How to Clean AirPods: Expert Tips

META: You will also learn how to clean AirPods Pro and AirPods Max.

To ensure that your devices last long and function properly, they need to be handled with care. Besides proper usage, every product also requires regular maintenance. iSupport has prepared a series of articles on how to properly care for Apple devices. Last time, we cleaned the Apple Watch, and today we will find out how to clean AirPods.

How to Clean AirPods?

It is important to understand that cleaning AirPods is not only a matter of aesthetics but also of sound quality. During use, they inevitably get dirty with grime, greasy fingerprints, and dust. By the way, the most serious enemy of AirPods is earwax, which gets into the openings and hardens, significantly reducing the volume level. Problems can be avoided if you know how to clean AirPods of wax and other contaminants.

But before you act, remember what you should NEVER do under any circumstances (absolutely none):

• Use strong chemical liquids for cleaning, including nail polish remover, solvents, acetone, bleach, hydrogen peroxide;
• Use sharp metal objects (e.g., needles, paper clips, wire);
• Use abrasive materials to clean the surface;
• Wash the headphones under running water;
• Listen to music in the headphones before they are completely dry.

To clean the AirPods case, wipe them with a clean cloth slightly moistened with water, and then dry them thoroughly. In both cases, it should be a soft, lint-free material. External surfaces can also be wiped with special wipes soaked in 70% isopropyl or 75% ethyl alcohol.

Be even more careful with the mesh covering the speakers and microphone. Wipe these areas with a dry cotton swab, without pressing too hard. To remove small contaminants and improve sound quality, you can use a soft brush and, for example, a display cleaner with a small amount of alcohol. Spray the cleaner onto the brush and gently clean the meshes. Remember, no liquid should get inside the speakers.

The tips on how to clean AirPods Pro are the same. The only difference is that AirPods Pro have silicone ear tips. If water has accumulated in them, lightly tap the earbud on a soft cloth so that the ear tip is facing downwards.

The ear tips themselves can be safely washed in water. Of course, first remove them from the headphones and do not use household cleaning agents! Then wipe them with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. Just make sure they are completely dry before reattaching them.

How to Clean the AirPods Case?

The charging case needs maintenance just as much as the AirPods themselves. Outside, you can do all the same procedures as with the headphones. However, the inside of the case is more complicated. It has magnets that tend to attract small debris, which then gets into the charging ports.

Removing dirt from such hard-to-reach places is quite difficult. Use a dry cotton swab. Under the lid of the case, you can gently use a wooden toothpick or a soft toothbrush.

If dirt has accumulated in the Lightning port, you can use a clean, dry, soft brush of the appropriate size – for example, for makeup or painting.

How to Clean AirPods Max?

Care for AirPods Max is essentially the same: no water or chemical liquids, only dry, clean, soft cloths, and wipes with 70% or 75% isopropyl and ethyl alcohol.

To clean the ear cushions of AirPods Max, you can use a pre-prepared solution. Remember the “recipe”: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of liquid laundry or dish detergent and 1 cup (250 ml) of water. Dampen a lint-free cloth in the solution, wring it out, and gently wipe the ear cushions and headband. Hold the headband so that the liquid does not get into its attachment point. Then wipe with a dry, soft cloth.

Important! Apple experts advise not using the headphones for at least 24 hours. Only after a day can you reattach the ear cushions and enjoy music again with AirPods Max.

How Much Does AirPods Cleaning Cost?

Do not delay cleaning your AirPods, as accumulated dirt directly affects sound quality. The end result could be grim – you might need to replace an earbud.

If the contamination is severe, it is better to trust the experts. Mishandling can damage the speaker meshes. In the authorized service center iSupport, your headphones will be cleaned using an air stream, as well as special tools and brushes. Cleaning AirPods as thoroughly at home is quite difficult.

The cost of the service is 30 Gel, regardless of the degree of contamination of the AirPods. If the situation is dire and the service center specialist is unable to clean the headphones, the fee for the service will not be charged.

As we can see, it is not enough to simply buy AirPods. To ensure they last long and function properly, they need to be cared for, just like any other device.

If you have any questions, you can consult the specialists at the iSupport service center by calling +995 32 230 10 01.