Your Apple Watch can survive the first run in the washing machine because is water-resistant to either a greater or lesser extent. This means, your Apple Watch can be functional after taking it out from the machine, but no one can guarantee the screen damage.
On Apple’s support page they state that Apple Watch is not waterproof, but resistant to splash and shallow waters not exceeding 50 m depth. However, these capabilities only apply to Apple Watch Series 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7.
Despite the Apple Watch’s water resistance, we strongly discourage running it in the washing machine.
Can Apple Watch Survive the Washing Machine?
Yes, Apple Watch can survive once in the washing machine through the washer and dryer run. However, you should avoid it, unless you did not intend to get any damage on the screen.
Why You Shouldn’t Run Your Apple Watch in the Washing Machine?
Theoretically washing machine uses heat, water, and detergent/soap to clean and dry fabrics while in the washer and dryer. Contrarily, Apple Watch is designed with water seals and an acoustic membrane for water-resistance purposes.
However, the water seals and the acoustic membrane of your Apple Watch are not resistant to soaps, detergents, and heat. Thus, continuous exposure to these elements {heat, soap, and detergent} can reduce or affect the efficacy of the Apple Watch’s water resistance.
Secondly, it is worth noting that Apple Watch’s water-resistance ability cannot be rechecked or resealed. Therefore, you should take care of your Apple Watch against the above-mentioned elements because they can damage its water seals and acoustic membrane.
Because if they are damaged it makes your Apple watch susceptible to water damage, hence; it will not survive in the washing machine after its second or third run.
Don’t panic if you accidentally run your Apple watch in the washing machine with your clothes. But only acceptable once for series 2 models and the later generations.
What to Do After Removing your Apple Watch out of the Washing Machine?
After removing your Apple Watch from the washing machine you should clean and dry it. That’s because the cleaning detergent used in the washing may contain chlorine.
Secondly, the chlorine might go to a greater depth, and thus if left top dry it may interfere with your Apple Watch’s functionality.
Do not wipe it off because it is not effective in removing the chlorine deposited in the components of your watch. We strongly recommend cleaning it with water and rinsing it with warm tap water.
How to Clean your Apple Watch After Taking Out of Washing Machine
Besides removing chlorine deposits, cleaning your Apple watch is crucial because it helps to maintain its functionality and reduces the risks of developing skin irritation and sensitivity. To clean your Apple Watch, follow the step-by-step guide below:
Step 1: If your Apple Watch band is stainless steel or made from leather, kindly remove them because they are susceptible to water damage. However, it is advisable to remove it even if it is water-resistant because it may contain chlorine deposits.
Step 2: Take a non-abrasive and lint-free cloth, lightly damp in freshwater.
Step 3: Use it to wipe clean your Apple watch. Or, if you are not satisfied wipe cleaning it, you can lightly run your Apple watch under warm water for about 20-seconds. Do not use any detergent or soap when cleaning your Apple Watch.
Step 4: Wipe away excess water using dry and clean non-abrasive and lint-free clothing. Ensure you dry your Apple Watch from its front, back, and sides.
Step 5: Turn on your Apple Watch and then activate the Water Lock feature. The Water Lock feature is not available on Apple Watch Series 1 and 2. The significance of this feature is to vibrate your Apple watch to dislodge interior water that might have made its way inside your watch’s speaker and Mic ports. Do not either shake or be tempted to poke in the Mic ports or speaker in an attempt to clear them of water because it can cause other problems.
Step 6: Dry it again and then connect your Apple watch to the charger and leave it to evaporate further before you start using it. You are done!
See Also: Can I Shower With My Apple Watch? Here’s the Truth
Extras: How Much Water-Resistant is Your Apple Watch
All the Apple Watches are certified as water-resistant, except for the older models like the original Apple Watch and Series 1.
Water-resistance of a device is measured by its ingression protection {IP} or ability to withstand physical intrusion. The IP contains two digits to indicate the strength of its resistance.
The first digit goes up to 6 to indicate how robust the device is at resistance to solid intrusions. And, the second digit covers liquid intrusions which normally go up to 9 or 9K.
But in terms of liquid or water resistance, the number ratings are indicated below:
| Number Ratings | Water Resistance |
|---|---|
| 0 | Doesn’t offer liquid resistance. |
| 1 | Resistance against vertically dripping water. |
| 2 | Resistance against water dripping at 15-degrees. |
| 3 | Resistance against water spraying from any angle up to 60-degrees. |
| 4 | Resistance against splashing water from any direction. |
| 5 | Resistance against water projected by the nozzle and against enclosure from all directions. |
| 6 | Resistance against water projected from powerful jets and against enclosure from all directions. |
| 6K | Resistance against powerful jets with increased pressure. |
| 7 | Resistance against water immersion, up to 1 m depth for about 30 minutes. |
| 8 | Resistance against water/liquid immersion beyond 1 m, but varying with the depth. |
| 9/9K | Resistance against powerful high-temperature water jets or steam. |
| X | Untested or unrated |
Both the original and Series 1 have a water-resistance rating of IPX7 under IEC standard 60529. That is to say, both the original apple watch and Series 1 are splash and water-resistant, but you are advised against water/liquid submersion up to a depth of 1m for up to 30 minutes.
Contrarily, Apple Watch Series 2 and later models are built with water-resistance technology rated up to 50 meters or 164 feet under ISO standard 22810:2010. Meaning, Apple Watch Series 2 and the later models can provide underwater resistance up to the depth of 50 meters.
Therefore, it will be fine if you swim in the pool and sea with your watch. However, the Apple team discourages deep water and high-velocity water activities like scuba diving and skiing.
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