Keeping your AirPods clean is essential for maintaining their performance and ensuring good hygiene. Dirty AirPods can accumulate sweat, earwax, dirt, and debris, which can affect sound quality and make them less comfortable to wear. Cleaning your AirPods properly helps you get the most out of them and keeps them looking new.
To clean the cushions and headband of AirPods Max, mix a teaspoon of liquid laundry detergent into a cup of water. Remove the cushions, dip a cloth into the solution, and wipe them down. Hold the headband upside down when cleaning to avoid liquid entering sensitive areas.
For AirPods and AirPods Pro, use a soft, dry cloth to wipe down the exterior. Use a dry cotton swab for hard-to-reach areas and a soft brush for the speaker mesh. Remember to avoid submerging or running your AirPods under water.
How to Clean Your AirPods: A Step‑by‑Step Guide
Keeping your AirPods clean isn’t just about looks—it helps maintain sound quality, prevents ear infections, and extends the life of your earbuds. Earwax, dust, and pocket lint can build up over time, especially in the speaker grills and charging case. Follow this safe and effective guide to clean your AirPods properly.
What You’ll Need
Before you start, gather these items:
- Soft, lint‑free cloth (microfiber works best)
- Cotton swabs (Q‑tips)
- 70% isopropyl alcohol
- Soft‑bristled toothbrush or small brush
- Wooden toothpick (optional)
- Clean, dry towel
Important: Never use water directly on your AirPods, and avoid sharp metal tools.
Step 1: Power Off and Remove Accessories
- Take your AirPods out of the charging case.
- If you’re cleaning AirPods Pro or AirPods (3rd gen), remove the silicone ear tips.
- Make sure the AirPods are disconnected from any devices.
Step 2: Clean the Exterior
- Lightly dampen a lint‑free cloth with 70% isopropyl alcohol.
- Gently wipe the outer surfaces of each AirPod.
- Avoid moisture entering any openings or speaker grills.
Let them air dry for a minute before continuing.
Step 3: Clean the Speaker Grills and Mesh
This is where most debris builds up.
- Use a dry cotton swab to gently brush the speaker grills.
- For stubborn wax:
- Lightly dampen the swab with isopropyl alcohol.
- Gently rotate it over the mesh—do not press hard.
- Use a soft toothbrush to loosen debris if needed.
Tip: Always brush away from the mesh to avoid pushing debris inside.
Step 4: Clean AirPods Pro Ear Tips (If Applicable)
- Rinse silicone ear tips with warm water only (no soap).
- Dry them completely with a soft cloth.
- Make sure they are fully dry before reattaching.
Do not wash the AirPods themselves under water.
Step 5: Clean the Charging Case
- Turn the case upside down and tap it gently to remove loose debris.
- Use a dry cotton swab or soft brush to clean inside the charging ports.
- Wipe the outside of the case with a slightly alcohol‑dampened cloth.
- Use a toothpick carefully for compacted lint (optional).
Avoid getting liquid inside the charging connectors.
Step 6: Final Drying and Reassembly
- Let all parts air dry for at least 5–10 minutes.
- Reattach ear tips if applicable.
- Place AirPods back into the charging case.
How Often Should You Clean Your AirPods?
- Light use: Once every 1–2 weeks
- Daily use or workouts: Once a week
- After heavy sweating: Clean immediately
What Not to Do
- ❌ Don’t use soap, bleach, or cleaning sprays
- ❌ Don’t submerge AirPods in water
- ❌ Don’t use compressed air
- ❌ Don’t insert sharp objects into the mesh
Final Tips for Keeping AirPods Clean
- Store them in the charging case when not in use
- Clean your ears regularly
- Avoid placing AirPods in pockets or bags without the case
Clean AirPods, Better Sound
Regular cleaning keeps your AirPods sounding clear and working properly. With just a few household items and a few minutes, you can keep them hygienic and performing like new.
Keep Your AirPods Pristine
Gather Your Cleaning Tools
Before you start, gather a few simple tools:
- A soft, dry, lint-free cloth (like a microfiber cloth)
- A cotton swab
- A soft-bristled brush (like a toothbrush)
- 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes (optional)
- Blu-Tack or adhesive putty (optional)
Cleaning the AirPods
- Gently wipe the AirPods: Use the lint-free cloth to remove any dirt or debris from the exterior surfaces.
- Clean the microphone and speaker meshes: Use the cotton swab to gently remove any earwax or grime. Don’t push too hard, as you don’t want to damage the delicate mesh.
- Clean the charging contacts: Use the soft-bristled brush to remove debris from the charging contacts at the bottom of each AirPod.
- AirPods Pro ear tips: If you have AirPods Pro, gently pull off the ear tips and rinse them with water. Make sure they are completely dry before reattaching.
Cleaning the AirPods Case
- Wipe the exterior: Use the lint-free cloth to wipe down the outside of the case.
- Clean the charging port: Use the soft-bristled brush to remove any debris from the charging port.
- Remove stubborn grime: If there’s sticky grime, dampen a small part of the cloth with a bit of water and gently wipe the area. Be sure to dry it completely afterwards.
Optional Cleaning Methods
- 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes: You can use these to disinfect the exterior surfaces of your AirPods and case. Avoid using them on the speaker and microphone meshes.
- Blu-Tack or adhesive putty: These can help remove stubborn dirt or debris from the meshes.
AirPods Cleaning Tips
- Don’t use harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
- Avoid getting liquid in any openings.
- Never submerge your AirPods in water.
- Allow your AirPods to dry completely before using them or putting them back in the case.
Please note that cleaning your AirPods regularly can help maintain their performance and longevity.
Key Takeaways
- Regular cleaning maintains AirPods’ performance and hygiene.
- Remove cushions before cleaning AirPods Max with detergent solution.
- Use a dry cloth and cotton swab for AirPods and AirPods Pro.
Cleaning Your AirPods
Maintaining the cleanliness of your AirPods ensures they keep working well and stay hygienic. Follow the steps below to clean your AirPods properly.
Preparing to Clean
Before starting, gather the necessary items. These include a soft, dry, lint-free cloth, isopropyl alcohol (70% or less), water, cotton swabs, and a small brush. Ensure the AirPods are disconnected from any devices. Remove any attachments, like the ear tips on the AirPods Pro. This preparation helps avoid damaging the device during the cleaning process.
Cleaning The Exterior
Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to wipe the exterior of the AirPods gently. For tougher grime, lightly dampen the cloth with water or isopropyl alcohol. Avoid getting moisture in any openings. For stubborn spots, use a dry cotton swab to clean tight areas. Remember to handle your AirPods carefully to avoid scratches or other damage.
Addressing The Mesh and Microphone
Cleaning the mesh and microphone areas requires extra care. Begin with a dry cotton swab to remove visible dust or debris. If there are persistent particles, use a small brush to gently dislodge them. Alternatively, you can use a piece of Blu-Tack by pressing it against the mesh and then pulling it away to lift grime. Avoid pushing anything into these areas as it can damage the components.
Cleaning The Case
The charging case needs regular cleaning as well. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe down the exterior. For the interior, particularly the charging pins, use a dry brush to remove any debris. A cotton swab lightly moistened with isopropyl alcohol can clean the interior surfaces, but ensure it is not too wet. Allow the components to dry before placing the AirPods back inside.
Drying and Reassembling
After cleaning, let all parts air dry completely. Do not use direct heat or compressed air to speed up the drying process. Once dry, reattach any parts, like the ear tips, securely to the AirPods. Ensure that no moisture remains before using or storing the AirPods in their case. Proper drying prevents short circuits and other issues, ensuring the longevity of your device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cleaning AirPods is essential to maintain sound quality and prolong their life. Below are key points to help you clean various AirPods models and related components effectively.
What is the best method to clean my AirPods Pro?
To clean AirPods Pro, start by removing the ear tips. Soak the ear tips in warm water for a minute and dry them with a lint-free cloth. Use a cotton swab with a bit of isopropyl alcohol to clean the exterior and a toothpick for tight spaces.
How can I effectively remove ear wax from my AirPods?
For ear wax removal, use a dry, soft-bristled toothbrush or a clean, dry cotton swab. Gently brush or wipe away the wax from the speaker mesh. Avoid using any liquid on the mesh area to prevent damage.
What is the recommended way to clean the case of my AirPods?
To clean the AirPods case, use a soft cloth slightly dampened with water or isopropyl alcohol. Wipe the exterior as well as the interior, being careful not to get any liquid inside the charging ports. Use a dry cotton swab for hard-to-reach areas.
How do I clean the mesh of my AirPods to restore sound quality?
Clean the mesh using a dry, soft-bristled brush to gently remove any debris. You can also use a dry, clean cotton swab to wipe the surface. Avoid using sharp objects to prevent damage to the mesh.
What steps should I follow to thoroughly clean my AirPods Max?
Remove the cushions from the ear cups of your AirPods Max. Use a solution of liquid laundry detergent mixed with water to clean the cushions and headband. Wipe with a damp cloth and let them dry completely before reassembling.
What should I do if my AirPods go through the laundry?
If your AirPods go through the laundry, dry them immediately with a soft, lint-free cloth. Leave them in a dry place for at least 48 hours. Avoid using them until you are sure they are completely dry to prevent any damage.
