How-To Guide on Best Ways to Clean AirPods

To clean AirPods, start dry: use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth on the bodies and a soft-bristled brush (a clean, dry toothbrush) to gently clear earwax and debris from the speaker mesh. Silicone ear tips (on AirPods Pro) can be rinsed with a little water and mild soap, then dried fully before reattaching. For stubborn grime, use a cotton swab or cloth lightly dampened with 70% isopropyl alcohol on the hard exterior surfaces only — never let liquid get into the speaker mesh, microphone, or charging port. AirPods are water-resistant, not waterproof, so keep liquid to a minimum and let everything dry completely before use. Here’s the full guide for every model.

Is it OK to use a disinfectant on AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, or EarPods?

Yes, with caution. AirPods are water-resistant but not waterproof, so go easy on liquid. Apple says you can gently wipe the hard, nonporous exterior surfaces with a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe, 75% ethyl alcohol wipe, or a Clorox disinfecting wipe — or a microfiber cloth dampened with a little rubbing alcohol. The key rule: keep any liquid away from the speaker mesh, microphone, and charging port. Afterward, wipe everything with a dry microfiber cloth and let it dry fully.

How to clean AirPods

Cleaning your AirPods, earwax and all, takes just a few basic supplies. Here are the steps:

• Remove the ear tips (AirPods Pro): gently pull off the silicone tips.
• Clean the ear tips: rinse silicone tips with water and a little mild soap, then dry them completely before reattaching. (Foam tips, on third-party buds, can’t be washed — replace them instead.)
• Clean the speaker mesh: use a dry soft-bristled brush or toothbrush to gently lift dirt and earwax. Keep it dry — no liquid in the mesh.
• Clean the microphone and sensors: use a dry cotton swab, taking care not to push debris in further.
• Wipe the bodies: use a microfiber or lint-free cloth to remove smudges.

Supplies needed

How to clean AirPods Pro

The AirPods Pro have larger silicone ear tips than the standard model. To clean them, first remove the ear tips and rinse them with water and mild soap (no soap inside the tip’s mesh), drying them fully before reattaching. Clear debris from the tips and speaker mesh with a dry cotton swab, and for stubborn wax, use a dry soft-bristled toothbrush. Wipe the AirPods themselves with a dry, lint-free cloth.

How to clean AirPods Max

The AirPods Max are over-ear headphones. To clean them, gently detach the ear cushions (they attach magnetically) and wipe the cushions and headband with a dry microfiber cloth. For stubborn stains on the cushions, use a cloth lightly dampened with water and a little mild soap, wrung out well, then let them air dry completely before reattaching. Wipe the body with a clean, dry, dirt-free cloth.

How to clean the AirPods case

The charging case gets overlooked, but keeping it clean matters for both looks and function. Here’s how to clean it:

• Wipe the case with a dry, lint-free cloth.
• For stubborn stains, use a slightly damp cloth (wrung out well), then dry it.
• Use a cotton swab with a gentle rubbing motion for grime on the exterior.
• Clean around the charging contacts inside with a dry cotton swab — keep it dry, and never force anything in.
• The hinge area collects grime and deserves extra attention.
• Finish with a dry microfiber cloth for a final polish.

How to clean the AirPods mesh

The mesh covers the speaker grille, and earwax and dirt can clog it. To clean it:

• Use a dry cotton swab to gently lift debris from the mesh.
• For stubborn wax buildup, use a dry soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Avoid water or any liquid on the mesh — it can get into the speaker and damage the AirPods.

If a tiny amount of alcohol is needed for stubborn residue, put it on the swab (barely damp, not dripping) and work only at the surface, never saturating the mesh.

How to clean EarPods

For wired EarPods, first brush visible debris from the mesh with a clean, dry soft-bristled brush or toothbrush. Then dampen a microfiber cloth with a little warm water and carefully wipe the exterior, taking care not to get moisture inside the device. You can also wipe the exterior with a cotton swab dipped in a very small amount of rubbing alcohol. Let them air dry fully before using them again.

How to get water out of AirPods

If your AirPods get wet, dry them off as much as possible with a clean, dry cloth, then leave them in a dry place for a few hours so any remaining moisture can evaporate. Don’t use a hairdryer or microwave — the heat can damage the internal components — and don’t put them in rice, as particles can get into the openings.

If they still aren’t working after drying, try resetting them: put both AirPods in the case, hold the button on the back until the LED flashes amber, then release and re-pair your AirPods with your device.

Do’s and don’ts of cleaning AirPods

Does Apple clean AirPods for free?

Apple doesn’t offer a free cleaning service, but it does offer paid AirPod and case replacements through “Replace a Lost or Damaged AirPod or Charging Case.” If yours are damaged, contact Apple Support to arrange a replacement — it isn’t covered under warranty, and there’s a fee.

Can I clean my AirPods with hand sanitizer?

No. Hand sanitizers often contain added moisturizers, fragrances, and other ingredients that can damage the plastic components and cause discoloration. Stick to a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe or a cleaning method made for electronics.

Why is one of my AirPods muffled?

A muffled AirPod is usually caused by earwax or debris clogging the speaker mesh. Gently brush away what you can see with a dry soft-bristled brush. If it persists, lightly clean the mesh with a dry toothbrush, or a swab barely dampened with a little rubbing alcohol — using as little liquid as possible so none gets inside.

Can you use hydrogen peroxide to clean AirPods?

No. Hydrogen peroxide is too harsh for the AirPods’ plastic components and can cause discoloration or damage. Use a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe or another electronics-safe method instead.

What’s the best thing to clean AirPods with?

The best basic kit is a microfiber cloth and a dry soft-bristled brush. For stubborn grime, a dry toothbrush — or a swab with a small amount of 70% isopropyl alcohol on the exterior — works well. Keep liquid to a minimum so none reaches the internal parts, and never soak the mesh.

Conclusion

Keeping your AirPods clean and dry is the key to good sound and hygiene. Clean regularly with a dry brush and a microfiber cloth, use a small amount of 70% isopropyl alcohol only on exterior surfaces, and keep liquid away from the mesh, mic, and charging port. If they get wet, dry them and let them sit a few hours before use; if they still misbehave, reset them or contact Apple Support.