If your AirPods sound quieter than usual, look dirty, or have earwax around the speaker mesh, it may be time to clean them. Learning how to clean AirPods the right way is important because these small earbuds contain delicate speakers, microphones, sensors, and charging contacts.
The good news is that you do not need complicated equipment. With the right cleaning method and a little care, you can remove dirt, dust, and buildup without damaging your AirPods. Apple also recommends regular cleaning and warns against putting AirPods under running water or using sharp or abrasive objects.
This guide explains how to clean the AirPods themselves, the speaker mesh, ear tips, microphones, and charging case. It also covers what you should never use, how often to clean them, and what to do if the sound is still poor after cleaning.
Table of Contents
- Why You Should Clean Your AirPods
- How to Clean AirPods Step by Step
- How to Clean the Charging Case and Ear Tips
- What Not to Use When Cleaning AirPods
- Cleaning Tips, Common Problems, and FAQs
Why You Should Clean Your AirPods
AirPods sit inside or near your ears, so they naturally collect earwax, skin oils, dust, sweat, and other small particles. Over time, this buildup can cover the speaker mesh and microphones. Apple notes that debris or earwax buildup can affect performance and features such as Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, and Transparency mode.
Dirty earbuds can also become uncomfortable. If you use AirPods during workouts, sweat and skin oils can build up faster. Apple recommends cleaning and drying AirPods after exposure to sweat, soap, makeup, sunscreen, lotions, and similar substances.
Signs Your AirPods Need Cleaning
You may need to clean your AirPods if:
- The sound seems quieter than before.
- One AirPod sounds louder than the other.
- You can see earwax or dirt on the speaker mesh.
- The microphones sound muffled during calls.
- Your AirPods look oily or dusty.
- Noise cancellation does not seem to work as well.
- The charging case has visible dirt around the charging area.
Cleaning can solve some sound problems, but it cannot fix every problem. If the issue continues after proper cleaning, there may be a hardware, software, or connection problem.
How to Clean AirPods Step by Step
Before cleaning, remove your AirPods from your ears and disconnect them from power. Work on a clean, dry surface with good lighting so you can see small areas of dirt.
For basic cleaning, you will usually need a soft, lint-free cloth and a clean, soft-bristled brush. The exact method can vary by AirPods model, so check Apple’s instructions for your specific generation before cleaning delicate mesh areas. Apple’s current cleaning guidance has model-specific instructions for AirPods 3 and AirPods 4.
Step 1: Wipe the Outside
Start with the smooth outer body of each AirPod. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe away dust, oil, and fingerprints.
If your AirPods have been exposed to substances such as lotion, sunscreen, shampoo, or oil, Apple recommends using a cloth slightly dampened with fresh water and then drying the AirPods with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth.
Do not pour water directly onto the AirPods. Do not hold them under a tap or rinse them in a sink.
Step 2: Clean the Speaker Mesh Carefully
The speaker mesh is one of the most important areas to clean because dirt and earwax can collect there.
Hold the AirPod so the mesh faces upward. Use only the method recommended for your specific model. For example, Apple’s current instructions for certain AirPods 3 and AirPods 4 mesh areas use a soft-bristled children’s toothbrush, micellar water with a specified ingredient, distilled water, and a paper towel. The AirPods must then dry completely for at least two hours before use or charging.
This is important because not every AirPods model has the same cleaning instructions. Avoid assuming that a cleaning trick found online is safe for every generation.
Step 3: Clean Around the Microphones
AirPods contain small microphone openings. Dust and debris can collect around these areas, especially if you use the earbuds frequently.
Use a clean, soft, dry brush to gently remove loose debris from accessible surfaces. Do not push anything into the microphone openings.
Take your time. The goal is to lift dirt away, not push it deeper inside the AirPod.
Step 4: Let Them Dry Completely
After any cleaning involving moisture, give the AirPods enough time to dry completely.
Apple’s current instructions for several cleaning procedures specify allowing AirPods to dry for at least two hours before putting them in the charging case or using them.
Do not use a hair dryer or another strong heat source to speed up the process. Gentle air drying is safer for delicate electronics.
Quick Cleaning Comparison
| Cleaning Area | Recommended Approach | Avoid |
| Outer body | Soft lint-free cloth | Abrasive materials |
| Speaker mesh | Model-specific Apple method | Sharp tools |
| Microphone areas | Gentle dry brush | Pushing objects inside |
| Ear tips | Remove and clean according to model instructions | Household cleaners |
| Charging case | Soft dry cloth | Liquid in ports |
| Charging ports | Clean, dry, soft brush around debris | Metal objects |
How to Clean the Charging Case and Ear Tips
Cleaning the AirPods themselves is only part of the job. The charging case also collects dust, pocket lint, skin oils, and other debris. If you never clean the case, dirt can build up around the areas where your AirPods sit.
Start by removing the AirPods from the case. Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to clean the outside and inside surfaces that are safely accessible. Apple says the case can be cleaned with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth and that the cloth may be slightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol when necessary.
Cleaning the Charging Ports
Charging ports require extra care. Loose debris around the port can sometimes be removed with a clean, dry, soft-bristled brush.
Do not pour liquid into the charging port. Apple specifically warns against putting anything into the charging ports because the metal contacts can be damaged.
If the case does not charge properly after cleaning, do not keep poking inside the port. Check the charging cable, power source, and connection first. If the problem continues, professional service may be a better choice.
Cleaning AirPods Pro Ear Tips
If you use AirPods Pro 2, the removable ear tips need regular cleaning too.
Remove the ear tips from the AirPods and follow the instructions for your model. Apple’s guidance says certain AirPods Pro ear tips can be rinsed with water and should be completely dry before being attached again. Apple also says not to use soap or household cleaners on those ear tips.
Never put wet ear tips back onto the AirPods. Give them enough time to dry completely first.
How Often Should You Clean AirPods?
There is no single schedule that works for everyone. If you use AirPods for a few minutes each day, occasional cleaning may be enough. If you use them every day, during exercise, or for many hours, you may need to clean them more often.
A simple routine is to quickly wipe the outside after regular use and perform a more careful cleaning whenever you notice visible buildup or a change in sound.
What Not to Use When Cleaning AirPods
Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing how to clean AirPods.
AirPods are small electronic devices with delicate openings. A cleaning method that works on a plastic household item may damage earbuds.
Avoid These Cleaning Methods
Do not use sharp objects. Needles, pins, paper clips, and similar objects can damage the mesh or internal components.
Do not use abrasive materials. Rough materials can scratch surfaces or damage protective coatings.
Do not run AirPods under water. Even when a model has some water or sweat resistance, that does not mean it should be washed under a tap.
Do not spray cleaner directly onto AirPods. Liquids can enter openings and damage internal components.
Do not use household cleaners unless the manufacturer’s instructions specifically allow them. Apple recommends avoiding products such as aerosol sprays, bleach, and abrasives for its products generally.
Do not charge wet AirPods. Make sure the earbuds and case are completely dry before charging or storing them.
Common Cleaning Mistakes
One common mistake is trying to remove stubborn earwax by pushing it into the speaker mesh. This can make the problem worse.
Another mistake is using too much liquid. More moisture does not mean better cleaning. Electronics and excess liquid are a bad combination.
People also sometimes clean only the earbuds and forget the case. Dirt inside the case can transfer back onto clean AirPods.
Finally, do not assume that every AirPods model can be cleaned in exactly the same way. Apple provides model-specific instructions, so identify your AirPods before using a detailed mesh-cleaning method.
Cleaning Tips, Common Problems, and FAQs
Regular maintenance can help keep your AirPods comfortable and working properly. A few minutes of gentle cleaning is better than waiting until thick dirt or earwax has built up.
Keep your AirPods in their case when you are not using them. Avoid putting them loose in dirty pockets or bags. If you exercise with them, wipe away sweat and allow them to dry before putting them away.
It is also a good idea to keep your ears clean and dry. Apple notes that keeping both your AirPods and skin clean and dry can help with comfort and reduce the chance of long-term device damage.
What If Cleaning Does Not Fix the Sound?
If one AirPod still sounds quiet after careful cleaning, check the device settings and audio balance. Also make sure the AirPods are properly connected.
For AirPods with noise cancellation, cleaning can sometimes help when debris affects microphones or speaker areas.. Apple specifically notes that cleaning may be needed when users experience problems such as reduced bass or increased background sound with Active Noise Cancellation.
Apple recommends following model-specific cleaning instructions to safely clean the AirPods, speaker mesh, and charging case.
If cleaning and basic troubleshooting do not solve the problem, avoid taking the AirPod apart yourself. Apple provides repair and replacement options for AirPods when cleaning and troubleshooting are not enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I clean AirPods with water?
Do not put the AirPods under running water. For some model-specific cleaning procedures, Apple allows carefully controlled use of water or other materials, but the exact instructions depend on the AirPods model. Always follow the instructions for your model.
2. How do I remove earwax from AirPods?
Start by gently removing loose debris from accessible areas using the recommended cleaning method for your model. Do not use needles, pins, or other sharp objects. For AirPods 3 and 4, Apple provides specific instructions for cleaning certain mesh areas.
3. Can I use rubbing alcohol on AirPods?
Do not apply alcohol directly to the earbuds. For the charging case, Apple says a soft, dry, lint-free cloth can be slightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol when necessary. Keep liquid away from charging ports and openings.
4. How often should I clean my AirPods?
Clean them whenever you notice visible dirt, earwax buildup, sweat, or changes in sound. People who use AirPods every day or during exercise may need to clean them more often than occasional users.
5. Why is one AirPod quieter than the other?
A blocked speaker mesh is one possible reason. Carefully inspect and clean the affected AirPod using the correct method for your model. If the sound remains uneven after cleaning, check your device’s audio settings and consider Apple support if the problem continues.
Conclusion
Learning how to clean AirPods does not have to be difficult. The most important rule is to clean gently and avoid forcing dirt deeper into the earbuds. Use a soft, lint-free cloth for the outer surfaces, follow model-specific instructions for speaker meshes and ear tips, and keep moisture away from charging ports.
Do not use sharp tools, abrasive materials, or excessive liquid. Give your AirPods enough time to dry before using or charging them. Regular cleaning can help keep your earbuds comfortable and may prevent dirt and earwax from affecting sound and noise-control features.
If careful cleaning does not solve a sound, charging, or other hardware problem, stop experimenting and use Apple’s support or repair options instead.
