Will My Audi Car Key Work After Being Laundered?

Your Audi key fob may still work after going through the washing machine, but immediate action is critical^[1]. About 50-70% of washed key fobs can be saved if you act quickly: remove the battery immediately, rinse the circuit board with 90%+ isopropyl alcohol, and allow complete drying for 24-72 hours before testing^[2]. The longer you wait to remove the battery, the higher the chance of permanent damage from short circuits and corrosion.

What Happens Inside a Washed Key Fob

Understanding the damage mechanism helps you respond appropriately. A washing machine exposes your Audi key fob to three distinct threats that can destroy its electronics^[3]:

Water and Electrical Shorts

Even brief exposure to water can create short circuits on the circuit board while the battery remains connected^[3]. Hot water from wash cycles accelerates this damage significantly. The agitation forces water deeper into sealed areas that might otherwise stay dry during brief splashes.

Detergent Residue and Corrosion

Laundry soap leaves behind a residue that clings to metal contacts and circuit board traces^[3]. This residue corrodes battery terminals and solder joints over hours and days—even after the visible water dries. This explains why some fobs work initially after drying but fail days later.

Physical Damage

The spin cycle creates significant mechanical stress. Buttons can become sticky or unresponsive, the case may crack, and internal components can shift from their proper positions^[4].

Modern Audi key fobs do incorporate some water resistance. They typically include a rubber gasket seal around the internal components, which provides limited protection against brief moisture exposure^[5]. However, a full wash cycle overwhelms these seals completely.

Immediate Steps After Discovering the Wash

Time is critical. Follow these steps immediately upon discovering your washed Audi key^[1]:

Step 1: Remove the Battery (Within Minutes)

This is the most important step. Pressing any buttons while wet can push water deeper into the circuit board^[1].

For Audi Smart Keys (2016-2025):

1. Press the small release button to remove the emergency key blade
2. Use a small flathead screwdriver in the now-empty slot
3. Gently pry apart the two halves of the case
4. Locate and remove the CR2032 battery immediately

For Older Audi Flip Keys (2005-2015):

1. Release the flip blade
2. Find the seam along the case edge
3. Carefully pry open using a thin tool
4. Remove any batteries (some models have two CR1620 batteries)

For more details on Audi key fob types and battery replacement, see our guide on Audi Advanced Key systems.

Step 2: Rinse with Isopropyl Alcohol

This counterintuitive step is essential. High-concentration isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher) displaces water, evaporates quickly, and leaves no corrosive residue^[2].

1. Fill a small container with 90%+ isopropyl alcohol
2. Submerge the circuit board completely
3. Gently swirl for 30-60 seconds
4. Remove and shake off excess liquid

Some technicians recommend using a soft toothbrush to gently scrub visible residue while submerged^[6]. This removes detergent deposits that cause delayed corrosion.

Step 3: Dry Thoroughly

Proper drying takes longer than most people expect^[2]:

Effective drying methods:

• Silica gel packets in a sealed container (24-48 hours)
• Open air in a warm, dry location (48-72 hours)
• Low heat from a desk lamp (not direct sunlight)

Methods to avoid:

• Hair dryers (can warp plastic and push moisture deeper)^[3]
• Rice (ineffective and small particles can enter the fob)^[3]
• Microwave (will destroy electronics)
• Direct sunlight (can warp or discolor the case)

Testing Your Dried Key Fob

After a minimum of 24-48 hours drying time—ideally 72 hours for full wash cycles—test your Audi key fob^[2]:

Install a Fresh Battery

Always use a new battery for testing, even if your old battery tested good before the wash^[7]. Water exposure can damage batteries in ways that don’t show on simple voltage tests. One owner reported their key battery showed normal voltage but the key only worked after installing a brand new battery^[7].

Test All Functions

Check each function systematically:

Function	Test Method	Pass/Fail
Lock	Press from 15 feet away	Doors lock, lights flash
Unlock	Press from 15 feet away	Doors unlock, mirrors unfold
Panic	Press and hold	Horn sounds, lights flash
Trunk	Press or hold (model-dependent)	Trunk releases
Proximity unlock	Approach with key in pocket	Door handles unlock on touch
Engine start	Hold fob to steering column, press start	Engine starts

Interpreting Results

All functions work: Your key likely survived. Monitor it over the next few weeks for intermittent failures that could indicate ongoing corrosion.

Works intermittently: Internal corrosion is present but not complete^[1]. The key may fail completely soon. Consider professional cleaning or replacement.

No functions work: The circuit board sustained severe damage. Replacement is necessary, though the immobilizer chip may still function (see below).

Your Key May Still Start the Car

Even if the remote functions are completely dead, the passive transponder chip inside your Audi key fob may have survived^[8]. This chip requires no battery power and communicates with your car’s immobilizer when held close to the steering column.

To test:

1. Use the mechanical key blade to unlock the door manually (this will trigger the alarm—see our guide on Audi emergency key alarm behavior)
2. Sit in the driver’s seat
3. Hold the key fob against the steering column near the start button
4. Press the brake and start button simultaneously
5. If the engine starts, your transponder chip survived^[8]

This means you can still drive your car while arranging for a replacement fob. The transponder chip is potted in protective material and often survives when the remote electronics fail.

Replacement Options and Costs

If your Audi key fob cannot be revived, several replacement options exist^[1]:

Option	Cost Range	Pros	Cons
Audi Dealership	$300-600	OEM quality, guaranteed compatibility	Most expensive option
Automotive Locksmith	$150-350	Often same-day service	Quality varies
Online OEM Fobs	$80-200	Significant savings	Must find programmer
Used/Refurbished	$50-150	Lowest cost	May have hidden damage

Dealership pricing includes programming, while other options typically require separate programming fees of $50-150^[1]. Some locksmiths can program keys at a fraction of dealership costs—call several in your area for quotes.

For information on related Audi key issues, see our guide on Audi key fob red light blinking problems.

Prevention Tips

Avoid future laundry incidents with these habits:

• Designate a key bowl or hook near your laundry area
• Check pockets systematically before loading the washer
• Use a carabiner or lanyard that makes keys more noticeable
• Consider a Tile or AirTag attached to your key ring for locating before wash
• Keep a spare key programmed and stored safely—water damage is one of the most common reasons for key fob failure^[1]

Key Takeaways

• Act immediately: Remove the battery within minutes of discovery to prevent short circuits and corrosion
• Clean with isopropyl alcohol (90%+) to displace water and remove corrosive detergent residue
• Dry for 48-72 hours minimum using silica gel or warm air—avoid rice, hair dryers, and direct heat
• Test with a fresh battery, as water-damaged batteries may show normal voltage but fail to power the key
• The transponder chip often survives even when remote functions are destroyed, allowing you to start your car manually while arranging replacement
• Replacement costs range from $80-600 depending on source and programming fees

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1. Keyless Entry Remote Inc. (2025). Washed Your Key Fob in the Washing Machine? Here’s What to Do. https://www.keylessentryremotefob.com/blog/washed-your-key-fob-in-the-washing-machine-heres-what-to-do/
2. Reddit r/LifeProTips. (2022). LPT: If you accidentally wash your car’s smart key fob and it doesn’t work don’t panic. https://www.reddit.com/r/LifeProTips/comments/u90ogg/lpt_if_you_accidentally_wash_your_cars_smart_key/
3. Payson Lock & Key. (2025). Why Your Key Fob Stopped Working After Going Through the Washing Machine. https://paysonlock.com/blog/why-your-key-fob-stopped-working-after-going-through-the-washing-machine
4. Carsmith Midlands. (2024). What to do if your car keys go in the washing machine. https://carsmithmidlands.co.uk/blog/what-to-do-if-your-car-keys-go-in-the-washing-machine/
5. YouTube – Come In Handy. (2021). Car Remote Fob in the Washing? – How to Fix! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U18W3LvUucw
6. Mr-Key. (2025). Inside a Key Rescue: How to Salvage a Wet or Flooded Car Key. https://mr-key.com/post-details/dcf5q6jf6a/inside-a-key-rescue-how-to-salvage-a-wet-or-flooded-car-key
7. YouTube – Driver’s Therapy. (2025). Washed Your Car Key? Here’s How to Fix It. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCm35c-lqVM
8. JL Wrangler Forums. (2021). Key washed in laundry, stop working now what? https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/key-washed-in-laundry-stop-working-now-what.84462/