AirPods get dirty after daily use very quickly. You must Clean AirPods to avoid damage or infection. Dust, sweat, and earwax collect around the earbuds.
This affects sound quality and hygiene over time. Cleaning is easy when you follow the right steps. Here, I will explain how you can clean AirPods and their charging case safely.
Why You Must Clean AirPods Regularly
Dirty AirPods can harm your ears and hearing. Earwax buildup can block sound and trap germs. These germs may cause infection inside your ear canal. Dust and grease can affect audio performance too.
AirPods are not waterproof, only water-resistant models exist. This includes AirPods Pro and third-generation AirPods. That’s why cleaning them safely is very important. Avoid using too much water or sharp tools. Follow the correct method to keep AirPods in good shape.
Apple recommends soft cleaning tools for cleaning AirPods. Avoid using soap, water, or chemical sprays directly. Instead, use a soft cloth, swab, and safe cleaner. These help remove wax, dust, and dirt gently.
Best Tools to Clean AirPods at Home
You don’t need expensive products to Clean AirPods. Use these simple tools from your home or store:
- A clean, soft microfiber cloth
- A dry cotton swab or Q-tip
- A small amount of rubbing alcohol (70%)
- A soft-bristled toothbrush or anti-static brush
- WHOOSH cleaner for electronics (optional)
- A proper AirPods cleaning kit (optional)
Microfiber cloth is the most important cleaning tool. It removes oil, dust, and fingerprints safely. It leaves no marks or lint behind on the surface. If your cloth gets dirty, wash it before use again.
Use cotton swabs to clean the speaker and microphone mesh. These are soft and safe for small areas. For cleaning stubborn dirt, try soft brushes. Never use sharp items like toothpicks or pins.
WHOOSH is a cleaner safe for electronics. It has no alcohol or ammonia inside. You can use it with a cloth to clean AirPods.
Step-by-Step Method to Clean AirPods Safely
Here’s how to Clean AirPods without any damage. These simple steps will protect both sound and hygiene.
1. Clean Speaker Mesh and Microphone
First, take a cotton swab and clean the mesh. Gently wipe around the speaker grill and microphone area. This removes earwax and dust buildup properly.
Do not press the swab too hard or go deep. Never use a sharp item or dig the speaker mesh. That may damage the sound or break the grill.
2. Clean the AirPods Surface Area
Now, take your microfiber cloth and wipe the body. Rub gently to remove oil, grease, or dirt spots. If needed, slightly dampen the cloth with water. You may also use a drop of rubbing alcohol.
Wipe carefully and avoid touching the speaker area. Do not soak the cloth or use too much liquid. Let the AirPods dry before using or charging them again.
3. Remove and Clean Silicone Ear Tips (Pro Only)
AirPods Pro comes with silicone tips for better fit. These tips also collect wax and dirt often. To clean them, gently pull them off the earbuds.
Rinse the tips in plain water only. Do not use soap or chemical cleaners here. Wipe dry with a cloth and let them air-dry. Attach the tips back only after they are fully dry.
4. Handle Special Cases like Makeup or Food Stains
If AirPods touch makeup, perfumes, or food, clean fast. Dampen your cloth slightly and wipe affected areas. Then dry with a clean cloth and wait to reuse.
You may use distilled water if available. But it is not mandatory for normal cleaning tasks.
Never charge or use AirPods when wet. Wait until they are fully dry to avoid any damage.
How to Clean the AirPods Charging Case
The AirPods charging case also gets dirty often. It collects dust, grime, and fingerprints every day. Clean it the same way but with extra care.
1. Clean the Outer Case Surface
Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe the case. If stains remain, use alcohol on the cloth. You may also use WHOOSH on a microfiber cloth. Gently wipe the exterior and avoid wet areas.
Disinfectant wipes may be used but with caution. Do not wipe inside the charging ports. Keep liquids away from the case’s metal parts.
2. Clean the Charging Port Area
Check the lightning or USB-C port for any debris. Use a dry soft brush or old toothbrush here. Brush gently to remove dirt from around the connector.
Never insert toothpicks or pins into the port. This may damage charging contacts and create issues later.
3. Keep the Case Clean with a Cover
To avoid regular cleaning, use a case cover. These covers protect against scratches, dust, and drops. They also help keep your AirPods safe while travelling.
Some protective covers come with keychain clips. You can attach them to bags, belts, or wallets. This makes AirPods easy to carry and harder to lose.
Bonus Tips to Keep AirPods Always Clean
To keep AirPods clean longer, follow these simple tips:
- Do not use AirPods with dirty ears.
- Clean your ears weekly with proper ear hygiene.
- Keep AirPods away from makeup, perfume, and lotion.
- Avoid using AirPods after gym or with sweaty hands.
- Store AirPods only in their clean charging case.
- Never put wet AirPods inside the charging case.
- Avoid eating or drinking while using your AirPods.
Use a special AirPods cleaning kit for regular cleaning. Kits have safe brushes and tools for gentle cleaning. This prevents damage and keeps your earbuds in great shape.
WHOOSH and other safe cleaners also work well. Use these only with a microfiber cloth, not directly.
Avoid risky methods or harmful tools at all costs. Never dip AirPods in water or soap. Never use vacuum or sharp items on the mesh grill.
As We Conclude
Your AirPods need cleaning just like your phone does. You must clean AirPods the right way to protect them. Dirty AirPods can affect sound and hurt your ears.
With soft tools and gentle wipes, cleaning is easy. Clean both the earbuds and case carefully. This way, your AirPods stay fresh, safe, and work perfectly.
