How to clean airpods safely?
I basically use my AirPods every day, and boy, you can sure tell by how dirty they look. I don't want to get them wet and ruin them for good, but I don't want to keep putting that gunk back into my ears. It looks like some of the ear wax has gotten into the case as well. Any advice on how to get these clean again?
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For a complete guide to this topic, read the wikiHow article How to Clean Your AirPods Without Damaging Them
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Expert Comments
There are various wipes and sprays for cleaning electronics that you could use; just make sure not to let them get too wet!
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To clean AirPods, Apple does have an official kit for this, made by Belkin, but it is not necessary for this procedure.
https://www.apple.com/shop/product/HRVM2ZM/A/belkin-airpods-cleaning-kit
Apple's other recommendation besides the CleaningKit from Belkin is using
- Micellar water that includes PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides,
such as from Bioderma or Neutrogena
-Distilled water
-A soft-bristled children's toothbrush
-Two small cups
-A paper towel
1. Add a small amount of micellar water to a cup.
2. Dip the toothbrush in the cup of micellar water until the bristles are fully saturated.
3. Hold your AirPod with the mesh facing up.
4. Brush the mesh in circles for about 15 seconds.
5. Turn over your AirPod and blot it on a paper towel. Ensure the paper towel contacts the mesh.
6. Repeat steps 2-5 two more times (three times total) for each mesh that you would like to clean.
7. To rinse off the micellar water, rinse the brush with distilled water, then repeat steps 1-5 with distilled water for each mesh that you cleaned.
8. IMPORTANT: Allow your AirPods to dry completely — for at least two hours — before you place them in the charging case or use them.
Instead of paper towels, I find Q-tips work great for these, they seem to do a better job 'scrubbing' the mesh speaker covers, I sometimes remove some of the cotton on the tip to make them stiffer.
For tiny crevices that the Q-tip or paper towel may not be reaching, I like to use a toothpick to very softly run along the seam or crevice, this allows oil or dirt that built up to dislodge from the casing. Don't push too hard with the toothpick.
Many users online have reported they are damaging their AirPods using rubbing alcohol, after a short time researching, it seems the consensus is that rubbing alcohol is removing a water resistant coating, and possibly wearing out seals inside of the AirPods. For these reasons, avoid rubbing alcohol or anything similar.
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https://www.apple.com/shop/product/HRVM2ZM/A/belkin-airpods-cleaning-kit
Apple's other recommendation besides the CleaningKit from Belkin is using
- Micellar water that includes PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides,
such as from Bioderma or Neutrogena
-Distilled water
-A soft-bristled children's toothbrush
-Two small cups
-A paper towel
1. Add a small amount of micellar water to a cup.
2. Dip the toothbrush in the cup of micellar water until the bristles are fully saturated.
3. Hold your AirPod with the mesh facing up.
4. Brush the mesh in circles for about 15 seconds.
5. Turn over your AirPod and blot it on a paper towel. Ensure the paper towel contacts the mesh.
6. Repeat steps 2-5 two more times (three times total) for each mesh that you would like to clean.
7. To rinse off the micellar water, rinse the brush with distilled water, then repeat steps 1-5 with distilled water for each mesh that you cleaned.
8. IMPORTANT: Allow your AirPods to dry completely — for at least two hours — before you place them in the charging case or use them.
Instead of paper towels, I find Q-tips work great for these, they seem to do a better job 'scrubbing' the mesh speaker covers, I sometimes remove some of the cotton on the tip to make them stiffer.
For tiny crevices that the Q-tip or paper towel may not be reaching, I like to use a toothpick to very softly run along the seam or crevice, this allows oil or dirt that built up to dislodge from the casing. Don't push too hard with the toothpick.
Many users online have reported they are damaging their AirPods using rubbing alcohol, after a short time researching, it seems the consensus is that rubbing alcohol is removing a water resistant coating, and possibly wearing out seals inside of the AirPods. For these reasons, avoid rubbing alcohol or anything similar.
You can use Micellar water
. Place a small amount in a cup and then use a soft toothbrush with no dripping water
on the brush to clean.
There are also small tools that can help aid in getting your AirPods clean. Hyashee makes a brush for cleaning AirPods. I would clean them when they get dirty. Clean the least you can while also making sure they stay clean.
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There are also small tools that can help aid in getting your AirPods clean. Hyashee makes a brush for cleaning AirPods. I would clean them when they get dirty. Clean the least you can while also making sure they stay clean.
Reader Comments
I dip a cotton swab in some isopropyl alcohol and gently wipe my airpods and airpod case. For earwax and stuff in hard to reach cracks and mesh parts, (carefully) use a toothpick. That should do the trick!
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If the main part of your AirPods are dirty, then get a lint-free cloth damp with some clean water and wipe them up.
If the meshes are looking messy or clogged, micellar water to works the best to break apart the wax. Dip a toothbrush in the water, hold your AirPod so the mesh faces down, and gently scrub them for a few seconds. Dab the meshes with a paper towel to dry them off.
Always let your AirPods dry for a few hours before you charge or use them again so they don't get damaged.
You mentioned a dirty case too? Just wipe it down with a cloth and use isopropyl alcohol for really stubborn areas. Just make sure not to put anything in the charging ports so you don't cause any damage.
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If the meshes are looking messy or clogged, micellar water to works the best to break apart the wax. Dip a toothbrush in the water, hold your AirPod so the mesh faces down, and gently scrub them for a few seconds. Dab the meshes with a paper towel to dry them off.
Always let your AirPods dry for a few hours before you charge or use them again so they don't get damaged.
You mentioned a dirty case too? Just wipe it down with a cloth and use isopropyl alcohol for really stubborn areas. Just make sure not to put anything in the charging ports so you don't cause any damage.
You can buy a hearing aid cleaning kit online for less than $10. It'll equip you with all the tools you need
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