Cleaning your earbuds: complete maintenance guide

Your wireless earbuds are probably one of the most-used accessories you own. Every day we put them in our ears - while exercising, working, travelling or relaxing. But how often do you actually clean them? Regular maintenance is not only important for hygiene, but also for the sound quality and lifespan of your earbuds.

In this extensive guide you'll learn everything about correctly cleaning your earbuds and charging case. From the right materials to step-by-step instructions and common mistakes to avoid.

Why Is Cleaning Your AirPods Important?

There are several reasons why regular maintenance of your AirPods is essential:

  • Hygiene: Your ears produce earwax that builds up on the speaker mesh. This can harbour bacteria.

  • Sound quality: Dirt on the speakers muffles the sound. Clean AirPods sound noticeably better and louder.

  • Charging problems: Dirty contact points can prevent your AirPods from charging properly in the case.

  • Lifespan: Good maintenance significantly extends the lifespan of your AirPods.

What Do You Need?

Before you start, gather these materials:

  • Soft, lint-free cloth (microfibre cloth)

  • Cotton swabs

  • Soft, dry toothbrush (or special cleaning brush)

  • Isopropyl alcohol 70% (optional)

  • Blu-Tack or cleaning putty (optional)

Warning: NEVER use water, soap or aggressive cleaning agents directly on your AirPods!

Step by Step: Cleaning Your AirPods

Step 1: Cleaning the Speaker Mesh

The speaker mesh is the most delicate part and requires extra care:

  1. Hold the AirPod with the speaker mesh facing down
  2. Use a dry, soft toothbrush to gently brush over the mesh
  3. Brush in one direction, away from the mesh opening
  4. Repeat until all visible dirt has been removed

Pro tip: Use Blu-Tack to pull stubborn earwax out of the mesh. Press gently and pull away.

Step 2: Cleaning the Housing

The outside of your AirPods also collects dirt and skin oils:

  1. Slightly dampen a microfibre cloth with water
  2. Wipe the entire outside of the AirPod
  3. Dry immediately with a dry cloth
  4. For stubborn stains: use 70% isopropyl alcohol on the cloth (not the mesh!)

Step 3: Cleaning the Sensors

The proximity sensors enable features such as automatic pausing:

  1. Locate the black sensors on the inside
  2. Wipe gently with a dry cotton swab
  3. Avoid pressure or friction

AirPods Pro Specific: Silicone Ear Tips

The AirPods Pro have replaceable silicone ear tips that need to be cleaned separately:

  1. Remove the ear tips by gently pulling them off
  2. Rinse the ear tips under running water (only the tips!)
  3. Dry thoroughly with a lint-free cloth
  4. Let them dry completely before putting them back (at least 30 minutes)
  5. Click the ear tips back onto the AirPods Pro

Are your ear tips worn out or lost? At Earbud restore we sell individual silicone ear tips in all sizes. View silicone ear tips

Cleaning the Charging Case

Don't forget the charging case! A dirty case can cause charging problems.

Outside of the Case

  1. Wipe with a slightly damp microfibre cloth
  2. Clean the Lightning/USB-C port with a dry, soft brush
  3. Dry completely

Inside of the Case

  1. Use a dry cotton swab to clean the inside
  2. Pay extra attention to the charging contacts (metal points)
  3. Remove dirt from the corners with a soft brush
  4. For stubborn dirt: a cotton swab lightly moistened with isopropyl alcohol

Is your charging case broken or lost? Check out our replacement charging cases - in stock and 40% cheaper. View charging cases

  • Do's: What You Should Do

  • Clean your AirPods at least once a week

  • Always store them in the case when you're not using them

  • Wash your hands before putting in your AirPods

  • Let them dry completely after cleaning

  • Only use soft, non-abrasive materials

  • Don'ts: What You Should NOT Do

  • Never put water or liquids directly on the AirPods

  • Don't stick sharp objects into the speaker mesh

  • Don't use compressed air (can damage components)

  • No aggressive cleaning agents such as bleach or acetone

  • Don't submerge them, not even the silicone tips for long

How Often Should You Clean Your AirPods?

The frequency depends on your use:

Use Cleaning frequency
Daily intensive use 2-3 times a week
Regular use Once a week
Occasional use Once every 2 weeks
Exercising with AirPods After every workout

Sound Problems After Cleaning?

If your AirPods still don't sound right after cleaning, there may be other problems:

  • The speaker mesh can be permanently clogged by years of build-up

  • There may be internal damage to the drivers

  • The battery may be worn out, which also affects sound quality

In these cases it's often cheaper to replace a single AirPod than to buy a completely new set. At Earbud restore we offer single AirPods for all generations - from AirPods 2 to the latest AirPods 4.

View Single AirPods

Extra Maintenance Tips for a Longer Lifespan

  • Store your AirPods at room temperature (not in the car in extreme temperatures)

  • Avoid contact with make-up, sunscreen and other cosmetics

  • Don't charge your AirPods to 100% if you're storing them for a long time - 50% is ideal

  • Use a protective cover for your charging case

  • Not sure which AirPods you have? Check our guide to identify your model

→ Check our model identification guide

Conclusion

Regularly cleaning your AirPods is essential for hygiene, sound quality and lifespan. With the right materials and techniques you can keep your earbuds in top condition for years. Make it a weekly habit and your AirPods will thank you!

Need Help with Your AirPods?

At Earbud restore we help you with everything around your AirPods. From single earbuds to charging cases and silicone tips - all at sharp prices and with fast delivery.

View Our Products View Charging Cases

Frequently Asked Questions about Cleaning AirPods

Can I hold my AirPods under water?

No, never! Even the AirPods Pro, which are water resistant, must not be submerged. Only the silicone ear tips may be rinsed under water.

Can I use alcohol to clean my AirPods?

Only 70% isopropyl alcohol, and only on the outside. Never use it on the speaker mesh or in the charging case contacts.

My AirPods sound quiet after cleaning, what now?

Check that there is no moisture in the speaker mesh. Let them dry completely. If the problem persists, the mesh may be permanently damaged.

How often should I replace the silicone ear tips?

With regular use about every 6-12 months, or sooner if they are damaged or worn. Check out our silicone ear tips.

Can I use a cotton swab in the charging case?

Yes, but only dry or very slightly moistened. Make sure no cotton residue is left behind near the contact points.

Related Articles

Which AirPods do I have? How to recognise your model AirPods vs AirPods Pro: What is the difference? AirPods battery replacement: all options and costs Re-pairing AirPods with your iPhone
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