How to Clean AirPods and AirPods Pro Safely
AirPods are a daily necessity for many, but they quickly accumulate earwax, sweat, and pocket lint. This buildup not only looks unhygienic but can also muffle the speaker grilles, significantly reducing sound quality and active noise cancellation. Because AirPods are delicate electronics with zero water resistance, cleaning them incorrectly can permanently ruin them. Here is how to safely clean your AirPods, AirPods Pro, and their charging case without causing liquid damage.
What You Will Need:
- 70% Isopropyl Alcohol wipes (or a lightly dampened cloth with 91%+ alcohol)
- Dry cotton swabs (Q-tips)
- A clean, dry microfiber cloth
- A clean, dry soft-bristled toothbrush
- A wooden toothpick
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Wipe the Exterior Bodies
Start by wiping the glossy plastic exterior of each AirPod with a dry microfiber cloth. If there are stubborn stains, lightly dampen the cloth with isopropyl alcohol (or use a pre-packaged alcohol wipe) and wipe the plastic. Note: Never use wet wipes on the mesh speaker grilles.
Step 2: Clean the Speaker and Microphone Meshes
Take a dry cotton swab and gently rub the black speaker and microphone meshes to clear away light dust and lint. For hardened earwax stuck in the edges of the grilles, use a dry, soft-bristled toothbrush to brush the wax away. Keep the AirPods pointing downwards while brushing so the debris falls out instead of pushing deeper into the mesh.
Step 3: Carefully Scrape Stubborn Wax Clumps
If earwax is deeply lodged in the speaker crevices, use a wooden toothpick. Very carefully scrape the wax out around the edges of the speaker opening. Warning: Do not press hard, and do not use a metal pin or needle, as you can easily puncture the delicate wire mesh.
Step 4: Clean the Silicone Tips (AirPods Pro Only)
If you have AirPods Pro, pull the silicone ear tips off each pod. Rinse the silicone tips thoroughly with plain warm water. Do not use alcohol or soap on the silicone, as it can degrade the material. Wipe them with a dry cloth, ensure they are 100% dry, and snap them back onto the AirPods.
Step 5: Clean the Charging Case
Wipe the exterior of the charging case with a microfiber cloth. To clean the delicate charging contacts inside the case: dip a clean, dry Q-tip inside the slots and spin it gently. Never use liquid inside the charging case slots, as it can corrode the gold charging pins.
Frequently Asked Questions & Troubleshooting
Can I submerge my AirPods in water or liquid?
No. AirPods, AirPods Pro, and their charging cases are not waterproof. Even "water-resistant" models are only rated for sweat and light splashes, not immersion. Submerging them in liquid or running them under a tap will permanently destroy the internal circuitry.
Why is one of my AirPods quieter than the other?
In almost all cases, one AirPod being quieter is caused by a thin layer of earwax blocking the speaker grille. Even a microscopic layer of wax can heavily muffle the sound. Clean the grille thoroughly with a dry toothbrush or toothpick to restore full volume.
What should I do if my AirPods go through the washing machine?
If they get wet, do not plug the case in or put the AirPods in your ears. Immediately wipe them dry. Place them face-down on a paper towel in a dry room with good airflow and let them dry for at least 24 to 48 hours. Do not use a hairdryer or put them in rice, as rice dust can ruin the speakers.