How to Clean Your AirPods (Step-by-Step Guide)

Byfixmyspeaker343

Your Apple AirPods are your daily partner for music, calls, podcasts, workouts, and travel. Over time, dust, earwax, and sweat build up around the speaker mesh, rubber tips, and charging case. If you’ve noticed distorted audio or an unpleasant smell, your AirPods are probably due for a deep clean.

The good news is that we can help you to Clean Your AirPods them safely at home with a few common items. A regular cleaning routine not only keeps them fresh and hygienic but also extends their lifespan and protects your ears from bacteria.

What You’ll Need

  • Microfiber or lint-free cloth
  • Isopropyl rubbing alcohol (70% or higher) or hydrogen peroxide
  • Soft-bristle toothbrush (or electronics brush)
  • Toothpick or soft wooden stick (optional)
  • Small bowl for soaking rubber tips (AirPods Pro users)
  • Hairdryer or blower with cool air setting

Important:

Never use water directly on your AirPods. Moisture can get trapped inside the speaker mesh and damage the internal components.

Step 1: Wipe the Surface Clean

Start by gently wiping down the entire outer body of your AirPods with a microfiber cloth slightly dampened with rubbing alcohol. Focus on:

  • The smooth white exterior
  • The stem and edges
  • Charging contacts at the bottom

This removes surface oils, fingerprints. Be sure the cloth is damp, not wet; you don’t want any liquid dripping inside.

💡 Pro Tip: 

Cleaning the surface regularly prevents oils and dirt from creeping into the mesh and causing muffled sound later.

Step 2: Clean the Speaker Mesh With Q-Tips

Next, dip a Q-tip lightly in alcohol and clean:

  • The main speaker grille
  • The inner ear mesh
  • The microphone openings at the bottom

Work slowly and gently, moving outward so you don’t push wax or debris deeper. Use the dry end of the Q-tip to pick up any loosened particles.

Pro Tip:

If debris is stuck, roll the Q-tip gently instead of scrubbing. This reduces the risk of damaging the mesh.

Step 3: Use a Soft Toothbrush for Stubborn Dirt

For tougher a soft toothbrush works wonders. Brush:

  • Around the mesh and stem
  • Along edges and corners
  • Gently over any stuck lint

Use only a dry brush or one barely dampened. Avoid hard pressure the goal is to dislodge, not scrape.

Why it matters: This step removes dirt from tricky corners where Q-tips can’t reach, restoring clean sound flow.

Checkout how to clean Iphone speakers

Step 4: Soak Rubber Tips (For AirPods Pro)

If you use Apple AirPods Pro, remove the silicone tips and soak them for a few minutes in rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide.

Then:

  1. Gently rub them between your fingers to remove wax.
  2. Rinse with clean water (tips only, not the AirPods themselves).
  3. Pat them completely dry with a soft towel.

Pro Tip:

This kills bacteria, removes odors, and keeps your earbuds feeling fresh especially if you wear them while working out.

Step 5: Dry Thoroughly with Cool Air

Moisture can cause damage, so make sure your Clean Your AirPods and tips are fully dry before using them. Use a hairdryer on the cool setting or a small air blower to gently remove any leftover moisture.

Never use hot air heat can warp plastic or harm the battery.

Step 6: Don’t Forget the Charging Case

The charging case collects lint and dust too. Use a dry Q-tip or soft brush to clean the inside. For sticky spots, lightly dampen the Q-tip with alcohol.

  • Avoid getting any liquid near the charging ports.
  • Wipe the outside with a microfiber cloth.

Bonus Tip: Keep your case in a clean pocket or pouch to reduce buildup.

See how spotify sound louder: fix-myspeaker.in/how-to-make-spotify-sound-louder/

How Often Should You Clean Your AirPods?

A quick wipe once a week is enough for most people. If you use your AirPods daily for workouts or commuting, deep clean them every two weeks.

Consistent cleaning will

  • Maintain crisp, clear audio
  • Prevent bacteria buildup
  • Extend battery and hardware life

Final Thoughts

Clean Your AirPods isn’t just about looks it’s about performance and hygiene. A few minutes of gentle cleaning can save you from ear irritation, and costly replacements down the line.And if your speakers ever sound muffled even after cleaning, it could be due to trapped water or dust inside your device. Try using a speaker cleaning tool like Fix-myspeaker.in (or your own site) to blast out trapped particles with sound vibrations.