How to Clean AirPods

Written by Martin Taylor
Medically Reviewed by Shruthi N, MD on July 22, 2024
5 min read

Apple AirPods were released in 2016 and continue to be one of the most popular brands of earbuds. Two new versions — AirPods Pro and AirPods Max — have been launched since 2016. Though all three products are high-quality, they still collect dust, earwax, sweat, and lint. Dirty AirPods not only look unsightly, but they can also be harmful to your health if bacteria start to grow, causing ear infections and other issues. 

Luckily, AirPods are easy to clean at home with the right supplies. Regular cleaning of your AirPods and their case will help you maintain clean-looking and safer earbuds for your ears. 

Before you start cleaning your AirPods, you’ll need a few things. Most people may have these items lying around the house: 

  • Rubbing alcohol (70% isopropyl alcohol)
  • Lint-free microfiber cleaning cloth
  • Cotton swabs
  • Toothpicks
  • A soft brush (this can be a toothbrush or small paintbrush)

Before you start cleaning, there are some dos and don’ts to consider before using these items: 

  • When using the toothpick to remove dirt, don’t put too much pressure on the speaker mesh. 
  • Don’t dip your AirPods in rubbing alcohol or other cleaning solutions. 
  • Use cotton swabs or microfiber cloths dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean the AirPods. 
  • Let your AirPods dry completely before putting them back in their case.
  • Don’t use the AirPods when they still have water or alcohol on them.

The steps for cleaning your AirPods and AirPods Pro are similar, with just a few minor changes. For first-generation AirPods, you’ll be able to clean the earbuds and the case. With AirPods Pro, you can take the ear tips off and wash them separately. 

Wipe down the earbuds. Dampen a soft, dry, lint-free microfiber cloth with clean water and wipe down the earbuds. Ensure you don’t get any liquid in the openings as this can damage the AirPods. Ensure the earbuds are completely dry before using them or putting them back in their case.

  1. Pull off the AirPods Pro ear tips and rinse them with water. Avoid using soap or other cleaners. Wipe them down with a microfiber cloth and ensure they’re completely dry before reattaching each AirPod. Align and push the ear tips back on until they click together.
  2. You can clean the microphone and speaker mesh parts with a dry cotton swab. Don’t use any abrasive or sharp objects to clean the AirPods.
  3. To clean the charging case for your AirPods, use a lint-free microfiber cloth to wipe it down. For tougher stains, lightly dampen the cloth with rubbing alcohol. Don’t get liquid in the charging ports. If there’s debris in the charging port, use a small clean, dry, soft-bristled brush to clean it out.

Cleaning your AirPods Max will require a few more steps because they're over-the-ear headphones

Start by using a soft, lint-free microfiber cloth to wipe down your AirPods Max. You can use a clean cloth lightly dampened with water to remove stains from soap, shampoo, perfumes, lotion, sunscreen, hair dye, oil, etc. Follow up by drying them with a microfiber cloth. 

Don’t get any liquid in the openings, as this can short your AirPods. Avoid using sharp objects or abrasive materials when cleaning your AirPods Max. This includes magic erasers that sand down things to remove stains. 

When cleaning the ear cushions and headband of your AirPods Max, first remove the cushions. In a clean container, mix 1 tsp of liquid laundry detergent with 1 cup of water. Dip your lint-free microfiber cloth in the solution and wring it out. Wipe the cushions and headband down gently. Use another clean cloth slightly dampened with water only to clean them off. Then dry them with a cloth and lay them flat to try for a day before reattaching. 

It would be best to stick to using rubbing alcohol or disinfectant wipes to clean your AirPods. Avoid soap, shampoo, or detergents of any kind. These can damage the AirPods material or electronics inside. 

Both water and rubbing alcohol can be helpful to clean your AirPods. But only if you’re wetting a microfiber cloth with them. Don’t rinse with water or dunk them in rubbing alcohol. 

To remove tough stains, all you need is a couple of microfiber cloths, an alcohol-based cleaning solution, and a little elbow grease. Don’t use abrasive materials like scouring pads because they’ll scratch your case and AirPods. 

It would be best if you aimed to clean your AirPods and charging case regularly. This will help improve the functionality of your AirPods. It will also help keep harmful bacteria out of your ears. While there are plenty of tools and gadgets to clean your AirPods, you only need a few household materials.

AirPods are great for on-the-go activities like working out and being active. There’s no wire connecting them to your phone, and you can go hands-free for more extended periods since these can be worn all times of day and in different locations. That also means they can get dirty quicker.

If you have skin sensitivities or allergies, you should clean your AirPods and AirPods Pro anytime they're exposed to things like: 

  • Sweat
  • Soap
  • Shampoo
  • Makeup
  • Sunscreen
  • Lotions

Proper cleaning and consistent care will help keep your AirPods working long-term. It can also help prevent major damage and help maximize comfort. 

When routinely cleaning your AirPods, don't leave out the charging case. Your charging case can get just as if not dirtier than your AirPods. Make sure you're cleaning out the crevices and nooks and crannies of your earbuds and charging case. 

If you notice your AirPods aren't working like they should be, take them to a specialist to see if they can be fixed. But by following the steps above, you should be able to keep your AirPods clean and bacteria-free for better listening and better feeling in your ears.