AirPods get gross. Earwax, skin oils, pocket lint, and general grime accumulate in every crevice. Beyond the ick factor, dirty AirPods sound worse—blocked speaker meshes muffle audio, and gunked-up sensors cause connection issues.

The good news: cleaning AirPods is simple and takes just a few minutes. The bad news: you need to do it regularly. Weekly cleaning keeps them performing well; monthly deep cleaning prevents buildup that's harder to remove.

Let's get your AirPods looking and sounding like new.

What You'll Need

Basic Cleaning Supplies

  • Soft, lint-free cloth (microfiber)
  • Dry cotton swabs
  • Soft-bristled brush (clean toothbrush works)
  • Wooden or plastic toothpick

For Deep Cleaning

  • 70% isopropyl alcohol
  • Blu-Tack or mounting putty
  • Compressed air (optional, use carefully)

What NOT to Use

  • Water (especially on speaker mesh)
  • Harsh chemicals or bleach
  • Sharp metal objects
  • Excessive liquid of any kind
Apple specifically warns against running water, as AirPods are not waterproof. Even "water-resistant" AirPods Pro can be damaged by cleaning with water.

Cleaning AirPods (Standard and 3rd Gen)

Step 1: Wipe the Exterior

  1. Use a dry, lint-free cloth
  2. Wipe all exterior surfaces
  3. Remove visible debris and oils
  4. Pay attention to the stem and sensor areas

Step 2: Clean the Speaker Mesh

This is where most gunk accumulates:

  1. Hold AirPod with speaker mesh facing down
  2. Use soft-bristled brush to gently brush mesh
  3. Brush in one direction, away from mesh
  4. Don't push debris further into mesh

Step 3: Remove Stubborn Debris

For earwax and stubborn buildup:

  1. Use Blu-Tack or mounting putty
  2. Press gently onto speaker mesh
  3. Pull away—putty removes debris
  4. Repeat until mesh is clear

Step 4: Clean the Sensors

The optical sensors (black circles) need attention:

  1. Use dry cotton swab
  2. Gently wipe sensor surfaces
  3. Remove any film or residue
  4. Clean both AirPods

Step 5: Final Wipe

  1. Lightly dampen cloth with 70% isopropyl alcohol
  2. Wipe exterior surfaces only
  3. Avoid getting liquid in any openings
  4. Let dry completely before using

Cleaning AirPods Pro

AirPods Pro have additional components that need cleaning.

Cleaning the Ear Tips

  1. Remove silicone ear tips (pull firmly)
  2. Rinse tips with water (tips only, not AirPods)
  3. Wipe with lint-free cloth
  4. Let dry completely before reattaching

Cleaning the Mesh Under Ear Tips

  1. With tips removed, inspect mesh
  2. Use soft brush to remove debris
  3. Use Blu-Tack for stubborn buildup
  4. Never insert anything into the mesh

Cleaning the Vent

AirPods Pro have a small vent for pressure equalization:

  1. Locate small vent hole on back
  2. Use soft brush to clear debris
  3. Don't insert anything into vent

Cleaning the Charging Case

Exterior Cleaning

  1. Wipe with dry lint-free cloth
  2. For stubborn marks, use slightly damp cloth
  3. Dry immediately

Interior Cleaning

  1. Remove AirPods from case
  2. Use soft brush to remove debris from wells
  3. Use dry cotton swab for corners
  4. Clean Lightning/USB-C port with brush or toothpick

Charging Contacts

  1. Locate metal contacts at bottom of wells
  2. Use dry cotton swab to clean
  3. Remove any debris that could block charging
  4. Check AirPod stems for matching contacts

Cleaning Schedule

Weekly (Quick Clean)

  • Wipe exterior with dry cloth
  • Brush speaker mesh
  • Wipe case exterior

Monthly (Deep Clean)

  • Full cleaning process above
  • Clean ear tips (AirPods Pro)
  • Clean case interior and contacts
  • Inspect for damage

As Needed

  • After workouts (sweat accelerates buildup)
  • If audio sounds muffled
  • If fit feels different
  • Before lending to someone

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Muffled Sound

Cause: Blocked speaker mesh Solution:

  1. Clean mesh with brush and Blu-Tack
  2. If still muffled, debris may be deep in mesh
  3. Try gentle suction (your mouth, carefully)
  4. Contact Apple if cleaning doesn't help

One AirPod Quieter Than Other

Cause: Uneven buildup or sensor issue Solution:

  1. Clean both AirPods thoroughly
  2. Check audio balance in Settings > Accessibility
  3. Reset AirPods if issue persists

Poor Fit (AirPods Pro)

Cause: Dirty or worn ear tips Solution:

  1. Clean ear tips thoroughly
  2. Try different tip sizes
  3. Replace tips if worn ($8 from Apple)

Charging Issues

Cause: Dirty contacts Solution:

  1. Clean contacts on AirPods and in case
  2. Clean charging port
  3. Try different cable/charger

Prevention Tips

Reduce Buildup

  • Clean ears before using AirPods
  • Store in case when not in use
  • Avoid using during heavy sweating
  • Don't share AirPods

Protect Your Investment

  • Use a case cover (protects from drops and dirt)
  • Keep case closed when not accessing
  • Avoid extreme temperatures
  • Don't leave in pockets with lint/debris

Ear Hygiene

  • Clean ears regularly
  • Let ears dry after showering before using AirPods
  • If you have excessive earwax, clean AirPods more frequently

When to Replace vs Clean

Keep Cleaning If:

  • Sound improves after cleaning
  • No visible damage
  • Battery life is acceptable
  • Fit is still comfortable

Consider Replacement If:

  • Mesh is permanently discolored/blocked
  • Battery lasts under 2 hours
  • Physical damage (cracks, broken stems)
  • Cleaning no longer improves sound

Got Questions About Cleaning AirPods? Let's Clear Things Up.

Can I use water to clean AirPods?

No. AirPods (including Pro) are not waterproof. Water can damage speakers and electronics. Use only dry or slightly alcohol-dampened cloths on exterior surfaces. Ear tips (AirPods Pro only) can be rinsed with water.

How often should I clean my AirPods?

Weekly for basic cleaning, monthly for deep cleaning. If you use them during workouts or have waxy ears, clean more frequently. Muffled sound is a sign you've waited too long.

Can I use a toothpick on the speaker mesh?

Use wooden or plastic toothpicks carefully around edges, but never poke directly into the mesh. You can push debris deeper or damage the mesh. Blu-Tack is safer for mesh cleaning.

Why do my AirPods smell bad?

Bacteria from earwax and skin oils cause odor. Regular cleaning prevents this. For existing odor, clean thoroughly and let AirPods air out. The case can also harbor bacteria—clean it too.

Will cleaning void my warranty?

No, proper cleaning is expected maintenance. However, damage from improper cleaning (water damage, punctured mesh) isn't covered. Stick to Apple's recommended methods.

Clean AirPods sound better, last longer, and are more hygienic. Make cleaning part of your routine—a few minutes weekly prevents the stubborn buildup that's harder to remove. For more Apple tips, check our guides on connecting iPhone to MacBook and taking screenshots on Mac.