Apple’s AirPods have been a huge smash hit since their initial release in 2016, offering convenient true wireless audio in a stylish form factor. The only thing is, they’re pure white. Handling them every day, not to mention putting them in your ears, tends to make them rather grubby rather quickly.
Here are some Apple-approved tips on how to clean them without causing damage, starting with a couple of things you most definitely should not do.
Don’ts
Don’t use running water: Never put your AirPods under running water. You’re just asking for a malfunction if you do so.
Don’t use sharp objects: Even if you have a piece of dirt wedged into the earpiece, never use a sharp object to try and claw it out.
Don’t use abrasive materials: Abrasive cloths can scratch the surface of your pristine AirPods, so steer clear of them.
Dos
Do use a clean cloth: Your first port of call when cleaning your AirPods should be to wipe them using a clean, dry cloth.
Do use a damp cloth if necessary: For deeper cleaning, take said clean cloth and slightly dampen it. Then, wipe dry straight away with another clean and dry cloth.
Do use alcohol wipes: You can use 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes, 75% ethyl alcohol wipes, or disinfectant wipes on the exterior of the AirPods. But leave those speaker meshes alone.
Do use cotton swabs: If do you need to get into microphone and speaker meshes, use a dry cotton swab.
Do rinse the ear tips: If you use the AirPods Pro, pull off the ear tips and rinse with water. Don’t use any soap. Dry completely with a cloth before replacing.
Do clean the case: Most of the same advice applies to cleaning the case. For particularly tough stains, try dampening a cloth with isopropyl alcohol. Just don’t get any in the charging port.