It can be annoying to unintentionally leave your headphones in your pocket before putting your laundry in the washer. The frequency of this error is higher than you might imagine, and the consequences can differ based on the kind of headphones and the amount of water they were exposed to.
If this has happened to you, you’re probably wondering if there’s any hope for saving your headphones or if they’re irreparable. Remarkably, by following a few easy steps, many people have been able to retrieve their headphones following a wash cycle.
If you’ve unintentionally washed your headphones, this article will walk you through what to do and how to improve the odds of them working again.
Though it can be annoying, headphones that you unintentionally wash in the washing machine can sometimes be fixed. Drying them carefully and thoroughly may be able to restore functionality, depending on the extent of the damage. It’s critical that you act quickly, disconnect any batteries, and refrain from using them again until they are completely dry.
- Urgent actions?
- How we will dry?
- “Reanimating” wireless headphones
- Branded iPhone headset
- Video on the topic
- What happens if you wash your headphones (Earpods)???
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- Washed AirPods in a washing machine
- What happens if you wash AirPods in a washing machine?
- What to do if you WASHED AirPods
- Washed headphones in a washing machine. What to do?
Urgent actions?
The headset has a better chance of survival the less time it spends submerged in water. Speakers left in the pocket of hand-washed sweaters or jeans are easily discovered. The likelihood of recovery will also be if the owner cleaned the headphones in the washing machine. How should a wet accessory be handled?
- Remove the gadget from a wet pocket as soon as possible.
- Disassemble the headphones, disconnect all removable parts.
- Wipe the internal elements of the headset with a dry cloth.
- Dry the device with a hair dryer. It is important to blow warm air on the parts, not hot, to avoid deformation. The exposure time should not exceed two minutes, otherwise you risk damaging the speaker membrane.
- Cover the radiator with a clean napkin or towel, put the disassembled headset on it.
- Wait a couple of days until the device is completely dry.
The headphones cannot be used until they are completely dry; doing so will prevent short circuits.
You must examine the headset’s components in well-lit conditions after it has dried. Use an alcohol wipe to clean the membrane if it has any stains from water or dishwashing powder. Lint may stick to the surface if cotton wool is soaked in alcohol and applied to the affected area. Headphones that are not detachable will need to be dried for 6-7 days. Avoid trying to remove them with a needle as this could seriously damage the device.
How we will dry?
When the heating radiators are off during the warm season, what should you do if your headphones get wet? In this situation, the battery won’t work for drying, so you’ll need to find another solution. There are numerous choices:
- dry the speakers in a dry and warm room with good ventilation, that is, in natural conditions;
- place the disassembled headset in direct sunlight;
- use a hair dryer. It is important not to overdo it and not damage the headphones. Blow the device from a distance, do not bring the device close to the elements of the accessory;
- hang the speakers on the protective fan mesh. The headset will dry quickly under the influence of air currents. Blow the device for at least three hours.
Using makeshift absorbents, such as burying the accessory in rice or silicone filler for cat litter trays, is not something you should do. Applying WD-40 lubricant to the headset is also not advised.
The speed at which the headphones dry will determine how well they sound.
Winding rot is more likely the longer the water droplets remain inside the device. It’s possible that the device’s wires broke during washing if the device does not turn on after drying or if neither the left nor the right speaker functions.
It occasionally happens that the headset starts to wheeze, distort sound, or operate too softly after drying. In this instance, the powder that is still on the membrane is typically the cause. One way to address the issue is a little different:
- pour medical, 95% alcohol into a mug;
- immerse the headphones in the container;
- turn on music through the headset;
- take out the gadget after 10 minutes.
When all else fails and the decision to buy new speakers needs to be made, it is worthwhile to attempt this approach. This usually helps with sound quality because alcohol dissolves the detergent and allows the headset to work again. It is best to test the device’s functionality only after it has completely dried.
“Reanimating” wireless headphones
You must first disassemble the headphones, whether they are wired or wireless, that you cleaned in the washing machine. The device’s detachable components must all dry separately.
In addition to posing a risk to the speakers, a wireless headset case may also harm the sensor used for Bluetooth or Wi-Fi signal transmission. It needs to have the water removed very carefully.
Simultaneously, contemporary wireless headphones typically feature a waterproof membrane. This precaution will shield the headset from brief immersion in water, though. Rinsing in a washing machine for two hours is no longer a reason to hope for protection.
Branded iPhone headset
Experience has shown that iPhone headphones fare better against moisture than headphones made by other companies. This does not, however, imply that they can be submerged in water; instead, you should handle the device with extreme caution and refrain from washing it in the machine.
There are instances where an iPhone headset functions flawlessly even after getting wet. It is not advisable to connect the headphones to the device right away. It’s crucial to let the gadget air dry fully before using it again.
There are no specific recommendations made by the manufacturer for fixing iPhone speakers. After washing, Air Pods should be dried with a hair dryer, cleaned with a hydrophilic cloth, and left on the table until all moisture has been removed.
| Problem | Solution |
| Headphones got wet in the washing machine | Dry them thoroughly before trying to turn them on |
| Sound quality has decreased | Let them dry completely and check if moisture is trapped inside |
| Headphones stopped working | Wait for them to dry, and try charging or resetting them |
| Headphones got physically damaged | Check if they are still under warranty or consider replacing them |
Don’t freak out if your headphones unintentionally ended up in the laundry. If they completely dry out, there’s still a chance they might still function. Before attempting to use them again, carefully check them for any damage and allow them to dry completely.
In order to prevent situations like this in the future, it’s a good idea to always check your pockets and bags before doing laundry. It can be worth spending an extra few seconds to double-check and avoid the frustration of broken electronics.
Additionally, keep in mind that purchasing a storage container or waterproof case for your headphones can help shield them from future unintentional washings.
