How to clean AirPods without damage
As a tech enthusiast who uses wireless AirPods daily, nothing can be more frustrating than muffled sound. Many of us often don’t include AirPods cleaning in our to-do list, which eventually leads to human earwax buildup right next to the sound output. Moreover, a surprising study by the Online Journal of Health and Allied Sciences states that there is a chance of bacterial growth in the case of long-term usage of headphones without cleaning. I was completely surprised after studying it…
I hope you now understand the importance of cleaning!
But the question is how to clean Airpods?
cleaning is a challenging task, due to their small size, but don’t play with expensive AirPods by using the wrong cleaning techniques, as it can lead to permanent damage. In this article, I’m going to provide a guide on the necessary steps to make your AirPods shiny, beautiful, and germ-free. I will uncover how to safely remove all the dust, lint, and stains on the exterior body.
AirPods Best Cleaning – What to Use and What to Avoid
Apple suggests using a soft-bristled children’s toothbrush dipped in micellar water and brushing meshes in circles for about 15 seconds can clean AirPods 3 and AirPods 4 from dust, lint and ear wax. I’ve also researched some proven methods that will help you keep the earbuds clean.
How Often Should You Clean AirPods and Their Case?
Regular cleaning is the key to get clear audio. Make a habit of cleaning after heavy workouts (like the gym, furniture moving, and hiking, etc.) because it increases the chances of getting built up with dirt, grime, and human earwax in AirPods quickly. If you use them lightly, i.e, while sitting on the desk, cleaning after a week is enough.
Moreover, customer safety is a high priority to prevent skin irritation, which is why Apple recommends that cleaning of AirPods is necessary after exposure to the following liquids.
- Sweat
- Soap
- Shampoo
- Makeup
- Sunscreen
- Lotions
How to Clean AirPods and AirPods Pro
AirPods usage is a favorite for many of us due to its lightweight, wireless, and Free hands feature. The user should be fully aware of all the steps involved in effective cleaning; that’s why I’m here.
Use a Soft Microfiber Cloth
Apple recommends using a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. Gently wipe away all the gunk and earwax that has built up on your AirPods over time until they are sparkly and new. “Lint-free” is key here because you don’t want tiny pieces of lint attached to the mesh covering of the microphones and speakers. Lint can impede your audio quality, much like it impedes my iPhone’s ability to charge every month. If you can’t find a lint-free cloth lying around the house, then look into purchasing one. They are not too expensive.
Apple provides clear guidance for cleaning your AirPods (including AirPods Pro and AirPods Max) if they are exposed to certain chemicals like Soaps, Shampoos, Conditioners, Lotions, Perfumes, Solvents, detergents, Acids or acidic foods, Insect repellent, Sunscreen, Oil, Hair, and dye that could cause stains or damage.
Wipe them clean with a Microfiber cloth slightly damped with distilled water, and dry them with a soft lint-free cloth. You must allow them to completely dry before placing them back in the charging case.
Disinfect AirPods With Alcoholic Wipes
Gunk and debris are almost cleared; now it’s time to sanitize the AirPods to make them bacteria-free. Grab a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe, 75% ethyl alcohol wipe, or a non-bleach disinfecting wipe and gently swipe it across the smooth, outer body of your AirPods. Avoid getting any moisture in the speaker mesh or the microphone, as it can cause permanent damage.
Grab a Cotton Swab to Remove Any Earwax
If you look at AirPods very closely, you will see tiny microphones and speaker meshes. These can get all gunked up with earwax and dust and need to be cleaned as well. The best way to clean these parts is to detach the ear tip and clear with a dry cotton swab. You want to be gentle and not push stuff into the speaker and microphone mesh, but slowly and carefully try to get everything out without pushing too hard.
How to clean AirPods Case
The casing is the shelter, or rest place, of your AirPods, which means cleaning it is just as necessary as the AirPods themselves! A clean shelter is a happy shelter! Otherwise, earwax, dust, and lint will quickly accumulate in the hard-to-reach corners of the dirty case, causing your AirPods to get dusty again right after a proper cleaning session.
Grab a clean, lint-free cloth and wipe down the whole surface. If you see some stubborn grime, oil, or fingerprints, you can lightly dampen that cloth with 70% isopropyl alcohol and scrub gently, but be extremely careful to ensure absolutely no liquid drips or seeps into the charging port. For the interior, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently sweep away trapped dust and lint around the charging connectors. After scrubbing, just wipe the case with your clean cloth and they’re ready!
Conclusion
Cleaning any item, whether it’s your AirPods or something else, is all about discipline. It takes only about 5 minutes for a deep cleaning session for both your AirPods and the case, and the result is a beautifully clean gadget with clear, crisp sound. You can easily schedule this task on a weekend when you feel free!
I’m going to conclude my article with one final piece of advice: Always use a protective case for your AirPods and AirPods Pro. This simple step will provide constant security against dirt, grime, and dust, helping you keep them clean.
FAQs-Frequently Ask Question
Is it possible to fully clean AirPods?
Yes, you can get fully shining AirPods by wiping the exterior with a lint-free cloth, rinsing the eartips with detergent-free water, and brushing the meshes with a soft-bristled brush.
Is it safe to use a toothpick to clean AirPods?
No, it’s not feasible, especially for delicate meshes, as it can damage the sensitive speaker grill or cause permanent damage due to sharpness.
Can i use alcohol to clean AirPods?
Yes, you can disinfect your AirPods’ exterior body and its case with a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe. Just make sure not to let any liquid drop into sensitive openings like the microphone, speakers, or charging port.
How to clean AirPods mesh?
Dip a toothbrush in distilled water to soften the bristles, then gently brush the mesh in a circular motion. Next, place the mesh side face down on a lint-free cloth and wipe it clean.
How to clean AirPods Max earcups?
Remove the earcups softly, rinse them in clean, detergent-free water, and wipe them with soft lint lint-free cotton.
How do you clean white Airpods?
You can remove yellowness, stains, or fingerprints with simple water wiping or by using alcoholic wipes.