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Let’s face it: even though Apple’s AirPods are shiny and white, yours have probably gotten dirty with even just a little bit of use. Along with an AirPods case that can show wear and tear, the completely wireless headphones are known to attract dirt, grime, and even earwax during use.
Below, we’ll take a look a how to safely clean both your AirPods and the AirPods case to get them looking brand-new again.
How to Clean Your AirPods
Before you start cleaning your AirPods, there’s one big question we’ll need to tackle: are AirPods water-resistant? The bad news is that no, AirPods are not water-resistant. So when cleaning the earbuds or the case, you’ll need to use little-to-no water.
But thankfully, there are a number of ways to clean AirPods without damaging the delicate electronics inside.
Use a Microfiber Cloth
One of the most indispensable tools you can have when cleaning Apple AirPods, as well as pretty much any other electronic device, is a microfiber cloth.
You’ve probably seen one of these cloths, and you might even have a few around the house. If you don’t, make sure to pick up one to clean your AirPods. This two-pack of MagicFiber Microfiber Cleaning Cloths is a great way to start.
The science behind microfiber cloths is simple. Made with thousands of small fibers, the cloth can absorb and remove dust, oil, fingerprints, dirt, and pretty much anything else that can dirty up your AirPods. It can do all of this without needing any cleaning products or even water. And the cloth works wonders without leaving behind lint or anything else.
With a microfiber cloth, take each AirPod in one hand and wipe it down with the microfiber cloth. Put a bit of pressure on the cloth to remove more stubborn stains.
Make sure to keep the microfiber cloth around. It’ll come in handy for other tasks around the house, and it’s perfect for cleaning any electronic screen, like an iPhone, iPad, and even a television or computer screen.
Use a Small Amount of Electronic-Safe Cleaner
If a microfiber cloth can’t completely clean your Apple AirPods, there is another product that can help. WHOOSH is a great non-toxic and odorless cleaner specifically for electronics. There is no alcohol or ammonia in the formula.
There are many different starter kits available. This WHOOSH Screen Cleaner Kit includes two bottles of formula and three microfiber cloths.
To clean your AirPods, spray a small bit of the formula on one of the included cloths—a little bit goes a long way here. Then wipe down each AirPod individually. When cleaning with WHOOSH, make sure to avoid both the microphone and speaker openings.
The cleaner is also great for giving other electronics a shine, like an Apple Watch, iPhone, iPad, and more.
Grab a Cotton Swab to Clean Earwax Out of AirPods
Use AirPods for any amount of time and you’ll notice that earwax tends to accumulate around the earbud opening. Beyond just being gross, earwax can also degrade sound quality from the AirPods.
To make wax a problem of the past, grab a dry cotton swab. Gently push it around the speaker mesh and remove any wax. You can also use a cotton swab to clean the microphone mesh opening. For tougher grime and wax removal, consider using a soft tool.
Something you’ll want to avoid is a small, sharp object like a toothpick. While it might look tempting to use it to clean out earwax, too much pressure could cause you to accidentally pierce the AirPods mesh cover and permanently damage the earbud.
Use an AirPods Cleaning Kit
The Full Circle Control Alt Clean Set offers two different ways to clean your AirPods. One end of the tool offers a round soft tip, perfect for cleaning around mesh grill of the AirPods and lifting out wax. On the other side is a soft-bristle brush. The set also includes a microfiber cloth.
How to Clean Your AirPods Case
Along with the AirPods themselves, the case is made of the same white material that can easily show grime, dirt, and other junk with use. Before you tackle the case itself, head to the bottom and find the Lightning port. Make sure to clean any debris from the port with a soft, dry brush.
While you might want to put something else into the charging port to clean it, like a toothpick, you should avoid doing so. It could damage the metal Lightning contacts and cause charging problems down the road.
Next, it’s time to tackle the charging case itself. Use a spray of WHOOSH on a microfiber cloth and go around and the AirPods case to wipe it clean. Make sure to stay away from the charging port.
Consider Using an AirPods Protective Case
An easy way to keep your AirPods case clean is to purchase a protective case. Using a case offers several advantages. Along with protecting the case from dirt and the elements, it can also secure your case and earbuds against drops and dings.
Many offer a carabiner to help keep the case safely attached to a purse, backpack, or something else. That’s a big plus, since the AirPods case is easy to lose because of its small size.
Here are two great case options:
SUPCase Unicorn Beetle Pro Series Case
Compatible with both generations of AirPods, the SUPCase Unicorn Beetle Pro Series Case offers great protection for the wireless headphones. The hardshell case features a two-piece design so you can quickly open the case to access the AirPods. Thanks to an included carabiner, you can attach the case to your backpack, purse, belt loop, and more for easy access.
A cutout on the bottom of the case allows access to the Lightning port for charging. The case is also compatible with wireless chargers as well. There is a small cutout to view the front LED status light. You can select from one of seven different colors to match your style.
GMYLE AirPods Case
For everyday protection, take a look at the GMYLE AirPods Case. Made from lightweight silicone, this case is compatible with both generations of AirPods. The case is scratch-resistant and any dirt or stains can just wipe off. There are cutouts for both the Lightning port and the status LED. It can also be used with wireless chargers.
The included carabiner can be removed if needed. And there should definitely be a color to fit you, as GMYLE offers 45 different hues to select from.
Cleaning Your AirPods Is Easy
With just a little bit of work and some simple household cleaning products, you can have your AirPods looking as pristine as the day of purchase. And our easy cleaning tips will make sure not to damage the wireless headphones.
If you ever happen to misplace or lose your earbuds, make sure to read up on how to track and find your AirPods with an iPhone.
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