Xiaomi Headphones in the Washing Machine – What to Do Now?

It's a coincidence to put Xiaomi headphones in the wash, a situation that thousands of users face. Wireless Mi True Wireless, Redmi Buds or wired Mi Earphones often stop working after contact with water and detergents, wheez or don't turn on at all. But don't rush to throw the device away: 60 to 70 percent of the time, headphones can be reanimated if you act quickly and correctly.

This article is a step-by-step rescue algorithm based on the design of Xiaomi headphones, a breakdown of common errors (such as why you can’t dry with a hair dryer) and ways to check after an incident, and if the gadget is no longer showing signs of life, we will tell you how to minimize damage and avoid repeated breakdowns.

⚠️ Critical warning: the longer the headphones stay in a moist environment after washing, the greater the risk of corrosion of the contacts and short circuit. If more than 24 hours have passed, the chances of recovery fall to 30%.

Step 1: Immediate Action – What to Do in the First 10 Minutes

If you find headphones in the washing machine during or immediately after a cycle, follow this algorithm:

• 🔌 Turn off the headphones (if they were turned on). For wireless models (Redmi Buds 3 Pro, Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro), press and hold the power button for 10-15 seconds. Wire (Mi Basic) - just disconnect from the device.
• 🧼 Wash under running water (temperature not higher than 30)°C) This will remove the residue of the powder/conditioner that accelerates corrosion. Keep the headphones under the stream for 20 to 30 seconds, avoiding heavy pressure.
• 🧻 Remove visible moisture with soft cloth or paper towels. Don't rub, get wet. Pay special attention to charging contacts. TWS-models) and dynamics.
• 🚫 Don't turn on your headphones to check! Even short-term power on wet contacts can cause a circuit to close.

⚠️ Warning: If the headphones were washed with bleach or aggressive detergents (such as Domestos), wash them longer - up to 1-2 minutes.

Step 2: Disassembly (if possible) – how to get to the insides

Most Xiaomi headphones have a non-shattered body, but some models (such as the Redmi Buds 3 Lite or the old Mi Earphones Basic) can be neatly opened.

Disassembly tools:

• 🔧 Plastic mediator or guitar mediator (for smearing the body).
• 🔥 Cold-blown hair dryer (not hot!).
• 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) board-cleaning.
• 🖌️ Cotton sticks and toothpicks.

How to make out:

1. Find the seam on the body (usually along the speaker line), carefully insert the mediator and lead along the seam until the body disperses.
2. If the body is glued - warm up the seam with a hair dryer at a minimum temperature of 10-15 seconds, then try again.
3. After the autopsy, take a picture of the location of the parts to collect back.

⚠️ Warning: When disassembling, do not touch the battery with your bare hands, it may be damaged. If you notice bloating or electrolyte tints, further repair is dangerous!

Step 3: Drying – How Long Does It Take and What Mistakes Are Dangerous

90% of malfunctions after washing occur due to improper drying: either too fast (dryer in hot air) or insufficient (residual moisture inside the case).

Optimal drying methods:

What can't be done:

• 🔥 Drying a hair dryer in hot air - this deforms the speaker and board.
• 🔋 Connect to charging for "checking" - moisture inside can cause a circuit.
• 🧊 Putting it in the freezer (the myth of “quick drying” kills the battery).

Step 4: Cleaning Contacts – How to Remove Corrosion and Oxides

After drying, check the charging contacts (y) TWS-And the 3.5 mm connector (wired) if you notice green coating (oxidation) or white powder (corrosion) you need to remove them.

Cleaning methods:

1. Isopropyl alcohol (90%+): Moisten the cotton swab with alcohol. Gently wipe the contacts without pressing hard. Let them dry for 10-15 minutes.
2. Lastic (for easy oxidation): Rub the contacts with a soft eraser (as in cleaning coins). Remove the crumbs with a dry brush.

Toothpaste (not gel!)

• Put the drop on the toothpick.
• Process the contacts, then rinse with alcohol.

🔍 Sound diagnostics:

• 🔊 Wheezing in one headphone - damaged speaker.
• 🔇 No sound, but microphone is working – the problem with audio.
• 🔄 Headphones are turned off after 5-10 seconds - corrosion on the power board.

Step 6: If the headphones are not alive – what to do next

If after all the manipulations, the headphones do not turn on or work incorrectly, there are three options:

1. Buying parts and repairing them yourself: 🛒 Order a speaker or board on AliExpress (search model, for example, "Redmi Buds 3 Pro speaker"). 🔧 Replacement requires a soldering iron and experience with microelectronics.

Buy new headphones

• 💡 If your model is outdated (for example, Redmi AirDots 2019), look at current analogues: Old model Current replacement (2026) Price, ₽ Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic Redmi Buds 5 ~2 500 Redmi AirDots (2019) Redmi Buds 4 Lite ~1 800 Mi Earphones Basic Xiaomi Earphones 2 ~1 200

💡

If the headphones are warranty, don't admit to washing - it voids the warranty. Say they "stopped working on their own."

Prevention: How to avoid repeated washing of headphones

To prevent history from repeating itself, follow simple rules:

• 🧺 Keep your headphones in a case (even wired ones) and use a bright case to keep it from getting lost in your underwear.
• 🏷️ Attach a tag to the case that says "Do not wash!" (for example, from old clothes).
• 📱 Use reminders. In Mi Home or Google Assistant, set up a notification: "Check your headphones before washing".
• 🔍 Check your pockets before loading your laundry, especially denim pockets, where headphones often forget.

💡 Lifehack: If you often lose headphones, buy a Bluetooth tracker (for example, Xiaomi Mi Smart Band can be used as a signaler to search for a case).

FAQ: Frequent questions after washing headphones