Go Soundproof

We independently review all recommended products and services. When you make a purchase using our links, we may earn a commission.

How to Clean Your AirPods and Case Effectively in 2024

July 19, 2024
some cleaning products such as lint-free cloth, 70-percent isopropyl alcohol wipes, soft-bristled brush and Cotton bud to clean airpods and airpods case

If you're anything like me, you love your AirPods and can't imagine life without them.

But if you've had them for a while, you might have noticed they're not looking or sounding as good as they used to.

That's where I come in! I'm here to share with you 5 simple ways on how to clean AirPods and AirPods case, so you can make your AirPods experience better.

Now, I know what you might be thinking. Why do I need to clean my AirPods? They're just earbuds!

But did you know that according to a study conducted by PhoneSoap, our phones and other devices carry more bacteria than a public restroom?

And since we're constantly touching our devices and then putting them in our ears, it's important to keep them clean to avoid any potential infections. Plus, cleaning AirPods can also help improve their sound quality.

So, let's get down to business. In this article, I'll be sharing with you the best ways to clean your AirPods and AirPods case at home, using items you probably already have. Whether you have AirPods, AirPods Pro, or any other Apple earbuds, these cleaning methods will work for you. So sit back, grab your AirPods and let's get cleaning!

Why you should clean your AirPods and Airpods Case

a young girl with cleaning items and airpods and airpods case

Cleaning your AirPods and AirPods Case is a great way to get rid of germs and keep them in good shape. It also helps keep your earbuds sounding their best and protects against water damage. 

Here are some reasons why you should clean your AirPods and AirPods Case:

  • It keeps the outside of your earbuds clean, which is important for using them comfortably.
  • If you don't clean them regularly, they can get gunked up with all sorts of stuff that will affect how well they work.
  •  It's also important to clean your AirPods and AirPods Case if you use them when you're sick or have a cold. You don't want to spread germs and viruses around by sharing your earbuds with others.

Top Considerations When cleaning your AirPods and AirPods Charging Case

Things to consideration

a teenage girl is considerating some tips when cleaning airpods

When it comes to cleaning your AirPods and AirPods Charging cases can be a tricky thing—but it's important to take care of them.

 There are a few important things to keep in mind.

  • First and foremost, you need to make sure that you're using the right tools. When you're opening up the case, you may want to use a pair of tweezers or needle-nose pliers so that you don't damage any internal components.
  • Check the AirPods case and see if it's still opened or closed correctly
  • Unscrew the charging port cover, then unscrew the AirPods case from its charging port
  • Remove any debris from the charging port and AirPods case
  • If you have a silver polishing cloth or other microfiber cloth on hand, it's even better—but be careful not to use too much force when cleaning.
  • When cleaning AirPods, avoid getting water inside the earbuds or case.
  • Keep the case closed when it's not charging
  • Don't use cleaning products with alcohol or ammonia
  • Don't submerge the case in water
  • Don't use abrasive cleaners
  • Before reassembling, ensure that all parts are completely dry

Recommended reading: Tips to avoid skin irritation

Advice on how to avoid skin irritation

serious young teen girl in casual making stop sign on white wall

These are steps you can take to reduce your risk of skin irritation if you're especially susceptible to skin conditions.

After workouts or exposure to liquids such as sweat, soap, shampoo, makeup, sunscreen, and lotions, make sure you clean and dry your device. Keeping your AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, and EarPods—and your skin—clean and dry will make you feel better and preserve your devices' longevity.

The following items are recommended for cleaning your AirPods and Airpods charging Case

The following items are recommended

the following item is recommend for cleaning airpods

When it comes to cleaning your AirPods and AirPods charging case, there are a few simple steps you can take to make sure you get the job done properly and safely.

Here is some tool to clean your AirPods and Airpods charging case:

Use a soft, lint-free cloth:

A soft, lint-free cloth is the best way to clean your AirPods and Airpods charging case. You should never use abrasive materials or harsh cleaners on your AirPods or their case.

a bundle of soft lint clothes

Soft llint-freecloth

70-percent isopropyl alcohol wipes, or Clorox antiseptic wipes, or Rubbing alcohol:

Rubbing alcohol is a great way to remove any dirt and grime from your AirPods and Airpods charging case. Just make sure that you do not saturate the cloth with rubbing alcohol as it could damage your devices.

isopropyl alcohol wipes

IIsopropylalcohol wipe

Use a vacuum cleaner

If you have more stubborn dirt on your AirPods and Airpods charging case, you can use a small handheld vacuum cleaner to gently suck out any debris. Be sure not to use too much suction as this could damage your device.

Dry, soft-bristled brush (like a clean, soft toothbrush or anti-static brush)

For more detailed cleaning, you can use a toothbrush or cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or water to get into those hard-to-reach places.

Dry, soft-bristled brush

Use compressed air

Compressed air is a great way to blast away any dust and dirt from your AirPods and Airpods charging case. Just be sure to hold the can away from your device while using it.

Cotton swabs or Cotton bud

May also come in handy if you want to pick up any dirt that has been missed by other methods of cleaning. Be careful not to stick the cotton bud too deep into your AirPods or Airpods charging case, though, as this may cause irreparable damage.

Use a microfiber towel

Microfiber towels are another good option for removing grime and dirt from your device. Remember not to rub too hard when you're drying off your device with a towel; remember they are delicate electronics!

Place inside zip lock baggie with rice and shake vigorously until dry

If all else fails, try placing your damp AirPods inside a ziplock baggie with rice overnight so they will fully dry out without drying them off one at a time which could result in making them wet again over time due to condensation.

Cleaning your AirPods and Airpods charging case regularly will help keep them looking great and improve their lifespan. 

 

How to Clean AirPods

how to clean airpods

Cleaning AirPods is simple, but if you make any mistakes, they can seriously mess up the performance of your AirPods. That's why we've put together this quick guide to cleaning AirPods.

Step 4.1: Unscrew the AirPod case from the charging case and then use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth.

Step 4.2: It is advisable not to expose AirPods or AirPods Pro to anything that could stain or damage them.

For example Soaps, perfumes, conditioners, lotions and shampoos can dry hair out; solvents in perfume may be too harsh for sensitive scalps. Sunscreen or oil applied to the skin before a dye job can cause unwanted color contamination:

Step 4.3: Brush out any dirt or debris that may be stuck to the charging case. Make sure your AirPods are completely dry before you start cleaning them. If they're not dry, it will be harder for the cleaning process to work properly and may even damage your AirPods!

Step 4.4: Cleaning AirPods starts by removing the outer battery cover from each earbud using a toothpick or other small tool. After removing this cover, use a moist cloth to wipe down each side of each earbud until it is clean and free of debris.

Step 4.5: It's a good idea to allow them to dry before you put them in the case.

Step 4.6: After cleaning both sides of each earbud separately, move on to removing the case itself from your AirPod(s). To do this, simply pull up on the bottom edge of both cases until they detach from each other (be careful not to pull too hard on either case, or else you may break something). Once these two pieces are separated, use a damp cloth to wipe off any remaining debris from inside.

Must Read:

  • Avoid submerging AirPods or their charging case in water.
  • Wait until they are completely dry before using them.
  • Make sure you don't spill any liquid into the openings.
  • Clean the microphone and speaker meshes with a cotton swab that has been dried in an oven set at 350°.
  • Don’t use sharp objects or abrasive materials to clean your AirPods, they are not made for that kind of treatment.

How to clean an Apple AirPods case 

how to clean airpods case

You can make your AirPods case look brand new by cleaning it. Old-fashioned tricks for cleaning household items work just as well on modern electronics like Apple products.

Here are some tips for cleaning your AirPods case:

1. Wipe gently with a soft cloth or cotton swab: Use a soft cloth or cotton swab to wipe down the case. Be sure not to use anything abrasive, as it can scratch the plastic. 

2. Use an alcohol-based cleaner: If your AirPods case is particularly dirty or greasy, you can use an alcohol-based cleaner like rubbing alcohol or vodka3

3. Use a toothbrush: If you want to clean it more thoroughly, you can use a toothbrush to scrub the case gently in small circles. Blot any residue with a soft cloth or paper towel, and then finish by rinsing with warm water and drying.

4. Use a cotton bud: If you want to be even more thorough, you can use a cotton bud with a drop of alcohol to wipe down the inside of the case. Be sure not to press any buttons or touch-sensitive components while cleaning, as this may cause damage.

5. Clean out the Lightning port: If there’s dirt or debris in your Lightning port, you may want to try removing it with a toothpick or cotton bud. Be sure not to push too hard on the screen while cleaning, as this can cause damage. 

6. Use compressed air: You can also use compressed air to blow away any dust particles from inside and outside of your Airpods case.

7. Dry off any moisture: Once you’ve washed or wiped down your Airpods case, make sure that it’s completely dry before putting it back together again.

Final Thoughts

a young girl is thinking about how to clean airpods and airpods case

We’ve gone over the five simple ways you can clean your AirPods and AirPods case. These tips will make sure that your AirPods stay as new and hygienic as possible, 

so you can get the most out of your listening experience. Cleaning your AirPods doesn’t take long, so it’s important to give them some love on a regular basis.

Remember, you should never use harsh chemicals, solvents, or abrasives on your AirPods or case. 

This may void your warranty. Stick to the soft cloth and warm water method, as it is the safest way to keep your AirPods clean.

If your AirPods are still not working as expected after cleaning, you may need to contact Apple Support for further help. 

In any case, it is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to cleaning and taking care of your precious AirPods. 

Finally, don’t forget to enjoy your music with a pair of clean and hygienic AirPods.

In the end, I hope you like this post about how to clean air pods. If you have any other questions, please comment below and I'll reply as soon as I can.

yellow bulb with gradiant background Pro Tip

FAQS

faqs about how to clean airpods and airpods case

Are Earbuds Bad for My Ears?

According to the whittierhospital, A majority of earbuds are designed to enhance sound quality, but designers neglected to consider the health of the ears. Recent research has linked earbuds to ear infections and hearing loss.

Is it possible to clean the AirPods case using nail polish remover?

Yes! The acetone in the nail polish remover will remove any dirt on your AirPods case which is great for people who are sensitive to smells. 

Is AirPods waterproof?

No, so be careful when you're taking them off or putting them in water. If you do submerge your AirPods, then make sure to dry them off before inserting them into the charging case.

What is the best way to remove water from AirPods?

There is a little hole on the side of the AirPods that lets water drain out. You can use a piece of tissue paper or some kitchen paper towel to soak up any excess moisture around this area as well. 

Alternatively, if you don't have anything handy, grab some rice and wrap it in a thin fabric (a cotton sock works well) and insert your Airpods with the open end facing down into the container filled with rice-this will absorb most of the moisture while also protecting your airpod from damage during the drying process.

How to Maintain AirPods

When you're done using your AirPods, you should always store them in the protective charging case that comes with them. This will help to protect the battery life of the device, as well as prevent dust and debris from clogging up the ports. You should also make sure to keep the charging case away from direct sunlight and high temperatures, as this can damage the battery. Finally, make sure that your case is kept clean and dry, as this will help to prevent bacteria build-up which could eventually lead to ear infections.

Does Apple warranty their products?

AppleCare Protection Plan covers all Apple products against manufacturing defects as well as accidental damages for 2 years after purchase at an added cost of $199 USD for both single purchases or $299 USD for families sharing one account through iCloud Family Sharing (and 3 years worth of service).