To clean AirPods, wipe them with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth, use a dry soft-bristled brush on the speaker mesh, and never run them under the tap. For AirPods Pro, Apple's method is a toothbrush dipped in micellar water on the mesh, then a distilled-water rinse and at least two hours drying.
AirPods pick up earwax, skin oil and pocket fluff, and it shows: muffled sound, one earbud quieter than the other, or a case that won't charge one side. Cleaning them fixes a lot of that, but the wrong method can push dirt further in or let water reach the electronics. Apple publishes a surprisingly specific routine, down to the brand of micellar water. Here's what it says, and the mistakes to avoid.
What you need
- A soft, dry, lint-free cloth, such as a glasses cloth.
- A soft-bristled children's toothbrush.
- For the deep clean on AirPods Pro: micellar water containing PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides (Apple names Bioderma and Neutrogena), distilled water, two small cups and a paper towel.
- A little isopropyl alcohol, for the case only.
Everyday clean
- Wipe each AirPod with the dry lint-free cloth.
- Brush the speaker mesh lightly with the dry toothbrush to lift fluff.
- Wipe inside the case lid and around the charging well with the cloth.
Do this every week or two and the deep clean is rarely needed.
Deep clean the speaker mesh (AirPods Pro)
- Remove the ear tips by pulling firmly at the base.
- Pour a little micellar water into one cup and distilled water into the other.
- Dip the toothbrush in the micellar water until the bristles are soaked.
- Hold the AirPod with the mesh facing up and brush in small circles for about 15 seconds.
- Turn the AirPod over and blot the mesh on a paper towel.
- Repeat twice more, three times in total, for each mesh.
- Rinse: repeat the brushing and blotting using distilled water.
- Let the AirPods dry completely for at least two hours before using them or putting them in the case.
The mesh-facing-up detail is the clever part. Gravity keeps the liquid and loosened dirt from running into the AirPod, and blotting face down draws it out onto the paper.
Clean the ear tips
Pull the tips off and rinse them under water. Apple says not to use soap or household cleaners, which can leave a residue that irritates skin. Dry them completely, then click them back on. The tips are oval, not round, so line them up before you press, or they won't seat.
Clean the charging case
Wipe the case with the dry cloth. For stubborn marks, dampen the cloth very slightly with isopropyl alcohol and let the case dry afterwards. Clear fluff from the charging port with a dry soft brush, and never push anything metal or sharp into the port or the wells where the AirPods sit. Dirty contacts in the case are a common reason one AirPod stops charging, so this step is worth doing if you have that problem.
What not to do
| Don't | Why |
|---|---|
| Run them under the tap | Water can get past the mesh |
| Use pins, needles or toothpicks | They damage or push through the mesh |
| Use soap on the ear tips | Residue can irritate skin |
| Put them back in the case wet | Moisture on the contacts can cause problems |
| Use abrasive cleaners or pads | They scratch the finish |
AirPods Pro 3 can take a rinse
Apple gives AirPods Pro 3 an extra option: seal the ear tip hole with your finger, dip the AirPod in a bowl of water for 10 seconds while shaking it gently, then dab the ear tip on a lint-free cloth for 10 seconds and dry it. Don't try this on older models; their guidance is no running water.
After workouts and sunscreen
Sweat, sunscreen, make-up and lotions can mark AirPods and irritate your ears. Apple's advice is to wipe them with a cloth slightly dampened with fresh water after exposure, then dry them. If you use AirPods at the gym, a quick wipe after each session keeps the deep clean further away.
Still sounding muffled?
If they sound dull after a careful clean and dry, try a reset, which clears connection glitches that can sound like muffled audio. If one AirPod is still quiet, Apple's next step is a service check. And if it's time for a new pair, my guide to noise cancelling headphones compares AirPods with other options. Make the most of the pair you have with features like Live Translation on AirPods.
Want AI doing the heavy lifting in your marketing?
I build the systems that handle the boring 80 percent, so you get your week back. Done properly, with the human kept in.
How often to clean them
A light wipe every week or two is plenty for most people. Do the deep mesh clean when you notice the sound getting dull or one side getting quieter, which for daily users tends to be every couple of months. If you wear AirPods for workouts, wipe them after each session; sweat dries into the mesh and is harder to shift later. Keeping your ears and the AirPods dry also helps avoid irritation, which Apple specifically mentions for people with sensitive skin.
My verdict
A dry lint-free cloth and a soft brush every week or two, and Apple's micellar water routine on the mesh when they sound muffled. Keep water away from older AirPods, keep everything out of the charging port, and always let them dry for two hours before they go back in the case.
Frequently asked questions
How do I clean my AirPods?
Wipe them with a dry lint-free cloth and brush the mesh with a soft, dry toothbrush.
How do I clean AirPods Pro speaker mesh?
Brush with a toothbrush dipped in micellar water for about 15 seconds, blot, repeat, rinse with distilled water and dry two hours.
Can I use alcohol to clean AirPods?
Apple suggests a cloth slightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol for the charging case.
Can I wash AirPods under water?
No. Only AirPods Pro 3 can take Apple's short sealed rinse.
How do I clean the AirPods charging port?
Use a clean, dry, soft-bristled brush. Don't put anything inside it.
