Apple’s AirPods have changed the wireless headphone game, selling nearly 60 million pairs last year. People love their AirPods, but they can get dirty and grimy over time.
Get your AirPods cleaner! Here’s how to safely clean your AirPods and AirPods charging case without damaging them.
Step 1
Use a microfiber cloth to physically remove bacteria from the surface of your AirPods. We recommend OdoBan MicroSham cloths (available at The Home Depot) to clean your AirPods.
OdoBan MicroShams are one of the best AirPod cleaners because they can remove 99% of bacteria from the surface without any added chemicals. Additionally, these cloths are lint-free, which is important because you don’t want any lint or debris getting into the speaker grill mesh or vents as you clean.
Step 2
Slightly wet your microfiber cloth in plain water. Be sure to wring out so the cloth is not too damp. You don’t want excess water to get inside your AirPods and damage the electronics. Remember, while some AirPods are water resistant, Airpods are not waterproof!
Step 3
Take your slightly damp microfiber cloth and gently wipe in one direction from top to bottom of each AirPod. This movement is important, because it will move the bacteria in one direction and off the surface of each AirPod.
Warning: Take extra care around openings, like the speaker grill mesh, to avoid getting water into those areas, which could ultimately damage your AirPods.
Step 4
Use a cotton swab to clean the AirPod metal grill and mesh. Alternatively, you can create a point with the corner of your dry microfiber cloth to reach into those grills and safely remove waxy build up, skin debris, and other grime.
Warning: Never use anything sharp to clean your AirPods. This may cause damage!
Step 5
Use another clean, dry microfiber cloth to dry your AirPods. Set them aside, giving enough time to allow them to dry completely before using them again.
How to Clean AirPods Charging Case
Wipe down the outside of the charging case in just the same way. Apple says you can use isopropyl alcohol to clean the outside of your AirPods case. We recommend a higher percentage isopropyl alcohol due to faster drying times (we use 91%). Add a little of the isopropyl alcohol to your microfiber cloth to clean the outside. Take extra care when cleaning the inside. Use a dry or barely damp cotton swab to clean around the inside edges of the case and lid.
Warning: Apple advises not to put anything in the charging ports, where the AirPods sit, as this could damage the charging mechanism.
Congratulations, now your AirPods are clean and ready to rock!
Instructions from Apple on how to clean your AirPods, including AirPods Gen 1, AirPods Gen 2, and AirPods Pro Read Now