A Complete Guide on How to Clean Apple AirPods

5 minute read

Do you take your AirPods with you everywhere you go? If so, you're definitely not alone. 

After all, Apple AirPods are the best way to connect to your iPhone. Whether you're talking on the phone, FaceTiming with your bestie, or jamming out to your favorite tunes, AirPods provide the best sound quality possible.

But they can also get icky pretty quickly. Thus you'll need to occasionally take a few minutes to clean them.

Keep reading to get the inside scoop on how to clean AirPods so they'll shine like the day you bought them.

Recommended Method

Who wants to jam their expensive AirPods with Q-tips, not only is it time consuming, but isn't easy or effective. The chemists and designers at Pod Accessories created Wax Magnet Tabs™. This accessory is particularly useful for the first and second generation AirPods, but can be used in conjunction with AirPods Pro silicone tips or along side the Dual Hybrid™ memory foam attachments. All you do is tack and pull. Perfect for the AirPods case, speaker grill, or AirPods Pro silicone tips. 

It's no secret that AirPods ranks among the coolest products Apple has ever designed. Feel free to contact us to learn more about our line of AirPods accessories.

Accessories Mentioned

The Alternative Method

Cleaning AirPods isn't rocket science, but you'll still need to understand what you're doing and have the right cleaning supplies for getting the job done right.

Before getting started, keep in mind that AirPods aren't waterproof. So resist the impulse to simply rinse them off in the sink.

As far as what you'll need to clean them, Apple recommends using a "soft, dry, lint-free cloth". It's also helpful to use a Q-tip or perhaps a toothpick so that you're able to reach every nook and cranny, as well as some isopropyl alcohol.

How to Clean Your AirPods

Now you're ready to begin the cleaning process. If you own AirPods Pro, the first step is to remove the silicon tips. This will make cleaning easier. You can run the tips under some water without damaging them.

Wipe down your AirPods with the lint-free cloth. Be as thorough as possible. Depending on how dirty they happen to be, you might have to really work at it and go over them several times.

You'll quickly notice that dirt from your ears has a tendency to get everywhere, especially the hard-to-reach grooves. This is where your Q-tip or toothpick will come in handy. Dip the end of the Q-tip in isopropyl alcohol and gently scrub the areas where the soft can't reach.

If you discover any gunk inside the speaker canal or the speaker mesh, be careful to not push the gunk deeper into the earbud. This will only end up causing more problems.

Cleaning Your AirPods Charging Case

When AirPods are stored in the charging case, it will tend to get just as nasty as the AirPods themselves. Thus you'll need to take the time to clean the case as well.

For best results, use a medium or firm-bristle toothbrush. This will enable you to clean the case gently and quickly, including the deeper grooves around the hinge. Once you've gone over it with a toothbrush, go ahead and use a Q-tip dipped in isopropyl alcohol to sterilize the interior of the case where the AirPods are stored.

Remember to never use compressed air to clean your AirPods, because this can cause damage.