How to Clean AirPods: The Right Way

Notice black marks, grime, or earwax building up on your favorite Apple AirPods? It happens to the best of us. Not only does it look gross, but that buildup actually muffles the audio quality of your favorite songs and podcasts.

We are here to show you the safest, most effective ways to clean your AirPods, AirPods Pro, and the charging case at home without damaging the tech.

Best Way To Clean AirPods

According to Apple, the best way to clean the exterior of your AirPods is with a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe, a 75% ethyl alcohol wipe, or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes. You need to be gentle and ensure no moisture gets into the openings.

For the delicate speaker mesh and microphone, liquid is the enemy. Use a dry cotton swab or a clean, soft-bristled brush (like a new makeup brush or toothbrush) to sweep away debris.

Never use products containing bleach or hydrogen peroxide. Even if your model is “water-resistant,” never run them under the tap or submerge them in water. Liquid damage is not covered by the warranty, so stick to damp wipes and dry cloths.

How Often to Clean Your AirPods

Aim to give your AirPods a quick wipe-down every 72 hours of listening time. Ears produce cerumen (earwax), which traps dirt and bacteria.

When you wear dirty earbuds, you trap that bacteria inside your ear canal. This creates a warm, moist environment that increases the risk of painful ear infections. A quick clean keeps your ears healthy and your audio crisp.

How To Clean AirPods

You need to clean three specific components: the AirPods themselves, the microphone mesh, and the charging case.

• Time: 15, 20 minutes
• Difficulty: Beginner

What You’ll Need

• Microfiber cloth
• Soft-bristled brush (clean toothbrush)
• Wooden toothpick (for exterior crevices only)
• Dry cotton swabs
• 70% Isopropyl (Rubbing) Alcohol

The Earbuds

1. Wipe the Exterior

Wipe the hard plastic body of your AirPods with a microfiber cloth slightly dampened with 70% isopropyl alcohol. Avoid the speaker mesh completely during this step.

Use a second, dry microfiber cloth to remove any remaining moisture immediately.

2. Remove Earwax From Mesh

This is the most critical step. Use a dry cotton swab or a soft-bristled brush to gently sweep wax out of the speaker mesh. Hold the AirPod with the speaker facing down so gravity helps the debris fall out rather than getting pushed further in.

Warning: Be very careful if using a toothpick. Only use it to scrape gunk off the hard plastic housing. Do not dig into the mesh screen, as you can puncture it or impact the sound driver.

You can also press your AirPods gently into earbud cleaning putty to lift dirt and earwax without scraping.

3. Clean Silicone Tips (AirPods Pro)

If you have AirPods Pro, pull off the silicone ear tips. Rinse these tips alone in fresh water (no soap).

Wipe them dry with a lint-free cloth. Tap them gently against the cloth to knock out any water trapped in the tubing. Wait until they are completely dry before reattaching them.

The Microphone

The microphone mesh is sensitive. Liquid here can ruin the electronics and your ability to make calls.

1. Brush Away Dirt

Use your clean, soft-bristled brush to sweep the microphone opening. Again, do this gently to avoid pushing debris deeper.

2. Swab the Area

Use a dry cotton swab to wipe around the microphone area to pick up any loosened dust.

3. Putty Method

If debris is stuck, lightly press the microphone area into earbud cleaning putty. This is safer than digging with tools.

The Charging Case

The charging case often gets dirtier than the earbuds because magnets inside attract iron filings and pocket lint.

1. Remove AirPods

Take the earbuds out and set them aside.

2. Clean the Exterior and Lid

Wipe the outside and the inside of the lid with a microfiber cloth. If there are stubborn stains on the plastic, dampen the cloth slightly with rubbing alcohol, but keep it away from the charging ports at the bottom.

3. Clean the Charging Ports

Use a soft-bristled brush to sweep out the deep charging bays where the AirPods sit. If there is lint stuck in the Lightning or USB-C port on the bottom of the case, use a wooden toothpick to gently fish it out. Be extremely careful not to damage the metal charging contacts.

How To Clean AirPods Max

AirPods Max require a different approach because of the knit mesh canopy and memory foam ear cushions.

• Time: 15 minutes (+ 24 hours drying time)
• Difficulty: Beginner

What You’ll Need

• Clean bowl
• Liquid laundry detergent
• Water
• Lint-free cloths

1. Create Cleaning Solution

Mix 1 teaspoon (5 mL) of liquid laundry detergent into 1 cup (250 mL) of water.

2. Remove the Cushions

Pull the magnetic ear cushions off the headphones carefully.

3. Wash Cushions and Headband

Dip a lint-free cloth into your soapy water solution, then wring it out until it is just slightly damp. Gently rub the cushions and the knit mesh headband for about one minute each.

4. Rinse

Get a separate cloth slightly damp with fresh water (no soap). Wipe down the cushions and headband to remove detergent residue.

5. Dry Thoroughly

Dry everything with a soft, dry cloth. Place the cushions flat on a towel to air dry. Crucial: Let them dry for at least 24 hours before reattaching them.

Proper Care Tips For AirPods

Maintenance extends the life of your battery and audio drivers.

• Keep them in the charging case whenever you aren’t using them to protect them from dust and physical damage.
• Never use abrasive materials or aerosol sprays.
• Wait until sweat has dried before putting AirPods back in the case to prevent corrosion on the charging contacts.
• Check the debris screen often; even a small amount of wax significantly lowers volume.

How Can I Make My AirPods Sound Better?

If cleaning didn’t fix the audio issues, try these software tweaks.

First, check for updates. Your iPhone automatically updates AirPods firmware when they are connected and charging near your phone.

Second, check your settings. Toggle “Active Noise Cancellation” off and on to see if it resets the audio profile. Sometimes, ANC creates a “suction” feeling that muffles bass.

Finally, take the “Ear Tip Fit Test” in your Bluetooth settings (for Pro models). This ensures you are using the correct size silicone tip for a tight seal, which is essential for good bass response.

FAQs

Are AirPods Sweat or Water-Resistant?

First and second-generation standard AirPods are not water-resistant. Third-generation AirPods and AirPods Pro are water and sweat-resistant (IPX4 rating), but they are not waterproof. You cannot swim or shower with them.

Why Do My AirPods Sound Muffled?

The most common culprit is earwax buildup on the speaker mesh. Even a thin layer of wax blocks sound waves. Clean the mesh carefully with a soft brush. If that fails, try sucking gently on the main speaker mesh (gross, but effective for dislodging deep wax) or resetting the device.

Can You Get Your AirPods Cleaned Professionally?

Yes, technicians at the Apple Store generally offer cleaning services if you bring them in for a Genius Bar appointment. They have specialized putty and brushes to clean them safely without voiding the warranty.

How Do You Remove Yellow Stains From AirPods Pro?

Yellowing is usually caused by UV exposure or chemical reactions with skin oils. Try wiping them with a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe. If the stain is deep in the plastic, it may be permanent, but a “Magic Eraser” (melamine sponge) used very gently can sometimes lift surface discoloration.

Can I Use Hydrogen Peroxide on AirPods?

No, you should avoid hydrogen peroxide. It can damage the glossy finish of the plastic and potentially harm the mesh adhesive over time. Stick to 70% isopropyl alcohol or simple water on a damp cloth.

Cleaning AirPods

Cleaning your AirPods doesn’t require expensive kits. A simple microfiber cloth, some isopropyl alcohol, and a soft brush will do the trick. Just remember to be gentle with the mesh and keep liquids to a minimum. Once they are clean and dry, you’ll likely notice an immediate improvement in volume and bass quality.