How To Clean AirPods Without Damaging Them: Remove Ear Wax And Dirt Easily

Apple AirPods changed the way we listen to music and take calls on our phones. But one pesky aspect has remained unchanged as we transitioned from wired earphones to wireless earbuds – the dirt and ear wax.

Knowing how to clean AirPods without damaging them is important since they usually run into at least $100 and go all the way up to $500. Some people use AirPods for multiple hours a day, so they tend to get dirty easily; over time, even ear wax can start accumulating.

In such a scenario, cleaning your AirPods is important for both their longevity as well as your hygiene. Follow these steps to easily clean your AirPods without damaging them.

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How To Clean AirPods Easily

Before we get started, it's worth knowing that you will only need a lint-free cloth and something with a fine edge, like a toothpick, a dental floss stick, or even a cotton swab would do the trick.

You can also use 70% isopropyl alcohol or alcohol wipes, but this is optional.

Remember that you should never run AirPods underwater – they are water resistant, not waterproof.

With that out of the way, here's how you can clean AirPods easily:

• Wipe the AirPods with a dry, lint-free cloth. Make sure you clean all the outer parts of the AirPods, like the stem, ear tips, and the rest of the outer surface.
• Now, use a slightly damp piece of cloth to clean the outer surface of the AirPods and the charging case.
• Alternatively, you can slightly dampen the cloth with 70% isopropyl alcohol if any stubborn marks refuse to go with just water.

Ensure you let the AirPods and the case dry completely before using them again.

That's the outer surface; now, how about the earbuds? Here's what you should do:

• Use a dry cotton swab for the mesh areas and wipe clean the microphone and speaker meshes.
• Ensure you do not let any moisture in, which can damage the internal circuitry.
• If dust or wax particles are caught in the mesh, you can use a soft-bristled toothbrush to wipe them away. Be as gentle as you can.

AirPods With Silicone Tips

If you have a pair of AirPods with silicone tips, cleaning them will be a little easier since the tips catch the dirt and wax.

• Gently remove the silicone tips from the earbuds.
• Now, soak them in slightly soapy water for a while until they are clean.

If the ear tips are too dirty, you can try to clean them using a cotton swab gently.

Once they are clean, remove the silicon tips from the water and let them dry. Ensure you don't put them back on before they are dry, as moisture can damage your AirPods.

Photo by Mohd Syis Zulkipli on Shutterstock

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