How To Clean Your Airpods, Airpods Pro, Airpods Max, and Earpods:
Do not run your AirPods Max underwater. Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. If your AirPods Max is exposed to anything that might cause stains or other damage for example, soaps, shampoos, conditioners, lotions, perfumes, solvents, detergent, acids or acidic foods, insect repellent, sunscreen, oil, or hair dye:
Wipe them clean with a cloth slightly dampened with fresh water and dry them with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. Do not attempt to use them until they’re completely dry. Make sure not to get any liquid in the openings. Do not use sharp objects or abrasive materials to clean your AirPods Max. Clean the cushions and headband of your AirPods Max.
- In a clean container, mix 1 tsp. (5 mL) of liquid laundry detergent into 1 cup (250 mL) of water.
- Remove the cushions from the ear cups.
- When you clean the headband, hold your AirPods Max upside down to prevent liquid from flowing into the headband attachment point.
- Dip a lint-free cloth into the soapy water solution, wring it out slightly, and rub the cloth on the cushions and headband gently for 1 minute each.
- Wipe the cushions and headband clean with a separate cloth that’s slightly dampened with fresh water.
- Dry the cushions and headband with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth, making sure to remove any excess moisture.
- Lay your AirPods Max flat to dry for at least a day before you reattach the cushions and use them again.
Clean The Case Of Your AirPods Max:
Clean the Smart Case with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. If necessary, you can slightly dampen the cloth with isopropyl alcohol. Allow the Smart Case to dry. Don’t use abrasive materials to clean the Smart Case.
Clean your AirPods and AirPods Pro:
Do not run AirPods or AirPods Pro underwater. Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. If your AirPods or AirPods Pro are exposed to anything that might cause stains or other damage for example, soaps, shampoos, conditioners, lotions, perfumes, solvents, detergent, acids, or acidic foods, insect repellent, sunscreen, oil, or hair dye:
Wipe them clean with a cloth slightly dampened with fresh water and dry them with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. Allow them to completely dry before placing them in the charging case. Do not attempt to use them until they are completely dry.
Make sure not to get any liquid in the openings. Clean the microphone and speaker meshes with a dry cotton swab. Do not use sharp objects or abrasive materials to clean your AirPods or AirPods Pro.
Clean The Case Of Your AirPods Or AirPods Pro:
Clean the charging case with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. If necessary, you can slightly dampen the cloth with isopropyl alcohol. Allow the charging case to dry. Make sure not to get any liquid in the charging ports. Here are a few more guidelines:
Remove any debris from the Lightning connector with a clean, dry, soft-bristled brush. Do not use abrasive materials to clean the charging case. To avoid damaging the metal contacts, don’t put anything in the charging ports.
Clean The Ear Tips Of Your AirPods Pro:
If any water has accumulated in the ear tip, tap the AirPod on a soft, dry, lint-free cloth with the ear tip opening facing downward to remove it. Pull off the ear tips from each AirPod and rinse the ear tips with water. Don’t use soap or other household cleaners.
Wipe the ear tips with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. Make sure that the ear tips are completely dry before reattaching to each AirPod. Click the ear tips back on each AirPod. The ear tips are oval-shaped, so make sure that you align them before you click them back on.
Learn About AirPods Sweat And Water Resistance:
Your AirPods Pro 1st and 2nd generation, AirPods 3rd generation, MagSafe Charging Case for AirPods 3rd generation, Lightning Charging Case for AirPods 3rd generation, and MagSafe Charging Case for AirPods Pro 2nd generation are sweat and water-resistant, but not sweatproof or waterproof.
Your AirPods 1st and 2nd generation, Lightning Charging Case for AirPods 1st and 2nd generation, Wireless Charging Case for AirPods 1st and 2nd generation, AirPods Max, Smart Case, MagSafe Charging Case for AirPods Pro 1st generation, and Wireless Charging Case for AirPods Pro 1st generation aren’t waterproof or water-resistant, so be careful not to get moisture in any openings.
If your AirPods come in contact with liquid, including sweat from a workout, wipe them down with a dry microfiber cloth. To dry the case, place it upside down with the lid open. If your AirPods become damaged after they get wet, you can order a replacement. If your issue is not covered by the Apple Limited Warranty, AppleCare, or consumer law, you may be able to replace your AirPods for an out-of-warranty fee.
Clean Your EarPods:
Do not run EarPods underwater. Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. Make sure not to get any liquid in the openings. Clean the microphone and speaker meshes gently with a dry cotton swab. Remove any debris from the meshes with a clean, dry, soft-bristled brush. Do not use sharp objects or abrasive materials to clean your EarPod.
Tips To Avoid Skin Irritation:
Here is how to avoid skin irritation, especially if you have allergies or skin sensitivities: After workouts with AirPods Pro or AirPods (3rd generation), or after your device is exposed to liquids such as sweat, soap, shampoo, makeup, sunscreen, and lotions that can potentially cause skin irritations, clean and dry your device.
Keeping your AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, and EarPods—as well as your skin clean and dry will maximize comfort and prevent long-term damage to your device. If you have known allergies or sensitivities to certain substances, check the materials in AirPods and earpads.
How To Clean Your AirPods Without Damaging Them
Experts give the lowdown on how to clean earwax, sweat, and other gunk off your AirPods and AirPods case. You use your AirPods constantly throughout the day, listening to music, taking calls, and catching up on your favorite podcasts.
But when was the last time you cleaned them? If your answer is “never,” experts say you should learn how to clean AirPods, stat. “Cleaning your AirPods is for both you and your AirPods,” says Chandra Steele, senior features writer at PCMag.
The buildup of earwax, sweat, dirt and other grimy substances can not only harm the performance and life span of your AirPods, she says, but it can also cause irritation or an infection in your ear canal. The problem: AirPods have a lot of tough-to-reach spots, and cleaning them the wrong way could damage them.
Not to worry! We have tapped experts for the scoop on how to clean AirPods (including Pro and Max with items you probably have in your home right now. Doing so on a regular basis can keep your ears healthy and your audio experience crisp and clear. If some of your other tech items need a good scrub, learn how to clean your phone with the best phone sanitizer.
How To Clean AirPods:
Before cleaning any piece of tech, whether it’s a computer screen, TV screen Phone charging port, or headphones, be sure to read any instructions that came with the product. “Depending on the brand or model, earbuds may have components that require a specific method of care,” says Kristin DiNicolantonio, a director at the American Cleaning Institute. That said, you can clean most AirPods by following the steps below:
Wipe down your AirPods with a dry, lint-free cloth. To clean sensitive spots, like the mesh on the microphones and speakers, scrub them with a dry cotton swab. If your AirPods are extra dirty or clogged with food, lotion, or sweat. Steele suggests washing them with slightly damp microfiber cloths. Then wipe them with a dry, lint-free cloth and place them on a clean surface to dry.
What To Use:
You do not need a special AirPod cleaning kit or cleaner to wash your AirPods. Lint-free cloths, cotton swabs, and a bit of water will do the job in most instances, Steele says. Apple also suggests using 70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipes, 75 percent ethyl alcohol wipes, or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes to clean the outside of your earbuds.
Just be sure you know how to clean AirPods’ mesh and how not to clean it. For starters, never use alcohol or disinfecting wipes on the knit mesh of any AirPods or on the ear cushion parts of the AirPods Max, Steele says.
No matter which type of AirPods you have, you should never clean them with bleach or hydrogen peroxide products, according to Steele. Those cleaners are more abrasive and could damage your AirPods.
How To Clean AirPods Pro
These AirPods can do a lot A downside: They have ear tips that accumulate grime like earwax, dirt, and sweat in hard-to-reach spots. To give them a more thorough cleaning, take the following steps. Remove the ear tips and rinse them with water. Dry the tips with a lint-free cloth. When they are thoroughly dry, place the ear tips back on your AirPods.
How To Clean AirPods Max
Heads up: You might need a bit more elbow grease to get your AirPods Max sparkling clean. “Because AirPods Max is headphones, there’s more surface area for them to attract dirt,” Steele says. Start with a basic cleaning by wiping them down with a slightly damp, lint-free cloth and drying them with another microfiber cloth.
To clean the grimy headbands and cushions on your AirPods Max, follow the instructions below. Remove the ear cushions. Combine one teaspoon of mild detergent with a cup of water. Dip a lint-free cloth into the solution and use it to scrub the band and cushions. Wipe the band and cushions with a dry cloth. Dry all the components completely before reassembling them.
How To Clean An AirPods Case
If your AirPods case is getting dirty, a simple cleaning can make it look brand new again. Like many old-school cleaning tricks, you do not need more than water and a cloth. Wipe down the case with a clean, lint-free cloth dipped in water. You can also use an alcohol wipe to give the case a deep clean, Steele says. Turn the case upside down and wait for it to dry completely before putting your AirPods back inside.
Are AirPods waterproof?
Avoid washing your AirPods under running water because those babies aren’t waterproof. The amount of water resistance they offer depends on the type of AirPods you use. AirPods Pro has a water-resistance rating of IPX4 (the lowest rating possible), while older versions of AirPods have no water-resistance rating at all.
Although they can handle the moisture equivalent of a sweaty workout or light rain, beware of exposing AirPods to water for long periods of time. You should never shower or swim with AirPods, either, according to Apple. If your iPhone takes a dip, try these tricks to save a wet cell phone.
How To Get Water Out Of AirPods
To save AirPods that have gotten wet, you need to act fast. Place them upside down in a container filled with desiccants packets, then seal the container and leave it for a few hours. Steele recommends avoiding rice, which could end up getting inside the speaker and microphone. Even if your AirPods are only a little damp, wipe them down with a lint-free cloth and leave them upside down to dry, Steele says.
Sources:
Chandra Steele, senior features writer at PCMag. Kristin DiNicolantonio, director of communications at the American Cleaning Institute. Apple How to clean your AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, and EarPods. Make use of Your AirPods Are not Waterproof, but Here is What You Can Do.
How To Clean Your AirPods To Remove Earwax And Improve Audio Quality
To clean AirPods, you will need water, alcohol, a cloth, and a fine-edged tool like a toothpick.
Cleaning your AirPods can improve audio quality and reduce your contact with germs. When cleaning AirPods, be careful not to get water or alcohol inside the earbuds or case. AirPods are probably the most popular earbuds on the market right now, especially for iPhone users.
But like all earbuds and all devices over time they get dirty and will need to be cleaned. Not only do AirPods get clogged up with earwax, but there’s also the grime they accumulate when they are lost under your car seat. And of course, anything that you touch every day will fill up with germs and grease anyway.
Fortunately, cleaning your AirPods and their case is easy. To clean your AirPods and their case, you’ll need at least one lint-free cloth, some water, and a fine-edged tool like a toothpick or pin. If there are dirty spots that won’t come out, you might also need some rubbing alcohol.
Best Way To Clean Any AirPods:
To clean your AirPods, you will need a soft lint-free cleaning cloth ideally, microfiber cloths, and a tool with a fine end. The fine-edged tool can be a toothpick, dental floss stick, bobby pin, needle, or another household item. If you do not want to use something sharp, a cotton swab works too.
First, wipe the outside of the earbuds with the lint-free cloth, lightly dampened with water. Then, use another dry lint-free cloth to dry the earbuds, being careful not to get liquid in any of the openings.
How To Clean Earwax Out Of AirPods
To tackle earwax that’s stuck in the earbuds’ speaker hole, grab your fine-edged tool or dry cotton swab. Carefully dig out the earwax, making sure to focus around the edges of the speaker. If you are using a sharp object, be careful not to cut yourself or pierce the speaker.
If you have AirPods Pro, you’ll also need to clean the silicone tips that cover each earbud’s speaker. Remove the silicone tips that cover your AirPods Pro earbuds and rinse them in water. Don’t add soap or any other household cleaner. Wipe them dry with a soft, lint-free cloth, making sure they’re totally dry.
Once they’re dry, reattach them to the AirPods. To remove the tips of an AirPod Pro, pull firmly from the base of the tip, where it’s connected to the earbud. To reattach it, align the tip with the oval-shaped connectors on the earbud’s speakers and firmly push it in. Once you’ve aligned the connectors, it should attach easily with a click.
How To Clean AirPods Case
To clean an AirPods case, remove the AirPods and use a dry lint-free cloth to wipe the outside of the case. For tougher spots, you can dampen the cloth a bit with alcohol, but be sure to dry the spots afterward. Make sure not to get any moisture inside the case’s AirPod holders or in the charging port.
To remove debris from the charging port, use a soft bristle brush. To clean the inside of the case, use a soft bristle brush or a soft toothbrush the bristles will help dig dirt out of the nooks and crannies inside of the case. It didn’t take long for wireless earbuds to become ubiquitous.
Apple’s AirPods launched back in September 2016, joining notable true wireless headphones from Jabra, Sony, Samsung, and others. A few years later, they’re the go-to choice for many of us when listening to music, podcasts, and streaming services on our phones and tablets.
However, because we use them so often, wireless earbuds can get very dirty very quickly. This is especially true if you’re using them to cancel out noise in a busy office or are simply working from home at the same time as family or roommates.
This means they will come into contact with ear wax, oils, and skin cells. Hygiene aside, you should clean your earbuds (and their charging case) because it may result in better-sounding, longer-lasting headphones.
The widespread update of wireless buds has several companies now offering all-in-one cleaning kits too. These include established peripheral companies like Belkins which features cleaning fluid to loosen up any tough build-up of wax and grime. That said, you may not need an entire kit, but suitable tools will make things easier.
You should always use the gentlest cleaning equipment before going ham with rubbing alcohol or a metallic tool. Doing so will reduce the chances of damaging your headphones’ often glossy plastic casing and lessen the chances of damaging the delicate membranes that many buds and some ear tips have.
I speak from experience, having perforated two AirPod membranes due to over-enthusiastic cleaning. Even when removing the tips, take care: With Sony’s WF-1000XM4, you need to twist and pull them out Just follow the manufacturers’ guidance (we list several guides below), along with our best tips below.
How To Clean Your Wireless Earbuds
The cleaning process differs depending on what kind of buds you have. First, there are wireless earbuds with removable silicone (or plastic) buds, like the Galaxy buds and Samsung WF – 1000XM4 buds or most Beats buds, and several models with a single solid body, like Apple’s original AirPods.
The main difference is that the detachable tips are easier to deep clean. They are also replaceable and spare tips often come in-box. You can also use soapy water or other mild cleaning products on particularly messy tips without fear of damaging the electrical parts of your headphones.
Wipe down the earbuds and removable tips with microfiber cloths. As most wireless buds are stored in a case, you may find that dirt from the tips has shifted to the headphones too. Apple says you can use “70-percent isopropyl alcohol wipe, 75-percent ethyl alcohol wipe or disinfectant wipes” to clean the exterior of its wireless headphones, but advises that you shouldn’t use wet wipes on the speaker mesh parts of the AirPods.
Samsung’s guidance sticks to soft dry clothes and cotton swabs. Remove the tips, and gently trace the inside of each bud with a cotton swab, or a toothpick if you need something thinner. If any detritus sticks around, upgrade to a metal loop on the end of an earphone cleaning tool, but just go carefully.
Metallic objects are more likely to scratch and pierce things. The cleaning tool also has a brush at the other end to pull out any loose dirt. Once clear, wipe the sides of the tips with a slightly damp cloth.
The AirPods Pro tips each have a delicate mesh membrane, making it easier to clean than membranes on the headphones themselves, but they’re also fragile. Apple itself advises that you can rinse the tips with water, adding you shouldn’t use soap or other cleaning products on them.
If you do use a damp cloth or rinse them, make sure to set them on a dry cloth and let them dry completely before reattaching them. Apple advises using cotton swabs or dry cloth for the microphone and speaker mesh parts of the AirPods.
You can also use a bulb air blower, which should provide a mild amount of force to dislodge dirt without harming electricity. However, while it might be stronger, don’t use canned air. Sony says this can force dust further into the microphone or sound outlet holes.
How To Clean Your Wireless Earbuds Charging Case
You might find that your charging case is in a worse state than your buds. With deep crevices to pick up dirt from your buds when they’re charging, the case can also pick up pocket lint from being in, well, pockets and your bag. These cases typically use metal contacts to connect to and charge the buds, so any build-up of dirt or earwax can actually affect recharging your headphones.
It pays to keep those charging contacts clean. A soft cloth, or a cotton swab for more difficult-to-reach locations, should be able to capture anything blocking your buds from charging. You could also use a bit of air from a bulb air blower – I find the ones with a brush attached are perfect for this.
For both the earbuds and the case, you can use a thin toothpick to pull away any grime or wax trapped in the seams of the device. Most earbuds are molded plastic, but some have edges and lines that collect dirt together.
How To Keep Your Wireless Earbuds Clean
Now your buds are looking pristine, try to keep them looking that way. If you’re using your AirPods or Galaxy Buds during your workouts, wipe them down with a cloth afterward to reduce the chances of moisture getting inside. The more frequently you check on the state of your wireless earbuds, the easier they are to clean. We will finish this guide with a little bit of digital hygiene:
make sure any companion TWE apps are up-to-date. These updates can sometimes add notable new features or improve performance. Your smartphone will usually transmit firmware updates to your earbuds automatically after OS and app updates, so make sure you keep them nearby to your phone.
This is especially true with iPhones and AirPods, which will not notify you when firmware updates are available. Check that you’ve got the latest version of the firmware in iOS settings (you probably do), and if it’s not up-to-date, make sure both your iPhone and AirPods are plugged into power and (crucially) near each other.
The update should be beamed to the AirPods pretty quickly, but you can also leave the devices next to each other overnight to ensure the update happens.
Final Words
In conclusion, Apple’s Beats Fit Pro wireless earbuds are a good option for folks who dislike the fit of regular AirPods but don’t want to pay the price for AirPods Pro. If you’ve been waiting for a deal on them, now’s the time to act because they are back on sale at an all-time low price of $145 (28 percent off) at Woot.
The Beats fit pro scored a solid 87 Engadget review score based on their excellent ANC performance, good sound quality, and comfort. For the latter, the “fit wing” tip can bend to a wide range of ear shapes while keeping the buds firmly in place.
They also offer physical buttons to answer calls, control volume, play/pause music and skip tracks. The sound quality is “balanced and powerful” with punchy bass as you’d expect with Beats earphones, while also offering great clarity. They support Apple’s spatial audio, giving you the ability to listen to Dolby Atmos Music content in Apple Music, or TV/movies on Apple TV.
They also have Adaptive EQ that adjusts low- and mid-range frequencies depending on ambient sound to keep audio quality consistent. The ANC is powered by Apple’s H1 chip and does a good job of blocking distractions. The main downside is the $200 price, double that of the regular AirPods, but at $145, they’re one of the cheaper wireless ANC earbuds from a major brand.
Bear in mind that while Woot is owned by Amazon, it doesn’t have the same return policy. If you do want a pair of 2nd-gen Apple AirPods Pro wireless ANC earphones, those are still on sale for $200 at Amazon.