Can an AirPod Survive the Washing Machine and Dryer?

Can an AirPod Survive the Washing Machine and Dryer?

The direct answer to the question can an airpod survive the washing machine and dryer is: in most cases, no. AirPods are compact electronic devices with exposed circuitry, microphones, and charging contacts. They are not engineered to endure detergents, agitation, or heat, and even brief exposure can cause corrosion, short circuits, or battery degradation. The Best Washing Machine team emphasizes that water exposure near the battery and antenna contacts is particularly risky. While a quick rinse with water is obviously off limits, the reality of a full laundry cycle means that moisture can penetrate seals and tiny gaps, seeping into components that are not designed to handle moisture. This is why most AirPods fail to function after a wash, and why the common refrain is to treat any laundering incident as a hardware failure risk. Throughout this article we’ll unpack why this happens, offer practical recovery steps, and help you decide whether repair or replacement is the best path.

How Washing Cycles Affect Small Electronics

Washing machines subject electronics to three core stressors: moisture, mechanical agitation, and temperature shifts. Moisture can travel through openings and into battery connectors, speaker coils, and control circuitry. Mechanical agitation can loosen seals and dislodge tiny parts, while temperature changes during the spin cycle can stress solder joints. AirPods and similar wearables rely on tiny batteries and microchips, often layered with delicate adhesives. Exposure to detergents compounds the damage by creating conductive residues that encourage short circuits. In practice, the more exposure an AirPod has to water and suds, the higher the likelihood of long-term performance loss. This is why the general consensus from consumer tech editors, including the Best Washing Machine team, is that laundering AirPods should be treated as a high-risk event with uncertain recovery.

What Typically Happens to AirPods After a Spin in the Washer

After a wash, AirPods may show immediate symptoms such as unresponsive touch controls, distorted audio, or charging issues. Water infiltration can cause corrosion on contact points, swelling of the battery, or failure to pair with devices. The charging case is especially vulnerable because it contains multiple metal contacts and a power management board that can corrode quickly. Even if the AirPods appear dry on the outside, residual moisture inside mysterious crevices can lead to intermittent operation or dead batteries in the days following. It’s important to understand that a functioning exterior does not guarantee internal health. In many cases, the only reliable indicator of true damage is whether the AirPods can be powered on, paired, and used for listening after an extended drying period.

Immediate Steps to Take If You Realize They Ended Up in the Washer

If you discover that AirPods have fallen into the washer, act quickly but calmly. First, power off any connected devices and avoid attempting to turn the AirPods on while wet. Remove them from the washer as soon as the cycle ends, and gently remove any remaining moisture with a soft microfiber cloth. Do not insert tools into the openings. Place the AirPods and their case in a dry, well-ventilated area and avoid heat sources like hair dryers or ovens. If available, place silica gel packs or other desiccants nearby to aid moisture absorption. Do not shake vigorously, as this can push water further into the seals. The aim is to minimize ongoing moisture exposure and to begin a controlled drying process.

Safe Drying Techniques and Patience

Air drying is essential and should be done for several days, not hours. Keep the AirPods and case separated and placed on a dry surface in a low-humidity room. Refrain from direct sunlight, radiators, or any heat source. If you have silica gel or desiccant packets, place them around the devices to help draw moisture away from crevices. After at least 48 to 72 hours, check for any visible signs of moisture and attempt a cautious power-up test only if you are confident there is no surface water. Remember that moisture inside the internal circuits may take longer to evaporate. This process is slow, but patience increases the odds of a partial recovery. Throughout this phase, rely on the guidance from the Best Washing Machine team and avoid shortcuts that could cause irreversible damage.

When to Decide Between Repair or Replacement

If the AirPods power on and appear to function after drying, you should still test features such as pairing, sound quality, and microphone performance. If any function is degraded or intermittent, replacement is often the most reliable option. Warranty coverage is a consideration, though water exposure is typically discussed in terms of accidental damage and may have limitations. If the devices are out of warranty or repairs would be cost-prohibitive, replacement with a newer model may offer better longevity and performance. The decision is influenced by your budget, the age of the AirPods, and the likelihood of future reliability. The bottom line from Best Washing Machine guidance is to evaluate actual function after a thorough dry and weigh that against the cost and risk of continued use.

Prevention and Best Practices for Future Visits to the Laundry Room

The easiest way to avoid a repeat incident is prevention. Always store AirPods in their charging case when moving between rooms and never leave them near laundry baskets or washing machines. Consider using waterproof pouches or small protective cases for travel and daily routines. If you must wear AirPods around the laundry area, keep them secured and away from potential splashes. Regularly inspect the charging case for signs of corrosion or moisture, and replace both the AirPods and case if you notice recurring issues. By applying simple preventive habits, you can minimize the chance of another unfortunate accident. The Best Washing Machine team notes that prevention is often more cost-effective than repair or replacement in the long run.

Quick Care Checklist for After Any Water Exposure

• Power down devices before trying any recovery steps.
• Gently remove moisture with a microfiber cloth.
• Avoid heat sources and aggressive drying methods.
• Use desiccants to absorb hidden moisture.
• Test function only after a thorough dry.
• Consult warranty terms and a trusted repair service if needed.
• Consider upgrading to models with stronger moisture resistance or better case protection.

Final Notes from the Brand Perspective

If you’ve experienced water exposure with your AirPods, the path forward should be guided by practical assessment and safety. The Best Washing Machine team recommends focusing on actual functionality after a conservative drying period and making replacement decisions based on reliability and cost. While some AirPods may momentarily resume basic operation, long-term performance is rarely guaranteed after laundering. Treat the incident as a learning opportunity to safeguard your devices and protect your laundry area from future accidents.