AirPods are a staple for many, offering great sound in a sleek, portable, and wireless form. As with all earbuds, however, they come with the downside of having them in your ears day after day. An accumulation of dirt, wax, and other debris can build up, affecting sound quality and the longevity of them. Regular maintenance doesn’t take much time and it’s really simple. Here’s an easy guide on how to properly clean your AirPods and their charging case.
Gather Your Supplies
Before you begin, at the very least, make sure you have a soft, lint-free cloth (like a microfiber cloth), cotton tips, and a small amount of isopropyl alcohol spray (70% concentration) or other suitable cleaning spray.
To give your AirPods a thorough clean, we also recommend a small soft bristled brush, a flocking sponge, and a silicone nib. Though not totally necessary, they will help to clean your AirPods more effectively. We have a selection of multifunctional cleaning kits which contain these tools.
How to Clean Your Apple AirPods
If you are cleaning a pair of AirPods Pro, gently remove the ear tips before beginning.
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Wipe Down the AirPod Bodies
Gently wipe the exterior of the AirPods with a damp cloth and dry with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. For stubborn dirt, lightly dampen the cloth with isopropyl alcohol or use a wipe, before drying. Make sure you don’t get any liquid in the openings or on the speaker meshes.
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Clean The Speaker Mesh
If you have one, use a small brush to clean and loosen the dust, wax, and debris in the mesh or small holes. Follow with a dry cotton but or flocking sponge to clean what is left. If wax and debris gets stuck in the edges and crevices, a silicone nib may be helpful.
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Clean The Ear Tips
If you are cleaning a pair of AirPods Pro, you will also need to clean the ear tips. Rinse the ear tips in water. Do not use soap or other cleaners. Wipe them dry with a soft, dry cloth. Make sure the ear tips are completely dry before putting them back on your AirPods.
How to Clean The Charging Case
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Remove the AirPods
Take the AirPods out of the charging case.
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Wipe Down the Exterior
Use a slightly damp cloth to clean the outside of the case. For stubborn dirt, lightly dampen the cloth with isopropyl alcohol. Dry with a soft, dry cloth.
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Clean Inside The Case
Use a flocking sponge to clean the inside of your case. If you don’t have one, you can use a cotton tip. Make sure you don’t get any liquid in the charging ports.
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Clean The Lightning Port
If necessary, use a small, soft-bristled brush to gently remove any debris from the lightning port on the bottom of the case.
Additional Tips
- Be careful around openings: While a damp cloth is fine for cleaning, avoid spraying alcohol directly on your AirPods and case, as it’s important not to get any liquid in the openings.
- Use a cleaning kit: For a more convenient cleaning experience, consider purchasing a cleaning kit designed for earbuds. These kits often include various tools that can help you clean more effectively.
- Regular Cleaning: Make cleaning your AirPods and charging case a part of your regular maintenance routine to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
