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AIBU?

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Original poster

Was it my fault and do I replace them?

212 replies

Sexnotgender · 01/03/2021 15:57

I do all the washing.

I repeatedly tell people to empty their pockets. DD17 didn’t take her apple headphones out and obviously they went through the wash.

Waiting to see if they still work once they dry out.

Should I have double checked? And should I replace them?

OP posts:
Chloemol · 01/03/2021 18:52

Your child’s fault, it’s a life lesson for them and they can fund replacements

Ellmau · 01/03/2021 18:53

Not your fault.

I would offer to replace them as an advance birthday present.

takingmytimeonmyride · 01/03/2021 18:54

I've had a few pairs of headphones (Apple and other makes) go through both the washing machine and tumble dryer and survive. So hopefully they'll be fine.

ThatsnotmyBorishishairistoneat · 01/03/2021 18:54

Do not replace them

DespairingHomeowner · 01/03/2021 18:55

I’ve only read p1, but I think it would be helpful to explain to your family that checking pockets is partly to stop their stuff getting washed, and partly so it doesn’t wreck the machine, which is an expense the family can do without

Try to dry them with silicon packets (that you get with shoes etc). I’d be somewhat hopeful they will come back to life tbh

GnomeDePlume · 01/03/2021 18:56

Both my DDs managed to break their laptops doing something daft. With each we replaced them once and explained that was their one shot at daftness.

YouokHun · 01/03/2021 18:56

In my experience those earphones are remarkably resilient so you might get away with it. The other good news is that the new fivers and tenners wash well too!

If they don’t work I’d help her out with new ones as though it is her fault she’s not in a happy place and right now these locked down teens need their phone related kit. I think I would just reiterate the policy of looking after her own stuff at the handover of the new ones.

I got my children doing their own washing and that’s helped focus their minds about the process, including the other laundry related issues like using a floordrobe and mixing up clean and dirty stuff by not putting it away etc etc. I’m thinking of sending them up chimneys next.

bellie710 · 01/03/2021 19:00

I would say it is definitely her fault, but I would probably feel bad and replace them, providing it was a one off that she was careless with.

Saywhatyoumeanandmeanwhatyousa · 01/03/2021 19:03

Not your fault, but if she’s going through a bad time and is generally a good kid, I’d replace them if I could afford to.

Bluntness100 · 01/03/2021 19:06

I’m swaying towards replacing them if they don’t work

If you don’t then I have a few spare sets, it should be up to her to accept the offer, if you decide not to.

I think many of us on here would choose to be kind in these circumstances.

Warsawa31 · 01/03/2021 19:06

Put them in a tub with rice for a day or so - it usually draws the moisture out

Original poster
Sexnotgender · 01/03/2021 19:16

@Bluntness100

I’m swaying towards replacing them if they don’t work

If you don’t then I have a few spare sets, it should be up to her to accept the offer, if you decide not to.

I think many of us on here would choose to be kind in these circumstances.

That’s very kind. I’m happy to buy some though if necessary.
OP posts:
MacDuffsMuff · 01/03/2021 19:18

DH left his brand new ear buds in his tracksuit bottom pockets when he'd been for a run. I stuck them through the washing machine because he had put them in the laundry basket. Totally his fault and he knew it.

RosesAndHellebores · 01/03/2021 19:23

If you can I would replace them. Shit happens and being 17 is hard.

Incogweeto · 01/03/2021 19:27

I've washed mine TWICE now and they still work. I think you'll be ok.

rossclare · 01/03/2021 19:31

It's totally her fault, but if this is the first time it's happened, i would probably let my DD stew for a while and then relent and buy her some new ones.

Because i'm a softie and if i can afford to make her feel better then i would.

But this would be the last chance!

Floralnomad · 01/03/2021 19:32

It definitely wasn’t your fault but I’d replace them if it turns out they don’t work . Fwiw I always check pockets here as my husband has form for leaving tissues / paper in his because he’s an idiot .

IceCreamAndCandyfloss · 01/03/2021 19:32

I always remind them to check pockets before putting things in the wash but I double check every load as a fail safe plus so as not to break the machine.

I’d replace them if it were me, mistakes happen.

Howshouldibehave · 01/03/2021 19:39

I’d feel really bad as well, even though she should have checked her pockets. I’ve washed air pods before which have been fine if that’s any consolation!!

I’ve also accidentally washed DH’s entire wallet, many tissues and even washed a nappy once many years ago. That made one hell of a mess!

KittytheHare · 01/03/2021 19:41

I'll bet they will still work. I did this to DD's apple headphones last week. They survived the tumble dryer also, and are absolutely fine.

SpiderinaWingMirror · 01/03/2021 19:46

I'd be kind too.
She knows it's not your fault. Life is tough at the moment. If you do replace them (if needed) I bet you she will remember your handling of it for years.

therealteamdebbie · 01/03/2021 19:46

@iwishiwasatcentralperk

They should be covered by your house insurance , so you could make a claim and ask her to pay the excess, or pay it yourself if you are feeling generous.
not sure it's good advice just for a pair of headphones, you end up paying for your claims.
rwalker · 01/03/2021 19:51

Due the the fact she did'n't kick off I would give her £15 towards new one then she's only got to find £5 .
She still has to deal with consequences (£5) but not too harsh

Bloodypunkrockers · 01/03/2021 19:56

Plus I can't count the number of times I've ruined a load with a rebel hankie in a pocket

Bluntness100 · 01/03/2021 20:09

@rwalker

Due the the fact she did'n't kick off I would give her £15 towards new one then she's only got to find £5 . She still has to deal with consequences (£5) but not too harsh
Why does she need to deal with the consequences? Why does it need to be a life lesson for you? Why not just be kind and buy her a new set. Don’t you ever make mistakes? Don’t you ever just want someone to have your back and show you kindness if you do? Don’t you think this is the better example to set her rather than always making her deal with the consequences and making sure she knows even her own mother doesn’t have her back?