks. Even small leaks can cause damage if unnoticed.

Have spares available

Keeping a spare remote in a safe dry place ensures you are not left without access if one becomes damaged. If one gets wet, you can continue using the spare while you attempt to salvage or replace the affected remote.

Security considerations if a remote is lost to water damage

If your remote is completely ruined by water, you may be tempted to throw it away. However, consider security before disposing of it. Even if it no longer works, the circuit may still store your opener’s code.

For peace of mind, clear all remotes from your motor’s memory and reprogramme only the ones you still use. This ensures that even if someone retrieved the damaged remote, it would no longer provide access.

Common myths about wet remotes

Myth 1: Putting a remote in rice will always fix it

Rice can help absorb moisture, but it is not a guaranteed solution. Proper drying and patience are more important.

Myth 2: Hair dryers are the best option

Using a hair dryer on a high heat setting can warp plastic and damage electronics. Gentle airflow is safer.

Myth 3: Pressing buttons helps release water

Pressing buttons while the remote is wet pushes water deeper inside and increases the chance of short circuits.

Myth 4: If it works immediately after getting wet, it is fine

Even if the remote works right away, corrosion can develop over time if it is not properly dried and cleaned.

Practical examples

A homeowner in Leeds dropped their garage door remote into a puddle. They quickly removed the battery, dried the casing with a towel, and left it in a bowl of rice for two days. After replacing the battery, the remote worked perfectly again.

Another homeowner in Manchester accidentally put their remote through a washing machine. Despite drying, the remote never recovered. They replaced it with a genuine manufacturer remote, reprogrammed the motor, and disposed of the damaged device securely.

These examples show that while some wet remotes can be saved, others are beyond repair depending on the circumstances.

Final thoughts

Water and electronics rarely mix well, but getting a garage door remote wet does not always mean disaster. Acting quickly by removing the battery, drying thoroughly, and cleaning contacts can often save the device. However, if the damage is too severe, replacing the remote is usually the most practical solution.

For UK homeowners, prevention is the best strategy. Store remotes securely, consider protective covers, and keep spares available. If one is permanently damaged, remember to clear your motor’s memory to maintain security.

By following these steps, you can minimise the impact of accidents and keep your garage door system reliable and safe.