How to Clean Your AirPods Without Damaging Them

PDF download Download Article
Easy ways to safely clean your AirPods and keep them clean
PDF download Download Article

Do you need to clean your AirPods? Over time, your AirPods can accumulate dust, debris, earwax, and other gunk. If your AirPods look like they’ve seen better days, you can use a few tricks to get them to look new again. However, you must be careful when cleaning any electronic device so that they don't get water damage , which can cause permanent damage and impede the functionality of your devices. This wikiHow article teaches you how to safely clean your AirPods and keep them clean.

Things You Should Know

  • Wipe down your AirPods with a soft, dry lint-free microfiber cloth.
  • A dry cotton swab can help clean hard-to-reach areas.
  • For tougher jobs, use a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe or a microfiber cloth with a drop or two of distilled water.
  • Do not submerge or run your AirPods under water.
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Cleaning Off Dirt and Dust

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/ba\/Clean-AirPods-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-AirPods-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/ba\/Clean-AirPods-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Clean-AirPods-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Don’t use a regular cloth or rag. This could damage the polish on your AirPods. [1] Microfiber cloths are also better at picking up small particles than regular cloths. [2] Hold the microfiber cloth in your hand and gently bring it over the entire surface of each AirPod.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/31\/Clean-AirPods-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-AirPods-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/31\/Clean-AirPods-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Clean-AirPods-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Hold the cotton swab in your hand and gently rub the soft end through the small cracks and crevices on your AirPods. Carefully wipe over the speaker grills to remove any dust or wax that’s built up on them. Don’t push too hard on the speaker grills, or you could damage them. [3]
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/16\/Clean-AirPods-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-AirPods-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/16\/Clean-AirPods-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Clean-AirPods-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Place the eraser on the spot you want to remove and gently rub the eraser back and forth. Once the spot is gone, wipe off any leftover eraser shavings with the microfiber cloth. [4]
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6a\/Clean-AirPods-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-AirPods-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6a\/Clean-AirPods-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Clean-AirPods-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you don’t have an anti-static brush, you can use the bristles on a clean, dry toothbrush instead. Use the bristles on the anti-static brush to brush away dust, dirt, or wax that’s stuck in the speaker grills. Use a gentle brushing motion so you don’t damage the grills. [5]
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/96\/Clean-AirPods-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-AirPods-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/96\/Clean-AirPods-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Clean-AirPods-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If your AirPods haven’t been cleaned in a while, you may need to use a little bit of water to remove tough dirt and grime spots. Add a drop or two of distilled water onto a microfiber cloth to barely wet it. You can also dampen it with a little isopropyl alcohol or use an isopropyl alcohol wipe. Then, rub the damp part of the cloth over the surface of your AirPods. Don’t let the wet part of the cloth make contact with the speaker grills, or moisture could get inside of them. [6]
    • Do not attempt to use your AirPods until they are completely dry.
    6. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Cleaning Your Case

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6e\/Clean-AirPods-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-AirPods-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6e\/Clean-AirPods-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Clean-AirPods-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Gently wipe the entire surface of your case using a microfiber cloth. Do not use abrasive materials to clean your AirPods case.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/49\/Clean-AirPods-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-AirPods-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/49\/Clean-AirPods-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Clean-AirPods-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You can use a soft-bristle brush, like a clean toothbrush to remove any debris from the charging ports on your AirPods case.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/71\/Clean-AirPods-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-AirPods-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/71\/Clean-AirPods-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Clean-AirPods-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If there is any tough dirt or grime on your case, you can clean it using an alcohol or Clorox wipe, or an alcohol wipe or a microfiber cloth damp with just a little bit of 70% isopropyl alcohol. [7]
    • Make sure you do not get any liquid in the charging ports.
    • Wait for your case to completely dry before using it.
    4. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Keeping AirPods Clean

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0e\/Clean-AirPods-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-AirPods-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0e\/Clean-AirPods-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Clean-AirPods-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Periodically cleaning your AirPods will stop them from collecting a lot of dust, dirt, and wax. Keep a microfiber cloth in the case with them or close nearby so it’s easy for you to wipe them down regularly. [8]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/55\/Clean-AirPods-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-AirPods-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/55\/Clean-AirPods-Step-10.jpg\/v4-728px-Clean-AirPods-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    They’ll be less susceptible to getting dirty if they’re stored away. Avoid putting your AirPods in your pocket or your bag, where they’ll collect lots of dust and dirt. [9]
    • If you often use your AirPods at night, keep their case right next to your bed.
    • If you like using your AirPods on the go, carry their case in your bag. Just make sure it’s closed so dirt and dust particles don't get inside.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a5\/Clean-AirPods-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-AirPods-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a5\/Clean-AirPods-Step-11.jpg\/v4-728px-Clean-AirPods-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Not cleaning your outer ears can cause wax to build up, which can transfer onto your AirPods when you wear them. You can clean your ears with a homemade solution containing equal parts hydrogen peroxide, mineral oil, and glycerin. [10]
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a7\/Clean-AirPods-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-AirPods-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a7\/Clean-AirPods-Step-12.jpg\/v4-728px-Clean-AirPods-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Your friends might leave your AirPods outside of their cases, which could lead to dust and dirt getting on them. Also, wax from their ears could get on your AirPods. Holding onto your AirPods will let you control how clean they stay.
    • If someone asks to borrow your AirPods, kindly tell them you paid a lot of money for them. Offer to let them borrow a cheaper pair of regular headphones instead.
    5. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    My AirPods keep falling out!
    Kolby Ng
    Community Answer
    Buy some earclips for AirPods, they'll cling on to your ear to prevent falling off.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 13 Helpful 15
  • Question
    What part of the AirPods is the microphone?
    Community Answer
    The microphones are in the bottom of the AirPods (near the part that is connected to the case).
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 5 Helpful 15
  • Question
    What if one AirPod is louder than the other?
    Community Answer
    You could possibly have a hearing problem. If you think this is not the case you can go to: Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual > Balance.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 24 Helpful 15
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      Warnings

      Advertisement

      Things You’ll Need

      • Microfiber cloth
      • Cotton swab
      • Pencil eraser
      • Distilled water

      You Might Also Like

      What to Do if You've Washed Your AirPods: Safe Drying Tips
      How to
      Connect Airpods to Dell Laptop
      How to
      Pair AirPods to an iPhone
      How to Use AirPods with a Peloton Exercise Bike
      10 Easy Ways to Fix the Low Volume on Your AirPods
      5 Ways to Fix AirPods When One is Louder Than the Other
      4 Simple Ways to Turn the Volume Up or Down on AirPods
      3 Simple Tips to Keep AirPods From Falling Out of Your Ear
      Can You Charge AirPods Without a Case? Tricks & Workarounds
      How to
      Connect a New Airpod to a Case
      How to Connect AirPods to a PS5
      How to Charge an AirPod Case Wirelessly or with a Cable
      How to Fix AirPods that Die Quickly: 14 Easy Step-by-Step Methods
      How to Turn Off AirPods Max: Using Low Power Mode to Conserve Your Battery
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.idropnews.com/how-to/clean-airpods-keep-clean/47932/
      2. ↑ https://appletoolbox.com/how-to-clean-your-airpods-and-other-wireless-earphones/
      3. ↑ https://www.idropnews.com/how-to/clean-airpods-keep-clean/47932/
      4. ↑ https://www.idropnews.com/how-to/clean-airpods-keep-clean/47932/
      5. ↑ https://www.payetteforward.com/how-to-clean-airpods-safe-best-way/
      6. ↑ https://www.idropnews.com/how-to/clean-airpods-keep-clean/47932/
      7. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208729
      8. ↑ https://appletoolbox.com/how-to-clean-your-airpods-and-other-wireless-earphones/
      9. ↑ https://appletoolbox.com/how-to-clean-your-airpods-and-other-wireless-earphones/
      1. ↑ https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/home-remedies-cleaning-out-the-earwax/

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 100,167 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement