How to Clean AirPods

What You'll Need

• Soft lint-free cloth
• Dry cotton swabs
• Wooden toothpick or soft brush
• 70% isopropyl alcohol (for case only)
• Blu Tack or poster putty

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1

   Wipe the AirPods

   Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to wipe down the exterior of each AirPod. Don't use liquids on the AirPods themselves.

2. 2

   Clean the speaker mesh

   Use a dry cotton swab to gently brush the speaker mesh on each AirPod. For compacted earwax, use Blu Tack pressed gently against the mesh.

3. 3

   Clear the microphone ports

   Use a wooden toothpick or soft-bristled brush to carefully clear debris from the microphone and sensor openings.

4. 4

   Clean the case

   Wipe the case with a cloth slightly dampened with 70% isopropyl alcohol. Use a dry cotton swab to clean inside the case and the Lightning/USB-C connector.

Pro Tips

• TIPBlu Tack (poster putty) is the best tool for AirPod speaker meshes -- it pulls earwax out of the tiny holes without pushing it deeper.
• TIPClean AirPods weekly if you use them daily. Earwax buildup is the main cause of muffled or quiet sound.
• TIPNever use water, hydrogen peroxide, or sharp objects on AirPods. Moisture damage voids the warranty.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• XRunning water over AirPods, which can enter the speaker mesh and cause permanent sound quality damage.
• XUsing sharp objects on the speaker mesh, which punctures the delicate mesh and destroys the driver.
• XPushing earwax deeper into the mesh instead of pulling it out. Use Blu Tack or a soft brush, not cotton swabs pressed in.

Frequently Asked Questions