AirPods with blue and yellow background

How to Clean AirPods

Maintaining clean AirPods is crucial for removing wax buildup, dust, and germs, ensuring better sound quality and hygiene. After spending hours in your ears and time in the charging case (which often sits in bags, pockets, or on counters), AirPods can accumulate dirt and germs. Follow this step-by-step guide to keep your AirPods and their case clean. Want to know how to clean AirPods? Read on to find out!

How Often to Clean AirPods and Their Case

  • Frequent Use: If you use them daily or during workouts, clean them after each use.
  • As Needed: Clean them whenever you notice buildup or if they haven’t been used for a while.
AirPods with blue and yellow background wide

Considerations Before You Get Started

  • No Soaking: Do not soak or immerse AirPods in water or cleaning products.
  • Water Resistance: AirPods are water-resistant, not waterproof. Avoid using excessive water.
  • Moisture Precautions: Keep moisture out of openings and charging ports.
  • Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Don’t use bleach or hydrogen peroxide.
  • Gentle Tools: Use non-abrasive materials to avoid damage.

What You Need

Make sure that you have the following items ready to clean your AirPods:

For AirPods

For AirPods Case

How to Clean AirPods

The following steps detail how to clean your AirPods:

  1. Wipe AirPods: Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe all parts of the AirPods—outer surface, earphones, ear tips, and handle.
  2. Clean the Mesh: Use a dry cotton swab to gently clean the microphone and speaker meshes, avoiding moisture.
  3. Brush Away Debris: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush away any dust or wax from the mesh.
  4. Remove Chemicals: If chemicals like sunscreen or lotion get on your AirPods, use a lightly dampened cloth to clean them. Dry them with a soft cloth before using or storing them.
  5. Disinfect exterior: Use  a non-bleach disinfecting wipe to clean the exterior. Avoid getting moisture in the microphone or speaker mesh.
  6. Dry AirPods:  Dry the AirPods with a soft cloth, ensuring all parts are dry before use or storage.

How to Clean the AirPods Case

The following steps detail how to clean your AirPods case:

  1. Clean the Inside: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or cotton swab to clean the interior and dislodge any dirt and grime. Avoid sharp objects to prevent damage.
  2. Wipe the Outside: Wipe the outer surface with a clean cloth. For dirtier cases, dampen the cloth, avoiding any ports on the device.
  3. Disinfect case: Wipe the outer surface with a disinfectant wipe.
  4. Dry Completely: Let the case air-dry thoroughly with the lid open before storing AirPods inside.

How to Keep Your AirPods Clean Longer

Perform regular maintenance on your AirPods by wiping them with a clean, dry cloth after each use. Ensure that both the AirPods and their case are dry before charging or storing them.

By following these guidelines, you can keep your AirPods clean and in optimal working condition, improving their lifespan and maintaining excellent audio quality. Know that you know how to clean AirPods (and how to clean the AirPods case), what are you waiting for?!

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