Main points
- Use isopropyl alcohol wipes to clean your AirPods to prevent products like soap or sunscreen from damaging them.
- Using a toothpick to clean your AirPods may damage the speakers; use light and caution on visible wax.
- Never run AirPods underwater; Apple’s support document provides specific cleaning steps.
You might not think of your ears as one of the dirtiest places on your body, but if you think about it, they probably are. Ears can sweat and get stuck with wax and should be cleaned frequently, but are often overlooked. Just like how you clean your ears, so should what you put in and on your ears: earplugs and headphones.
If you own a pair of AirPods, AirPods Pro, or even AirPods Max, you may have noticed some wax collecting on them. Maybe you’ve tried cleaning them with a toothpick before, but in order to clean them properly you’ll need actual supplies. But what’s the perfect way to clean your AirPods without damaging them?
Fortunately, Apple has released a support document for customers who want to safely clean their earbuds and headphones. Here are Apple’s official steps and my personal user experience to shed light on how best to clean your AirPods.
How to clean and disinfect in-ear AirPods and over-ear AirPods Max
Apple details how to physically clean earbuds and headphones. Below are the basics, but let’s also answer some more questions you may have about how to further clean your AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max.
Clean exterior surfaces
Apple mentions that soaps, shampoos, conditioners, lotions, perfumes, solvents, detergents, acids or acidic foods, insect repellants, sunscreen, oils, and hair dyes may stain or damage your headphones or earbuds.If you are in this situation you can Gently wipe the outside Surface of AirPods, AirPods Pro and AirPods Max Use isopropyl alcohol wipes, ethanol wipes, or Clorox disinfecting wipess.
Clorox Disinfecting Wipes
For the AirPods Max smart case, we recommend using a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. You can lightly dampen the cloth with isopropyl alcohol. Either way, let the shell dry and avoid using abrasive materials.
Clean the buds themselves
To clean AirPods and AirPods Pro charging case, use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. You can dampen the cloth slightly with isopropyl alcohol, but again, don’t let any liquid get into the charging port.if you need To clean the Lightning connector, use a clean, dry, soft-bristled brush. But avoid putting anything directly into the charging port.
You can also use a toothpick to clean your AirPods and AirPods Pro, but be careful. Make sure to gently use a toothpick to remove any visible wax from the earphones. Using a toothpick too hard to clean your headphones can damage their speakers, so be careful.
MagicFiber Microfiber Cleaning Cloths (6-Pack)
Carefully wash with water
On AirPods Max, you can also use a soft, lint-free cloth that is dry or lightly dampened with fresh water. But never place your headphones underwater. No openings allow liquid to enter. The same goes for your AirPods. If they come into contact with liquids, including sweat from working out, wipe them with a dry microfiber cloth. If you need to clean the microphone and speaker mesh on the earbuds, use a dry cotton swab.
Your AirPods aren’t waterproof: What to do if they get wet
Your AirPods are sweat and water resistant, but not waterproof. So what do you do if they get wet? Let’s break it down.
Clean AirPods Max pads and headband
Apple actually recommends that you create a solution and follow the recipe and steps below.
- In a clean container, stir well 1 tsp. (5 mL) laundry detergent Enter 1 cup (250 ml) water.
- then you can Remove the pad Clean from earcups.
- When you are ready, Soak a lint-free cloth Put into soapy water solution, Wring it out a littlethen gently wipe the seat cushion and headband with a cloth. One minute per person.
Apple says that when cleaning the headband, turn your AirPods Max upside down to “prevent liquid from getting into the headband connection points.”
Apple also recommends that you use a separate cloth lightly dampened with water to wipe down the seat cushion and headband. To dry them, you should use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. Make sure to remove excess moisture, then lay your AirPods Max flat to dry for at least a day.
I recommend that you do not reattach the headphone pads to the headphones until they are completely dry and ready to be used again.
Additionally, you should not use any cleaning solutions on the speaker grilles of AirPods and AirPods Pro or the knitted grilles and earpads of AirPods Max.
How to clean your AirPods Max if they are stained
Apple says if your AirPods Max come into contact with anything that could cause stains or other damage, wipe them clean with a cloth “slightly moistened with fresh water” and then dry with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. Make sure there is no liquid in the opening, and never use sharp objects or abrasive materials to clean AirPods Max. You also shouldn’t try to use your AirPods Max until they are completely dry after cleaning.
FAQ
Q: Can AirPods, AirPods Pro or AirPods Max operate underwater?
No, don’t put them underwater. You need to avoid moisture in any openings. AirPods (1st and 2nd generation), charging case, AirPods Max, and smart cases are not waterproof.
Apple says that if water accumulates in your AirPods earbuds, place the AirPods on a soft, dry, lint-free cloth with the earbud opening facing down to remove it. Then, remove the earbuds from each AirPod and rinse the earbuds with water. Do not use detergents. Wipe the earbuds with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth and make sure they are completely dry before reconnecting to each AirPod.
Q: Can I soak AirPods, AirPods Pro or AirPods Max in cleaner?
Can’t.According to Apple’s website, you shouldn’t immerse AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max in cleaners
Q: Why should I clean AirPods, AirPods Pro or AirPods Max?
Over time, earwax can build up on your AirPods, especially with in-ear headphones. When earwax builds up on your earbuds, it may appear that your AirPods no longer work, when all they really need is a thorough cleaning. Cleaning your AirPods can improve sound quality and extend their lifespan.