At one point or another, you decided that AirPods were a worthy investment. No matter if you received them as a gift or splurged on yourself, there’s no doubt that you want your wireless headphones to last as long as possible (or at the very least, until Apple releases a brand-new model). Beyond sticking them in a protective case, Apple recommends cleaning the ear buds and charging case regularly to prevent further wear and tear. And let’s face it, the white exterior on AirPods shows everything, including ear wax build-up, so it’s best to keep ’em clean just for aesthetics sake.
As a general rule, the more you use your AirPods, the more often you should clean them. But remember, you don’t have to wait to see dirt and gunk to give them a good clean. Instead, follow this Apple-approved step-by-step guide on how to clean AirPods — case, speaker mesh, and ear tips included — on a regular basis.
How to Clean the AirPods Case
Think about it: If the case that holds your AirPods isn’t clean, your ear buds won’t be either. Even though the latest AirPods Pro are water-resistant (not waterproof), Apple advises that you stay away from water while cleaning to prevent damage. Instead:
- Wipe the charging case with a dry, lint-free cloth.
- To tackle stains or dried-on grime, slightly dampen the cloth with isopropyl alcohol to clean.
- While you’re at it, clean the accompanying lightning connector with a dry, soft-bristled brush or toothbrush.
How to Clean Ear Wax or Grime on AirPods and AirPods Pro
As it builds up, ear wax and debris reduce the overall sound quality of your AirPods. Because you want your workouts or work days to be full of high-quality jams, it’s best to clean your AirPods on a regular basis. The next time you see gunk — ear wax, sand, dirt, you name it — covering the ear buds, take a look at these tips:
- Clean the microphone and speaker meshes with a dry cotton swab.
- To get rid of any stains from perfumes, sunscreens, and more, slightly dampen the cloth with isopropyl alcohol and wipe clean.
- Remember: Never run AirPods under water.
How to Clean Ear Tips on AirPods Pro
To give them noise-cancelling capabilities, AirPods Pro come with small, medium, and large silicone tips. As far as cleaning is concerned, think of ear tips as a removable seal that needs to be wiped down and sanitized, in addition to the rest of the AirPods. Since they’re designed to lock in sound, that also means that they do the same with dirt and grime. Follow these tips and tricks to clean ear tips the right way:
- Pull off the ear tips from each AirPod and rinse with water. Don’t add soap or other household cleaners.
- Wipe ear tips with a dry, lint-free cloth. Let sit until completely dry before reattaching to AirPods.
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