How to clean "AirPods"?

Earphones can easily get dirty, collecting dust, earwax, sweat, and fibers. Dirty earphones not only look untidy but can also be harmful to your health if bacteria build up, potentially leading to ear infections and other problems. Fortunately, they are easy to clean at home. Regular cleaning of your AirPods and their cases will help keep them neat and safe (Taylor, 2024). To avoid skin irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin or allergies, make sure to clean and dry your AirPods after exercise or exposure to sweat, soap, shampoo, makeup, or creams. Additionally, if you have allergies, check the materials your AirPods are made of (Apple Support, 2025).

In this guide, we will show you how to quickly and easily clean your AirPods and their cases using household items, protecting both your health and your device. Before we go over the required equipment and cleaning procedure, it’s important to note the following:

• On AirPods, you can only clean the mesh areas (breathing mesh, vent mesh, and microphones), and you should avoid cleaning other parts of the earphones;
• Don’t forget to clean the charging case when cleaning your AirPods. The case can be just as dirty, if not dirtier, than the earphones (Taylor, 2024);
• Do not submerge the earphones or charging case in water, nor should you use sharp objects for cleaning (Apple Support, 2025a).

Cleaning Equipment

• Micellar water (with PEG-6 caprylic/capric glycerides, such as Bioderma or Neutrogena)
• Distilled water
• Baby toothbrush with soft bristles or a small paintbrush
• Two small cups
• Paper towel
• Isopropyl alcohol (if needed)
• Liquid laundry detergent (for AirPods Max) (Apple Support, 2025a; 2025b; 2024).

Cleaning the Meshes

• Pour micellar water into a cup and dip the brush into it. Gently brush the mesh for 15 seconds, holding the earphone with the mesh facing upwards.
• Turn the earphone over and place it on a paper towel.
• Repeat the cleaning two more times.
• Rinse the brush with distilled water and repeat the entire process with distilled water, including the additional cleanings.
• Leave the earphones to dry for at least two hours before returning them to the case or using them (Apple Support, 2025a).

Cleaning the Ear Tips (AirPods Pro)

• If water has accumulated in the ear tips, gently tap the earphone on a soft, dry cloth with the ear tip facing down to remove the water.
• Remove the ear tips from each earphone and wash them only with water. Do not use soap or other cleaning agents.
• Wipe the ear tips with a soft, dry cloth that doesn’t leave fibers. Make sure the ear tips are completely dry before placing them back on the earphones.
• Reattach the ear tips to each earphone, aligning them properly since the ear tips are oval-shaped (Apple Support, 2025b).

Cleaning AirPods Max

• Do not place the earphones under running water.
• Use a soft, dry cloth that doesn’t leave fibers.
• If the earphones have been exposed to substances that may cause stains or damage, clean them with a cloth dampened with plain water and dry them with a dry, soft cloth that doesn’t leave fibers.
• Do not use the earphones until they are completely dry, and make sure that liquid doesn’t get into any openings (Apple Support, 2024).

Cleaning the Earpads and Headband (AirPods Max)

• In a clean cup, mix 1 teaspoon (5 mL) of liquid laundry detergent with 1 cup (250 mL) of water.
• Remove the earpads from their holders.
• When cleaning the headband, hold it upside down to prevent liquid from entering the point where the headband is attached.
• Dip a cloth that doesn’t leave fibers into the soapy water, wring it out, and gently wipe the headband and each earpad with the cloth for about 1 minute.
• With another cloth dampened with clean water, wipe the earpads and headband.
• Dry the earpads and headband with a dry, soft cloth that doesn’t leave fibers, and make sure to remove any excess liquid.
• Place the earphones on a flat surface and leave them to dry for at least 24 hours before reattaching the earpads and using them again (Apple Support, 2024).

Cleaning the Charging Case

• Clean the charging case with a soft, dry cloth that doesn’t leave fibers. If needed, you can dampen the cloth with isopropyl alcohol or water to remove stubborn stains. Be careful not to let liquid get into the charging port!
• Clean the charging port with a soft-bristled brush (Apple Support, 2025a).

Regular cleaning of your earphones not only helps maintain their appearance but also contributes to their longevity and your ear health. If the problem persists after cleaning, you can seek a service for your AirPods. In case of any symptoms, it is recommended to consult a qualified healthcare professional.

*This text is for informational purposes only. If you experience any symptoms, it is recommended that you consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional.

Reference

• Apple Support. (2024). „Kako čistiti AirPods Max slušalice.“ Apple Support, objavljeno 13. septembra 2024. https://support.apple.com/hr-hr/120410#:~:text=U%20%C4%8Distom%20spremniku%20promije%C5%A1ajte%201,pri%C4%8Dvrsnu%20to%C4%8Dku%20trake%20za%20glavu.
• Apple Support. (2025a). "Kako očistiti AirPods mrežice." Apple Support, objavljeno 28. januara 2025. https://support.apple.com/hr-hr/102672#:~:text=Kako%20%C4%8Distiti%20AirPods%20mre%C5%BEice,kru%C5%BEnim%20pokretima%20oko%2015%20sekundi.
• Apple Support. (2025b). "Kako čistiti AirPods Pro slušalice." Apple Support, objavljeno 28. januara 2025. https://support.apple.com/hr-hr/120409#:~:text=Umo%C4%8Dite%20%C4%8Detkicu%20u%20%C5%A1alicu%20micelarne,ru%C4%8Dnik%20u%20dodiru%20s%20mre%C5%BEicom.
• Auguras Pipiras, White ceramic bowl on dried leaves [Fotografija], Unsplash, objavljeno 21. juna 2021. https://unsplash.com/photos/white-ceramic-bowl-on-dried-leaves-RYnfcIfyWjE.
• Taylor, Martin. "How to Clean AirPods." WebMD, medically reviewed by Shruthi N, MD, 22. jul 2024. https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/how-to-clean-airpods.