You can dry out an electric motor that has gotten wet.
To dry out an electric motor that has gotten wet inside the windings you should take the electric motor apart and you can then use a hair dryer on the hot setting to dry out the windings or place a space heater near the electric motor to heat it up.
You can also place the electric motor into an oven for a few minutes or so to remove the moisture.
Or even simply allow the electric motor once taken apart to sit out in the sun and the water will naturally evaporate from the electric motor.
If done correctly you can also use a DC welder and apply a low voltage to the electric motor's windings which can generate heat and evaporate the moisture.
However always monitor the temperature and avoid overheating which can damage the electric motors insulation.
The best way to clean an electric motor is to first disconnect the electric motor from the power source.
Then use an air compressor and air hose sprayer nozzle to remove any loose dirt and debris.
Then use a mild detergent solution such as dish soap and a damp color to wipe it clean.
You can also mix some dish detergent with some water or use a degreaser in a spray bottle to spray the outside of the electric motor and then after it sits for a few minutes you use a brush to scrub it and then use a water hose to spray it clean and rinse off the soap or degreaser.
And allow the electric motor to completely dry before turning it back on.
If you need to clean the electric motor windings you will have to disassemble the electric motor and remove the rotor and then you can use spray some cleaning solution into the windings and then rinse it off with some water but also allow the electric motor to fully dry before putting it back together.
An electric motor should be cleaned as often as every 3 months to every 6 months.
However if the electric motor is used in a more dusty and dirty or rugged environment the electric motor may need to be cleaned more often.
Cleaning the electric motor is important to remove debris and dust which can interfere with the electric motor's operation and could lead to short circuits if not cleaned often enough.
Older electric motors may also need to be cleaned and maintained more often than newer electric motors.
To maintain an electric motor and extend the life of an electric motor you should make sure you don't overload the electric motor, allow it to rest, ensure you oil and lubricate the electric motor often with the correct oil or grease and keep the electric motor clean.
Also ensure that the electric motor is getting the correct voltage and no under voltage or over voltage which can lead to overheating of the motor.
If possible regularly inspect the bearings and also clean the electric motor and keep dust away from the bearings and windings as much as possible.
Also reduce any vibrations and replace brushes if the motor has brushes and tighten any electrical connections.
If maintained properly and not overheated or overloaded an electric motor can last around 10 years or longer.
When oiling an electric motor you put between 2 to 4 drops of oil into the electric motor for each bearing, depending on the size of the electric motor.
Generally you can just put the oil into the electric motor a drop or two at a time until the oil reaches the top of the oil port.
Avoid over oiling the electric motor though as it can cause damage.
Electric motors require oil if the electric motor has oil ports which are located on each end of the motor housing where the motor shaft exits the motor.
Some electric motors have sealed bearings and don't require any oil and if there's no oil ports or grease ports the electric motor does not need any oil or grease.
But if the electric motor does have oil ports or grease ports they need oil or grease to keep the bearings lubricated.
The kind of oil that you use in a small electric motor is often 3 in 1 motor oil or SAE 20 motor oil.
The best oil for electric motors including small electric motors is 3 in 1 motor oil or SAE 20 motor oil.
3 in 1 motor oil or 3 in 1 oil in general is best for electric motors for lubrication.
3 in 1 motor oil is the best for electric motor bearing lubrication.
SAE 20 motor oil can also work in electric motors for lubrication.
WD-40 is OK for electric motors when cleaning and freeing up any stuck components although WD-40 shouldn't be used as a lubricant for the bearings as WD-40 is not an actual lubricant but is instead mainly a cleaner and penetrating solvent.
3 in 1 motor oil is different than the regular 3 in 1 oil.
Some larger electric motors may require grease or a thicker oil depending on the size of the electric motor although most household sized electric motors can use 3 in 1 motor oil or SAE 20 motor oil.
10W 20 motor oil or other light oils can also work for small electric motors.
And for electric motors that need grease, the grease consistency preferred for electric motors is normally NLGI 2 or 3, with a base oil viscosity of 100-150 cSt @ 40°C or 104 F.