AirPods accidentally cleaned should be dried immediately with a lintless cloth. They can then air dry on their own for about a half-day. Afterwards, you can put the AirPods in a closed jar with silica powder to soak moisture. If none of these work, try burying the pods under a container filled with uncooked dry Rice.
These quick steps will allow you to save your AirPods, even though they’re not waterproof. This article will cover the drying and recovery techniques in greater depth.
It’s not just that. We will also discuss the dos-and-don’ts of how to correctly revive your AirPods soaked in water without damaging their sensitive internal components.
If you ask, “What should I do after washing my AirPods?” you won’t be worried. Not only will we cover the AirPods themselves but also their case. The AirPods and the case will likely be forgotten in a washer.
What To Do If AirPods Get Spoiled? Can they be used in the rain?
AirPods have a very comfortable design. You won’t feel like you are wearing something on your ears. However, accidents do happen. If you need to become more familiar with the waterproofing of your shoes, it can be a real panic if they slip into the water.
Unfortunately, no. Apple doesn’t officially endorse AirPods, but they do have some sweat and water resistance. AirPods Pro and AirPods (third generation) currently have the IPX4 standard under EIC standards 60529, which indicates that they are water- and sweat-resistant for all nonwater sports.
If a device has the term waterproof on it, this means that even though entirely submerged in water, the Device continues to work.
If a device is described as water resistant, this means it will withstand minor splashes or light rain. But they’re not for total immersion or high-velocity, rushing water.
Water resistance in earbuds, charging cases, and other accessories can decrease. These earbuds cannot be re-checked, re-sealed, and protected against dust, moisture, and sweat.
How to wash your AirPods
AppleCare+ has been discontinued, but the one-year Apple warranty is still in place. Let’s move on to your original question.
Although there is no need for any special knowledge or preparation, you can take a few simple steps to ensure that your AirPods are dry.
Here are three surefire methods to prevent your AirPods from getting damaged by water and to avoid future issues:
Let’s start with air-drying.
It’s important to air dry first. Air drying is required to avoid water remaining in AirPods, which could cause corrosive damage to their fragile components.
Then, remove the AirPods and dry them with a clean, lintless cloth. A microfiber cloth is recommended for blotting. This type of cloth can be found in most cleaning kits or eyeglass cases.
AirPods should be dried in a safe place. On a day that is bright and sunny with low humidities, the AirPods can be dried in direct sunlight. Other than that, they can be left in a room to dry out. It is recommended that you wait at least twelve hours.
If you want to know how to dry AirPods:
- Open up the lid.
- Place the AirPods upside down on a clean, flat surface.
- Keep the case upside down for at least 6 hours.
Silica Gel can absorb moisture.
Silica Gel may already be known to you. Silica Gel can prevent moisture from causing condensation.
Silica Gel is a desiccant that can remove moisture effectively. This includes AirPods. Silica Gel is available at local shops if it’s outside your home.
To begin, place your AirPods into a small bag with some Silica Gel and loose beads. The bag should be stored at room temperature, away from radiators, heaters, and air conditioners.
When everything is ready, close the bag with care and leave for one day. A minimum of 12 hours is what we suggest. Do not try to open it since this will lessen the effectiveness of silica.
AirPods are a Last Resort: Put them in your Rice.
A rice-drying technique could work as a last resort. In humid tropical climates, professionals have been using uncooked white Rice to dry out analogue cameras as well as microphones, reels of film, and any other recording equipment.
Although the technique has not been scientifically tested with electronic devices, it is widely reported that using Rice to dry-soaked items, like AirPods, can be highly effective.
The rice method is straightforward to do. You need a plastic container and a lid that seals tightly. Fill the remaining 2/3rds of the container (roughly) with uncooked raw Rice. Lastly, fully submerge AirPods into the Rice. Finally, cover it with an airtight cap. You’re done.
Pour best results; avoid opening the container or moving it for 12 hours.
AirPods that get wet
AirPods Pro or AirPods Max can be wet and need to be dried carefully. It’s essential to thoroughly dry AirPods before re-charging the case. Residual water can damage the case.
You can use a dry, lintless cloth to remove excess water if your AirPods have become wet. If you want to use cotton swabs, you can do so.
AirPods can be dried by leaving them out in direct sunlight for at least 2 hours. It would help if you did not use the AirPods for this time. Instead, allow them to air-dry overnight. AirPods can be stored in a dry, cool place with slight airflow.
Despite what some people may tell you, don’t place your AirPods inside a bag full of Rice. It isn’t more effective than letting them dry in the air, and it could lead to rice bits getting caught inside ports and other holes. It’s best to avoid extremes of temperature. It would help if you didn’t place your AirPods in front of a radiator or try to use a dryer to help speed the process up. AirPods can quickly overheat if they are placed on a radiator.
If your AirPods charger case becomes wet, you can remove it and let the AirPods drip dry. It is recommended that you allow the AirPods charging case at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
The Best Way to Dry Wet/Wash AirPods
It’s time for the Don’ts when it comes to drying AirPods.
AirPods should never be soaked.
They Shouldn’t Be Tested Immediately
If you’re tempted, pick up your AirPods to see if the battery is still working.
The water in AirPods is a good conductor. Therefore, turning them on when wet could cause an internal short circuit, destroying your gadget.
Do Not Blow Dry Too Much
The AirPods should not be blown dry after being submerged. The heat of the blow dryer can permanently damage delicate and fragile parts inside AirPods.
In addition, the heat is not enough to get rid of the water. It is more likely that the wind from the dryer will cause water to get deeper inside the AirPods. This makes drying them even more difficult.
It would help if you did Not Use Electric Heating.
A second method, electric heating, can cause as much harm as good. The humidity in humid areas can make an electric heater cause condensation. This is not good for AirPods or any other electronic gadget.
Delicate AirPods should be left outside for drying (provided the temperature is not excessively hot or humid).
AirPods: Will they still work when wet?
There is no definitive answer as the answer depends on the water resistance of the earbuds, their exposure to liquid, their type, intensity, etc. AirPods 3 Pro and AirPods have secured IP ratings, ensuring water resistance. Little splashes may affect how they work. AirPods models other than AirPods could have the same issue.
AirPods are still functional if they’re wet. Their performance, however, may suffer. This is what you should expect:
AirPods sound low quality: Moisture in AirPods could cause distortion or even a loss of audio quality. Make sure to check your speakers for damage caused by water.
Wet AirPods could have issues maintaining a Bluetooth Connection with the Device, which may lead to dropouts and disconnections of audio & calls.
The microphone or sensor issues: not just the audio from the speakers but also water that can impact functions like plug and Play, auto-ear detection, etc.
Battery Drain: A battery that is severely draining can occur if moisture gets into the AirPods charger case.
In the long term, prolonged exposure to water and immersion in it can damage internal components.
The Most Frequently Asked Question
AirPods don’t work anymore after I wash them.
AirPods that are damaged are not a complete loss. Apple can still replace AirPods, even if AppleCare+ was never purchased.
Apple will replace only the buds that are faulty for a nominal fee. Ask a close friend or relative if they have an extra case for your 1st and 2nd generations. Cases were interchangeable on earlier models. So if you only need an issue, then it might be cheaper to buy a brand new one.
AirPods waterproof
No. They are not. AirPods have been washed, dried and even accidentally washed by many users with no issues. Apple, however, has stated that AirPods are not waterproof.
It’s not even true that electronics are “waterproof” because electronics and water do not mix. Water Resistant means that these devices cannot be impenetrable.
AirPods and their Care
AirPods cost much money, and you would want them to be safe. You should check the clothes you are washing before washing to ensure that they don’t soak up any pods. If you are still trying to figure out what to do, visit an Apple store and ask for advice.
Was this article helpful in getting AirPods working correctly? AppleCare+ can be purchased in your local Apple stores. Please add any comments you may have. You are welcome to add questions or tips.
