Your AirPods are your daily companions—whether you’re jamming to music, taking calls, or drowning out noisy coworkers. But let’s be real: they get gross. Earwax, dust, and grime build up, affecting sound quality and hygiene.
Good news: Cleaning them is super easy and takes just a few minutes. Here’s how to do it safely and effectively—plus why it’s worth the effort!
Why You Should Clean Your AirPods Regularly
✅ Better Sound Quality – Clogged mesh = muffled audio.
✅ Longer Lifespan – Prevents debris from damaging internal parts.
✅ Hygiene – Reduces bacteria (yes, they get that dirty).
✅ Resale Value – Clean AirPods = higher resale price if you upgrade.
What You’ll Need
🛠️ Basic Supplies (Cheap & Effective!)
- Q-tips / Cotton Swabs – For gentle scrubbing.
- Toothpicks / Soft-Bristle Brush – For stubborn gunk.
- Blue Tack (Poster Putty) or Funtak – Lifts dirt from mesh.
- 70% Isopropyl Alcohol – Disinfects (don’t use bleach or soap!).
- Microfiber Cloth – For wiping down surfaces.
(Optional: Specialty AirPods cleaning tools exist, but most aren’t necessary—more on that later.)
Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide
1. Remove Ear Tips (AirPods Pro Only)
- Gently pull off silicone tips (don’t rip them!).
- Soak them in warm, soapy water for 5 mins, then rinse and dry completely before reattaching.
2. Clean the Speaker Mesh (The Gross Part)
- Dry Method: Use a dry Q-tip to loosen earwax.
- Stubborn Grime? Lightly dampen the Q-tip with alcohol (don’t soak it!).
- Deep Cleaning: Roll Blue Tack into a tiny ball, press gently on the mesh, and lift away—gunk sticks right off!
⚠️ Never use sharp objects (pins, knives) or blow into the mesh—you’ll damage it!
3. Wipe Down the AirPods
- Dampen a microfiber cloth with a tiny bit of alcohol.
- Gently wipe the exterior (avoid pushing liquid into openings).
4. Clean the Charging Case
- Use a dry Q-tip to remove dust and gunk inside the case.
- For sticky residue, lightly dip the Q-tip in alcohol and scrub.
- Wipe the exterior with a microfiber cloth.
⚠️ Avoid getting liquid in the charging port!
Pro Tips & Tricks
🔹 Clean Weekly – Less buildup = easier maintenance.
🔹 Store Properly – Keep them in the case when not in use.
🔹 Avoid Moisture – No rinsing under water (AirPods aren’t waterproof!).
🔹 Skip Harsh Chemicals – Soap, bleach, or hand sanitizer can damage them.
“Do Cleaning Tools Actually Work?”
Some tools (like brushes with metal picks) help, but most aren’t necessary. The best method is still Q-tips + Blue Tack + alcohol. Save your money!
Final Result? Fresh, Like-New AirPods!
Now you’ll enjoy:
🎵 Crisper sound (no more muffled tunes).
🧼 Fewer germs (goodbye, ear gunk).
🔋 Longer battery life (clean contacts charge better).
Happy cleaning! ✨