What Happens If You Wash AirPods? A Tech Expert’s Deep Dive

So, you’ve accidentally sent your beloved AirPods through the washing machine. Don’t panic just yet, but let’s be brutally honest: the outcome is generally not good. Washing AirPods almost certainly damages them, often irreparably. The extent of the damage depends on factors like the wash cycle, water temperature, detergent type, and, frankly, a bit of luck. While some might miraculously survive, most will suffer from compromised audio quality, battery issues, charging problems, or complete failure. Now, let’s delve into why this happens and what, if anything, you can do.

The Anatomy of Disaster: Why Water is AirPods’ Kryptonite

The primary reason washing AirPods is disastrous is their limited water resistance. While newer AirPods models boast an IPX4 rating, meaning they can withstand splashes and sweat, they’re not waterproof. This rating offers minimal protection against submersion, and a washing machine is essentially a miniature aquatic apocalypse for delicate electronics.

The Infiltration Problem

Water finds its way into every nook and cranny of the AirPods and their charging case. These devices are filled with sensitive electronic components:

• Circuit boards: The brains of the operation, controlling audio processing, Bluetooth connectivity, and power management. Water causes short circuits and corrosion, leading to malfunctions.
• Battery: Lithium-ion batteries react violently with water, potentially causing swelling, leakage, or even fire (though highly unlikely in this scenario).
• Speaker drivers: These delicate diaphragms vibrate to produce sound. Water damage can distort their movement, resulting in muffled or distorted audio.
• Microphones: Essential for calls and Siri commands, microphones become useless when water clogs their tiny openings.
• Charging components: Corrosion on charging contacts and internal circuitry will prevent the AirPods from charging properly.

The Detergent Factor

It’s not just the water you need to worry about. Laundry detergent is highly corrosive to electronic components. The chemicals in detergent accelerate corrosion, making the damage far worse than if you had simply submerged them in clean water. Detergent residue can also clog up the internal components, further hindering their functionality.

Damage Assessment: What to Look For

If you’ve subjected your AirPods to the spin cycle, look for these tell-tale signs of water damage:

• No Power: The most obvious sign is that the AirPods won’t turn on at all.
• Distorted Audio: If they power on, listen carefully for crackling, hissing, or muffled sound.
• Uneven Audio: One AirPod may be louder or clearer than the other.
• Charging Issues: The AirPods may not charge at all, or the charging case itself might be unresponsive.
• Connection Problems: Bluetooth connectivity issues, like frequent disconnections or inability to pair, are common.
• Visible Corrosion: Inspect the charging contacts and any visible openings for signs of corrosion (greenish or whitish deposits).

Damage Control: The First Aid Steps (and their Limited Effectiveness)

Before completely giving up hope, try these steps immediately after discovering your washed AirPods:

1. Don’t Panic (Too Much): It’s understandable to be upset, but staying calm will help you make better decisions.
2. Remove Them Immediately: The longer they sit in the wet environment, the worse it gets.
3. Power Down: If they are on, immediately power them off to prevent further short-circuiting.
4. Dry Externally: Use a clean, lint-free cloth to thoroughly dry the exterior of the AirPods and the charging case.
5. Open the Case: Open the charging case to allow air to circulate inside.
6. Desiccant Treatment: This is your best shot. Place the AirPods and the open charging case in a sealed container filled with desiccant materials like silica gel packets (those little packets you find in new electronics packaging). If you don’t have silica gel, uncooked rice can work in a pinch, although it’s less effective. Leave them in the desiccant for at least 48-72 hours. Patience is key here.
7. Resist Temptation: Do NOT attempt to turn them on or charge them until you are absolutely sure they are completely dry.

Why These Steps Are a Long Shot

While these steps are worth trying, understand that they’re unlikely to fully restore your AirPods. Internal corrosion and water damage can persist even after drying. Furthermore, opening the AirPods for proper cleaning is incredibly difficult and risks causing further damage.

Moving On: Repair or Replacement?

After attempting the first aid steps, it’s time to assess the damage and consider your options:

Repair? Proceed With Caution

Third-party repair shops might offer to repair water-damaged AirPods. However, this is often a risky proposition. AirPods are notoriously difficult to repair, and many repair attempts end up causing further damage. Furthermore, even if a repair is successful, the long-term reliability of the AirPods may be compromised.

Replacement: The More Realistic Option

In most cases, replacement is the most practical solution. You have several options:

• AppleCare+: If you purchased AppleCare+ with your AirPods, you may be able to get them replaced for a deductible. Check your AppleCare+ coverage details for specific terms and conditions.
• Individual AirPod Replacement: Apple offers replacement services for individual AirPods (left, right, or charging case) that are lost or damaged. This can be a more cost-effective option than replacing the entire set.
• New Purchase: Sometimes, biting the bullet and buying a brand-new pair of AirPods is the best option, especially if your AirPods were already nearing the end of their lifespan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about washed AirPods:

FAQ 1: Can I use a hairdryer to dry my AirPods?

Absolutely not. The heat from a hairdryer can damage the sensitive electronic components and melt plastic parts inside the AirPods. Stick to the desiccant method.

FAQ 2: Will Apple repair water-damaged AirPods?

Apple typically does not cover water damage under its standard warranty. However, if you have AppleCare+, you may be eligible for a replacement for a deductible. Contact Apple Support to discuss your options.

FAQ 3: Is it safe to charge my AirPods if they got wet?

No! Do not attempt to charge your AirPods until you are absolutely certain they are completely dry. Charging wet AirPods can cause a short circuit and potentially damage them beyond repair.

FAQ 4: How long should I leave my AirPods in rice?

If you’re using rice as a desiccant (which is less effective than silica gel), leave your AirPods and charging case in a sealed container filled with rice for at least 48-72 hours.

FAQ 5: My AirPods still work, but the sound is muffled. What should I do?

Even if your AirPods seem to be working, muffled sound indicates water damage. Continue the drying process with desiccant. If the sound doesn’t improve after a few days, consider replacement.

FAQ 6: Can I put my AirPods in the oven to dry them?

Seriously? No. The extreme heat of an oven will completely destroy your AirPods.

FAQ 7: What if only one AirPod got washed?

Even if only one AirPod was washed, the risk of damage is still high. Follow the drying steps and assess the damage. You might be able to replace just the damaged AirPod through Apple’s replacement service.

FAQ 8: Are AirPods Pro more water-resistant than regular AirPods?

AirPods Pro have an IPX4 rating, which provides slightly better water resistance than earlier AirPods models. However, they are still not waterproof and are susceptible to damage from submersion in a washing machine.

FAQ 9: Can I claim the damage on my homeowner’s or renter’s insurance?

It’s worth checking your insurance policy to see if it covers accidental damage to electronics. However, the deductible might be higher than the cost of replacing the AirPods, making a claim impractical.

FAQ 10: Is it possible to take apart AirPods to clean them?

While technically possible, disassembling AirPods is extremely difficult and not recommended unless you have specialized tools and expertise. You are very likely to cause further damage.

FAQ 11: What’s the best way to prevent this from happening again?

Develop a habit of checking your pockets before doing laundry! Store your AirPods in their charging case when not in use and keep them away from water and other liquids.

FAQ 12: Can I sell my water-damaged AirPods for parts?

It’s unlikely you’ll find a buyer for water-damaged AirPods. The cost of repairing them typically outweighs the value of the individual components. It’s best to recycle them responsibly.

The Bottom Line

Washing AirPods is a common accident with an unfortunately common outcome: damaged or destroyed AirPods. While attempting the drying steps is worthwhile, be prepared for the possibility of replacement. Investing in AppleCare+ or simply being extra careful with your AirPods can help prevent this costly mishap from happening again. Remember, prevention is always better (and cheaper) than cure!