Keep Them Fresh: A Simple Guide on How to Clean Your AirPods 

Cleaning your AirPods isn't just about good hygiene; it's a vital part of maintaining their sound quality and lifespan. Like any gadget that lives in your ears and pockets, they naturally accumulate grime, earwax, and dirt.

Fortunately, it's a simple process you can easily do at home. Here is our step-by-step guide to making your earbuds sparkle again.

What You'll Need

Gather these common household items before you start:

• Isopropyl (Rubbing) Alcohol or Hydrogen Peroxide (small amount)

• Q-tips

• A Microfiber Cloth or soft paper towel

• A Soft-Bristle Toothbrush (ensure the bristles are very gentle)

• A Hairdryer (set to its cool/cold setting only)

Step-by-Step Cleaning Process

Step 1: Wipe Down the Main Body

1. Remove the AirPods from their charging case and place them on a clean microfiber cloth.

2. Apply just a small amount of alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to the cloth—the cloth should be damp, not soaking wet.

3. Gently rub the main body and stem of each AirPod to remove surface dirt and earwax. Avoid getting liquid near the speaker mesh.

Step 2: Tackle the Hard-to-Reach Spots with Q-tips

If you have sensitive ears, you'll be surprised what comes out!

1. Dampen the tip of a Q-tip with a minimal amount of alcohol.

2. Gently rub all areas around the AirPod's frame, the charging contacts at the bottom, and the silicone tips (if using AirPods Pro). Repeat until the Q-tip stops picking up debris.

Step 3: Clear the Speaker Mesh with a Toothbrush

This step is critical for restoring sound quality, as gunk loves to settle inside the speaker holes.

1. Use the soft-bristle toothbrush. Do not use force—remember, the delicate internal components are right behind the mesh.

2. Gently brush the inside of the holes and the speaker grilles to dislodge any accumulated earwax or dirt.

Step 4: Deep Clean AirPods Pro Tips (Optional)

If you use AirPods Pro, soaking the silicone tips is the best way to disinfect them completely.

1. Remove the rubber tips from the AirPods Pro.

2. Soak them in a small bowl of rubbing alcohol for a few minutes. This disinfects them, killing bacteria and dissolving accumulated sweat and debris.

3. Rinse the tips thoroughly with clean water, and dry them completely with a towel before reattaching them to the earbuds.

Step 5: Ensure Complete Dryness (Crucial Safety Step)

Any remaining moisture can cause a short circuit. Proper drying is mandatory.

1. Expert Tip: Use a hairdryer set only to the cool or cold setting. Never use heat, as it can warp the plastic components or damage the internal battery.

2. Blow cool air over the AirPods for a minute or two to ensure all remaining traces of alcohol or moisture have evaporated.

Conclusion & Maintenance Tips

It's best to repeat this simple cleaning process weekly to keep your AirPods fresh. Cleaning the case is also important for longevity and hygiene.

• Sanitary Notice: Never share your AirPods with others due to the high risk of transferring bacteria and germs.

• Case Maintenance: Regularly clean the inside of your charging case (use a dry Q-tip) to prevent dirt from building up and shortening the life of the charging contacts.

Bonus Tip!

If you're having trouble with your phone's sound after an accidental splash or just noticing muffled audio, we have a solution for you. Fix My Speakers is a web app that can help fix those common glitches and clear the sound coming from your device, no matter what type of smartphone or tablet you own.