If you are new to the world of personal audio, you may wonder how to get water out of earbuds. Some of the best headphones, after all, are earbuds, and these earbuds may feature some degree of water resistance, but they are still susceptible to moisture-related issues. So what causes water to get into the best wireless earbuds, and how can you make things right again? Keep reading to find out.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- It is easy to accidentally drop an earbud or two into a sink, toilet, or body of water, such as a pool or even the ocean.
- For waterlogged earbuds, try the rice method by letting them sit in some uncooked rice for a day or two to absorb excess water and water droplets. This is a tried-and-true method for any electronic device.
- You can also try letting the earbuds dry on their own, using a fan, leaving them out in direct sunlight, using a cotton swab or dry towel, or soaking them in deionized water.
Why Water Gets Into Earbuds
Depending on the model’s water resistance rating, there are a number of ways to get your earbuds wet, even if you have learned how to properly wear earbuds. You could fall into a body of water or even get rained on, necessitating that you learn how to fix an earbud’s microphone. Some of these problems present simple fixes, such as learning how to reset earbuds, but many require more extensive measures.
Insider Tip
When purchasing earbuds, research the water resistance rating and follow those directions to a tee.
How to Dry Out Earbuds
If your earbuds got wetter than allowed by their water resistance rating, there are a few troubleshooting steps to try. Alternate these methods until you find one that works for you.
Try the Old Rice Method
It may seem like an urban legend, but soaking wet electronic gadgets in dry rice for a period of time can resolve moisture issues. Rice, by its very nature, absorbs any moisture it comes into contact with, and it can naturally draw out any moisture embedded in the internal circuity of your earbuds. To try this method, immediately power down the earbuds and place them in a large container of rice. Let them sit there, undisturbed, for at least one full day. After that, give the earbuds an inspection for signs of moisture.
Let Them Dry Naturally
Power the earbuds off and let them dry naturally for a day or two, using a fan or blower to hasten the drying process. This actually works with fresh water, such as tap water from a sink or toilet, but may not work with pool water or ocean water due to the added chemicals and impurities.
STAT: Don’t use products containing bleach or hydrogen peroxide when cleaning any pair of earbuds. (source)
Use Deionized Water
Wait, use more water to help with your moisture issues? Yes, it’s true. Deionized water, also known as distilled water, will help remove any impurities from the water embedded inside your earbuds. Water, by itself, does not pose much long-term risk, but the residual particles in water do. Soak your earbuds in distilled water to filter out any impurities, and then let the earbuds dry naturally.
