Let’s talk about dirty AirPods. Whether you’re rocking the classic Apple AirPods, the advanced AirPods Pro, or the brand-new AirPods Pro 2, cleaning your AirPods isn’t just about keeping them looking good — it’s crucial for sound quality, comfort, and avoiding long-term damage to your device. This guide will walk you through safe and effective methods to clean the body, mesh, and AirPods case, using tools you probably already have.
We’re also covering tips from Apple Support and insights from Reddit users so you can avoid damaging your gear. If you've ever noticed reduced volume, itchy ears, or weird smells, you're not alone — and this post is definitely worth a read.
Why Should You Clean Your AirPods Regularly?
Your AirPods sit in your ears, collecting ear wax, sweat, dust, and oils. This gunk can clog the speaker mesh, distort sound, or even cause skin irritation. Beyond hygiene, ongoing cleaning can help you maintain your AirPods’ performance.
Ignoring regular upkeep can cause your AirPods become damaged, especially if liquids such as sweat sneak into charging ports or speaker openings. Cleaning can help you maintain both comfort and prevent long-term damage to your device.
What Tools and Materials to Clean Your AirPods Safely?
Let’s gear up before you clean your AirPods. Avoid abrasive materials to clean, and never use household detergent or solvent. Here’s a safe cleaning toolkit:
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Soft toothbrush or soft-bristled brush
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Toothpick (gently used)
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Lint-free cloth
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Q-tip or q-tips
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Microfiber cloth
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Rubbing alcohol (70%) or isopropyl alcohol
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Cleaning putty (optional, for hard-to-reach wax)
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A dry towel to dry completely
These tools will help you maintain your AirPods and avoid damage to sensitive parts like the mesh or charging ports.
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How to Clean the Mesh on AirPods and AirPods Pro?
The mesh is the most delicate and most important part of the AirPods. Over time, earwax, dust, and gunk clog the speaker mesh, lowering sound clarity. First, don’t use sharp objects like pins.
Here’s how to do it:
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Use a soft toothbrush or toothpick to gently dislodge any wax from the mesh.
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Dampen a q-tip with a drop of rubbing alcohol — not too much — and gently dab.
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Dry completely with a lint-free cloth before use.
Cleaning your AirPods Pro or AirPods Pro 2? Be extra careful with the speaker mesh and recess areas, which are more complex than regular AirPods.
Can You Use Isopropyl or Rubbing Alcohol on AirPods?
Yes — isopropyl alcohol (or rubbing alcohol) can safely disinfect and clean your AirPods, especially the body of your AirPods and external mesh. Just don’t run your AirPods under water or apply alcohol directly into any charging ports or speaker holes.
Use only a microfiber cloth slightly dampened with alcohol, then wipe them clean. Let them dry completely before placing them back in the charging case of your AirPods.
How to Clean the Charging Case of Your AirPods?
The AirPods case — or AirPod case as some call it — often gets overlooked. It can gather lint, dust, and wax from earbuds. Here's how to clean the charging case:
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Use a soft-bristled brush or dry toothbrush to sweep out the inside.
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Never poke anything in the charging ports.
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Wipe down the outside with a lint-free cloth dampened with alcohol.
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Let it dry completely before placing the AirPods inside.
Don’t forget: liquid in the charging ports can seriously damage your Apple AirPods, voiding your Apple limited warranty.
What’s the Best Way to Clean the Body of Your AirPods?
The body of your AirPods also needs love. Skin oils, makeup, and sweat coat the surface, leading to bacteria and skin irritation.
Cleaning steps:
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Dampen a microfiber cloth with a small amount of isopropyl alcohol.
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Gently clean the body of your AirPods and stems.
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Buff dry with a clean section of cloth.
Avoid getting any liquid in the mesh or charging ports. And don’t use sharp objects or harsh abrasive materials to clean.
How to Remove Ear Wax Without Damaging the Mesh?
Dealing with ear wax buildup? It’s super common — especially after workouts with AirPods.
Try this method:
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Use cleaning putty to gently lift wax from the speaker mesh.
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Or use a dry soft toothbrush to brush gently around the recess.
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Never insert the toothpick deeply; just use it to carefully scrape around the edge if needed.
If sound still seems muffled after this, check Reddit or Apple Support for advice — or you may need to order a replacement.
How to Avoid Skin Irritation Caused by Dirty AirPods?
A lot of users on Reddit report skin irritation from using dirty AirPods or AirPods Pro. Here’s how to stop that:
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Do general and ongoing cleaning at least once a week.
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Always wipe them clean after workouts with AirPods to remove sweat and oils.
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Dry thoroughly before storing in the AirPod case.
Regular cleaning reduces bacterial growth, which helps comfort and prevent long-term damage to your ears and device.
AirPods Pro 2 and Cleaning Differences: What You Should Know
The AirPods Pro 2 have improved mesh design and better sweat resistance, but that doesn't mean you can skip cleaning.
Because of the adaptive transparency and microphones, make sure you:
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Keep the mesh free from ear wax.
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Avoid any liquid in the charging ports or speaker openings.
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Use extra care when cleaning around the sensors and stem.
Stick to the same safe tools — soft toothbrush, lint-free cloth, and rubbing alcohol.
AirPods Reddit Tips: What Actually Works and What to Avoid
We scoured Reddit for cleaning hacks. Some are brilliant, others risky.
Reddit-approved:
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Use cleaning putty for mesh.
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Dry brush with a soft toothbrush.
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Small toothpick for hard gunk (with care).
To avoid:
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Don’t use compressed air — it can force wax deeper.
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Don’t submerge in water.
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Avoid vinegar, bleach, or any other solvent.
If your airpods become damaged, Apple Support might still help if you’re under the Apple limited warranty.
🧼 Final Summary: Clean Your AirPods the Right Way
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Clean your AirPods weekly to maintain performance and hygiene.
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Use safe materials: soft toothbrush, q-tips, microfiber cloth, rubbing alcohol.
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Clean the mesh carefully — it's key to sound clarity.
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Don’t insert anything into charging ports or use sharp objects.
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Wipe down the airpods case and let everything dry completely before reuse.
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Watch out for ear wax buildup and avoid skin irritation by keeping everything clean.
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For AirPods Pro 2, be cautious around advanced sensors and microphones.
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Apple Support and Reddit are great resources if something seems off.
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If damaged beyond repair, you may need to order a replacement.