Let’s be honest — most people never think about how to clean AirPods. They toss them in a pocket, stick them in their ears, and go about their day. But over time, all that earwax, lint, and dust builds up — and suddenly your AirPods start to sound muffled, fuzzy, or just… off.
The good news? Cleaning AirPods is easier than you might think. You don’t need special tools — just a few everyday items and five to ten minutes.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to clean your AirPods safely and properly, step by step, with real photos and even a free fix if the sound is still off afterward.
Why It Matters
Dirty AirPods can mess with:
- Sound quality
- Fit
- Comfort
- Even your ear health
Cleaning them regularly makes them last longer and sound better. And no, wiping them on your shirt doesn’t count.
What You’ll Need to Clean Your AirPods Safely
- A soft microfiber cloth (like the kind used for glasses)
- A cotton swab
- A soft toothbrush
- A toothpick (wood, not metal)
- Optional: 70% isopropyl alcohol
- Optional: Blu-Tack or cleaning putty
Use a microfiber cloth to gently wipe your AirPods without scratching the surface.
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Avoid using water, paper towels, sharp objects, or compressed air — they can damage the speaker mesh or push debris deeper inside.
Before we dive in, you can also check out Apple’s official AirPods cleaning guide for their recommendations.
How to Clean AirPods: Step-by-Step Instructions with Photos
Step 1: Is It Safe to Clean AirPods with Alcohol?
Use a dry microfiber cloth to gently wipe the outside of each AirPod. If there’s grime, dampen the cloth just a little with rubbing alcohol.
Step 2: Clean the Speaker Mesh
Use a soft toothbrush or dry cotton swab to brush off any wax or debris from the mesh. Be gentle here — you don’t want to push dirt further inside.
Optional tip: Press a bit of Blu-Tack gently on the mesh to pull out wax (just don’t shove it in).
Step 3: Best Way to Remove Earwax from AirPods Without Damage
If you have AirPods Pro, pull off the silicone tips. Rinse them with warm water only (no soap), then let them air dry completely.
Step 4: Clean the Charging Case
Use a cotton swab or wooden toothpick to carefully remove lint and gunk from inside the charging case. Don’t get it wet, and don’t jam anything inside too hard.
AirPods Still Sound Muffled After Cleaning? Try This Quick Fix
Even after cleaning, sometimes AirPods still sound off because water or moisture is trapped inside the speaker grill.
Quick fix:
Go to DryPhoneSpeakers.com
Press the “START” button and let the tool run for 30–60 seconds. It plays a special tone that helps push water out of your AirPods or phone speaker.
Bonus:
DryPhoneSpeakers.com also includes two powerful options:
- Heavy Duty Mode – for stubborn water stuck deep inside
- Sweep Mode – uses a wide range of sound frequencies to clean your speakers even better
No app, no download. Just open the website, press play, and clear your speakers in seconds.
How Often Should You Clean Your AirPods to Keep Sound Clear?
| How You Use AirPods | How Often to Clean |
|---|---|
| Every day | Once a week |
| After workouts | 2–3 times a week |
| Sharing with others | Every time you swap |
What Not to Do
Avoid these mistakes:
- Don’t wash AirPods with water
- Don’t spray anything directly on them
- Don’t dig at the speaker with sharp objects
- Don’t use canned air — it can push debris deeper
What to Remember
AirPods don’t stay clean on their own. But with a soft cloth, a cotton swab, and a few minutes, they can sound brand new again. Most people throw away perfectly good AirPods when they start sounding bad — and most of the time, it’s just dirt or moisture.
Next time yours sound off, clean them up — and if that doesn’t work, try DryPhoneSpeakers.com. It just might save you from buying a new pair.