How To Safely Deep Clean Your Airpods Without Breaking Them

Over time, AirPods accumulate earwax, dust, oils from skin, and environmental debris. While they’re designed for daily use, their small size and sensitive components make cleaning a delicate task. Improper methods—like using liquids directly on the speakers or abrasive tools—can permanently damage sound quality or functionality. Yet, neglecting cleaning leads to reduced audio performance, hygiene concerns, and even ear infections. The key is knowing exactly how to deep clean your AirPods in a way that’s both effective and safe.

This guide breaks down the correct techniques, materials, and routines to keep your AirPods functioning at peak performance while avoiding common mistakes that could render them useless. Whether you own AirPods Pro, standard AirPods, or Max models, this comprehensive approach ensures longevity and cleanliness without risking damage.

Why Cleaning Your AirPods Matters

AirPods sit directly in or around your ears, making them prone to collecting bacteria, dead skin cells, and wax. A 2020 study published in the *Journal of Medical Microbiology* found that in-ear headphones can harbor more bacteria than a toilet seat. Beyond hygiene, buildup inside speaker meshes can muffle sound, distort bass response, or trigger sensor malfunctions—especially in models with active noise cancellation.

Regular maintenance isn’t just about appearance; it preserves audio fidelity, touch responsiveness, and battery efficiency. For example, clogged microphone ports can reduce call clarity, forcing your device to work harder and drain power faster. Preventative cleaning extends lifespan and maintains resale value, especially if you upgrade frequently.

Tip: Clean your AirPods every 2–3 weeks with light maintenance between uses to prevent stubborn buildup.

What You’ll Need: Safe Cleaning Supplies

Using the wrong tools is the most common reason AirPods fail after cleaning. Avoid household cleaners like Windex, alcohol wipes (unless diluted), or cotton swabs that push debris deeper. Instead, gather these safe, effective items:

• Soft-bristled toothbrush – ideally new and dedicated to electronics only
• Lint-free microfiber cloth – same type used for glasses or screens
• Dry, fine-tipped tweezers or dental pick – for removing visible wax without pressure
• Isopropyl alcohol (70% or less) – only for external surfaces, never near speaker grilles
• Canned air (low-pressure) – optional, for dislodging dry debris
• Toothpick (wooden or plastic) – useful for gentle scraping around ports

Never submerge any part of your AirPods in liquid. Water resistance does not mean waterproofing—even AirPods Pro (rated IPX4) are only splash-resistant, not suitable for soaking or rinsing.

Step-by-Step: How to Deep Clean Each Component

Cleaning must be done carefully, component by component. Follow this sequence for thorough yet safe results.

1. Power off and remove from case: Disconnect from devices and take both earbuds out of the charging case. Let them rest for 5 minutes to ensure no residual charge affects handling.
2. Clean the speaker mesh (most critical step):

   Use a dry, soft-bristled toothbrush held at a 45-degree angle. Gently brush in short, outward strokes away from the center of the mesh. This motion pulls debris out instead of pushing it in. If wax is visible, lightly scrape along the edge with a dental pick, being careful not to press into the mesh.

   Tip: Do this over a dark surface so you can see what’s being removed.
3. Wipe the exterior shell:

   Dampen a corner of the microfiber cloth with a tiny amount of water or 70% isopropyl alcohol. Wring it thoroughly until almost dry. Wipe the outer plastic surface, avoiding any openings. Never let moisture enter the stem, charging contacts, or force sensor (on AirPods Pro).

4. Clean the microphone and sensors:

   The microphone sits in small grilles along the stem. Use canned air at low pressure (hold 6+ inches away) or gently brush with the toothbrush. Do not insert anything into these holes. On AirPods Pro, the stem also houses the force sensor—moisture here can disable tap controls.

5. Remove and clean silicone tips (AirPods Pro only):

   Peel off the ear tips and rinse under lukewarm water. Use a drop of mild soap if needed. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely with a towel before reattaching. Inspect the metal connector for debris and wipe with a dry cloth.

6. Clean the charging case:

   Open the lid and use the dry toothbrush to sweep debris from the interior, especially around the charging pins. Wipe the lid and base with the slightly damp microfiber cloth. Never clean the internal magnets or pins with liquid. Let the case air-dry for 10 minutes before placing AirPods back inside.

After cleaning, wait at least 15 minutes before using or charging. This ensures any trace moisture evaporates, reducing risk of electrical issues.

Do’s and Don’ts: AirPods Cleaning Safety Table

Do’s	Don’ts
Use a dry, soft-bristled brush on speaker grilles	Insert sharp objects like pins or needles into mesh
Wipe exteriors with a barely damp microfiber cloth	Submerge AirPods in water or cleaning solutions
Clean ear tips separately and let them dry fully	Use high-concentration alcohol (above 70%) or bleach-based wipes
Brush the charging case interior gently	Blow into the case or earbuds to remove dust (adds moisture)
Store in a dry place after cleaning	Charge immediately after wiping—always allow drying time

Real Example: When Overcleaning Caused Damage

Mark, a fitness instructor in Austin, cleaned his AirPods Pro weekly using disinfectant wipes he used for his phone. After two months, the right earbud began cutting out during calls. He assumed it was a software issue and reset his iPhone, but the problem persisted. Upon inspection at an Apple Store, the technician found corrosion inside the charging port caused by repeated exposure to alcohol and moisture from the wipe. The port had degraded enough to interrupt power transfer. Because physical damage voids warranty, Mark had to pay $49 for a replacement.

His mistake wasn’t intent—it was method. Disinfectant wipes often contain solvents stronger than 70% isopropyl alcohol and leave behind residue. Without allowing full drying time, moisture crept into sensitive areas. This case underscores why even frequent cleaning can backfire without proper technique.

“Many customers think ‘more cleaning’ means ‘better protection,’ but with electronics, precision matters more than frequency. A gentle, consistent routine beats aggressive scrubbing any day.” — Lena Torres, Apple Authorized Service Technician

Expert-Recommended Maintenance Checklist

Follow this checklist monthly to keep your AirPods in optimal condition:

• ✅ Brush speaker and microphone grilles with a dry toothbrush
• ✅ Remove and wash silicone ear tips (if applicable)
• ✅ Wipe exterior with a dry or slightly damp microfiber cloth
• ✅ Clean the charging case interior and magnetic connectors
• ✅ Test audio balance and microphone clarity post-cleaning
• ✅ Allow all components to air-dry for at least 15 minutes before reuse
• ✅ Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight

For heavy users (e.g., gym-goers, commuters), consider cleaning every two weeks. Light users can maintain a monthly schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use hand sanitizer to clean my AirPods?

No. Hand sanitizers typically contain high concentrations of alcohol (60–95%) and added gels or fragrances that can degrade plastic finishes and seep into seams. Even if applied sparingly, the risk of internal damage is too high. Stick to 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cloth, not directly on the device.

Why does my AirPod sound muffled after cleaning?

Muffled audio usually means debris remains trapped behind the mesh or moisture has entered the speaker chamber. First, let the AirPods dry upright for several hours. If the issue persists, gently brush again using outward strokes. If sound doesn’t improve, avoid further DIY attempts—contact Apple Support, as internal cleaning requires specialized tools.

How can I tell if my AirPods need cleaning?

Signs include distorted sound, reduced volume, poor bass response, inconsistent touch controls, or visible wax buildup. Another indicator: if one earbud sounds quieter than the other, cleaning may restore balance. Regular visual checks help catch issues early.

Final Thoughts: Care That Lasts

Your AirPods represent a significant investment in convenience, audio quality, and seamless connectivity. Treating them with care goes beyond aesthetics—it protects performance and prevents premature replacement. The safest deep cleaning method combines patience, the right tools, and respect for the device’s limitations. By following a structured, gentle process, you preserve both function and hygiene without risking irreversible damage.

Remember: consistency beats intensity. A quick brush every few weeks does more good than an aggressive scrub once a year. With proper habits, your AirPods can deliver crisp, clear sound for years—just as intended.

💬 Have a cleaning tip that worked for you? Share your experience in the comments and help others keep their AirPods sounding fresh and lasting longer.