You just crushed your morning workout, tossed your gear in the wash, and then it hits you: your AirPods were still in the pocket of your pants. Instant dread. First of all, you’re not the only one this has happened to. It’s a classic post-workout mistake, right up there with leaving your shaker bottle in the car.
The good news? Your AirPods might still be salvageable. What matters now is how quickly and smartly you act.
Step One: Stop Everything and Take Them Out
As soon as you realize your AirPods have been through a wash cycle, stop the machine if it is still running, pull them out immediately. If they were inside the charging case, open it and take the earbuds out. The case may have trapped moisture, so removing them promptly reduces the risk of further damage.
At this point, avoid using them under any circumstances. Do not attempt to connect them, test them, or charge them. Allow the devices to rest and begin drying without interference.
This Matcha-Filled Chocolate Is Taking Over 2026, and Dubai Is Already Old News
Step Two: Absolutely No Charging
One of the most common mistakes is attempting to charge the AirPods immediately to check if they still function. This should be avoided. Introducing power to a wet electronic device can cause short circuits and irreversible damage to internal components.
Allow sufficient time for the devices to dry completely before any attempt to use or charge them.
Step Three: Dry Them Gently
It may be tempting to use a hairdryer or place the AirPods near a heat source to speed up the drying process. However, excessive heat or strong airflow can force moisture deeper into the device or damage its internal components.
The recommended approach is to gently pat them dry with a soft, clean, lint-free cloth. Avoid rubbing, shaking, or applying pressure. The goal is to remove surface moisture without pushing water further inside.
Step Four: Skip the Rice Trick, Go for Silica
We’ve all heard the advice about putting your wet devices in rice. But rice is better suited for post-leg day meals than moisture removal. It’s messy and not that effective. Instead, look for those little silica gel packets you find in shoeboxes or gym bags. They work way better at pulling moisture out.
Place your AirPods and the case in a sealed container with a few of these packets. Let them sit there for at least 48 hours and resist the urge to peek every few hours.
Will they Still Work?
After two full days of drying, take your AirPods out of the container and give them a good look. Check for any remaining signs of moisture, odd discoloration, or strange smells. If everything looks normal, go ahead and try pairing them with your phone, but hold off on charging them for now. Let them reconnect first and see how they sound. If the audio is clear and both sides are working, chances are you dodged a bullet.
f something still feels off, like distorted sound, one side not working, or the battery draining fast, then your AirPods may not be fully back in shape. At that point, it’s smart to reach out to Apple Support or check if your warranty or insurance covers accidental water damage. Some plans do, especially if you’ve got device protection through your credit card or phone provider.
