The remote control always ends up abandoning us at the worst moment. Maybe during the World Cup final or when we sit on the sofa for our favorite series. The first reaction? Blame the poor electronics, even if very often, not to always say, we ourselves provoke the malfunction with many wrong behaviors that we reiterate every day.
We bang him as if he were indestructible
How many times does it happen to beat the remote control on the table when the keys don’t answer immediately? Or to shake him forcefully in the hope that he resumes life? Gestures that seem normal and that instead damage the internal circuits and electrical contacts. The electronic components are delicate: even an apparently harmless blow can move a chip or break a welding. The next time the remote control makes the tantrums, resist the temptation to transform it into a drum.
The daily falls that we ignore
From the arm of the sofa to the floor, the flight of the remote control is a classic of each house. We collect the device, check that it still works and breathe a sigh of relief. But each fall leaves its mark. The micro-dance accumulates: first a small crack in the plastic, then a key that begins to fit, finally the infrared LED that stops transmitting correctly. A practical advice? Keep the remote control on a flat and stable surface, perhaps in a dedicated storage.
The mixture of the mixed batteries
Here is a mistake that we make almost everyone: a battery is downloaded, we only have a new one available and what do we do? We insert it together with that old one still present. Bad idea. Pilers with different charges create an electric imbalance that can damage the circuits. Furthermore, the old one could lose acid and corrode contacts. The golden rule is simple: always change both batteries simultaneously and use the same type and brand.
Liquids, silent enemies
An inverted glass of water, the hands greased after eating chips, a few drops of coffee. The liquids penetrate through the cracks of the keys and create short circuits or corrosion on internal contacts. If the remote control is wet, the first thing to do is immediately remove the batteries, then dry it carefully and leave it open for at least 24 hours before reusing it. For sticky spots, a slightly moistened cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol can make miracles.
The powder that accumulates in the keys
Over time, dust, crumbs and dirt put themselves under the keys. The result? Buttons that are stormed or requires increasingly stronger pressure to work. Periodic cleaning can extend the life of the years. Turn up the device and give a few delicate grips to get the crumbs out. For deeper cleaning, use compressed air or a toothpick to remove the most obstinate dirt.
Direct exposure to the sun
Leaving the remote control on the window sill or by car in the sun may seem harmless. In reality, excessive heat damages plastics, which become fragile, and can alter the internal electronic components.
Remember that the liquid crystals of the display, if present, are particularly sensitive to high temperatures, so try to always keep the remote control in cool and shaded places.
The maintenance that nobody does
Clean the peaks of the batteries every now and then, check that the keys are not sticky, check that the infrared LED works (pointing it towards the smartphone camera you can see the light emitted): they are small gestures that can make the difference. A well -kept remote control may last decades.
The next time the remote control begins to go a tantrum, before running to buy a new one, do an examination of conscience. It will probably be enough to change your habits to make it come back like new.
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