Did You Accidentally Wash Your AirPods? Act Fast and Do This to (Hopefully!) Save Them

If I were to round up all the essential items that I use on a daily basis, my AirPods would take one of the top spots on the list. I keep them on me so regularly that I frequently forget about them. This only becomes an issue when they (accidentally!) get mixed in my laundry and I end up with washed AirPods. 

Washing your AirPods (or any electronics, really) is a major concern, so I knew I needed to find out if they are even salvable after a visit to the washing machine. Here’s what I learned.

I must admit that I’ve washed my AirPods not once but three times in the last couple of years. The unfortunate thing is that AirPods aren’t waterproof. Even the newer generations of AirPods are only water- and sweat-resistant, which means they can handle a little bit of water damage, but they aren’t completely protected.

There are different things you can do to handle washed AirPods. 

1. Try rice. This is what I always do when I deal with washed electronics, and it’s never failed me. Other people on the internet feel the same way. “Rice, rice, rice. It’s a magical and wonderful solution,” said one commenter on this r/AirPods Reddit thread. When I recently dealt with washed AirPods, I immediately wiped them down with a cloth and then threw them into a snack-size zip-top bag of rice. I left them there for at least 24 hours before I attempted to turn them on (and they did turn on!).
2. Use silica gel packets. Other users on that same Reddit thread have suggested using silica gel packets — the ones you often get with packages. Just like rice, you would submerge your AirPods into a container of them and leave them there for at least a day.
3. Get a replacement. If all else fails — or you’re not comfortable trying any of these ideas out — it may be best to reach out to Apple support directly for some assistance. Check to see what your warranty is and if you are still under AppleCare+, too. With AppleCare+, you get hardware coverage and tech support and pay a lower cost to replace damaged devices. Prices vary based on which model you own, but it is cheaper than buying a totally new one. You can see the breakdown of prices on Apple’s website for more details to determine what’s best for you.