When AirPods first came out, they were revolutionary in wireless earbud technologies for Apple users. They're easy-to-use, and feature a minimalistic look that isn't too noticeable or gaudy. However, both the white casing and the AirPods themselves can easily get dirty from time to time, so it is good to know how to properly clean these devices.
Devices, especially expensive ones, are tricky to clean as you don't want to risk damaging them by applying too much pressure, or getting them wet. In this article, we'll show you how to properly and safely clean your AirPods, AirPods pro, and AirPods Max using common tools and solutions you may find in your office!
How to Clean and Disinfect Airpods
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
The first step is to gather your materials. Apple recommends using a cotton swab or a lint-free cloth to clean your AirPods, but we find that tacky putty works well in removing the gunk from deep within the mesh of your AirPods! Here's what you'll need:
- Tacky putty or slime
- Microfiber cloth or lint-free cloth
- Extra soft brush or toothpick
- Cleaning solution: 1 cup of water with 2 tablespoons dish soap
Step 2: Brush Away Gunk from AirPods
Use the soft brush to gently remove the gunk from the AirPods. Avoid pushing the gunk deeper into the speaker mesh. You'll be removing the deep seated dirt with tack later on, but remove the visible debris from the outside of the mesh first.
Step 3: Tack Out the Grime Buildup from the Speaker Mesh
Next, take a small piece of tack and firmly adhere it to the speaker mesh. Avoid putting too much pressure as it may damage the speaker grilles. The tacky putty should remove the majority of the grime build up on the first tacking, but continue to do so 2-3 more times until you can see that your AirPods are clean.
Do the same to the charging ports. Lint and dust may settle in the charging ports, so best to clear these areas with a small piece of tack as well to avoid damaging the ports. Be careful not to get tack or slime stuck inside the units, however.
Also read: How to Disinfect a Granite Countertop
Step 4: Wipe the AirPods with a Mild Cleaning Solution
Slightly dampen a soft cloth with the soapy solution, and wipe both earbuds clean. The soap should remove any stains and grime, and sanitize your AirPods as well without using a harsh chemical disinfectant.
Alternatively, you may opt to use disinfecting wipes meant for devices. Test the wipes out on a small area first, and if no reaction occurs, then it should be safe to use on the rest of your earbuds.
Step 5: Clean the Charging Case
Don't forget to clean the charging case! Unplug the charging case, and give it a good wipe down with a microfiber cloth and soapy solution, or disinfecting wipes. Be sure to get into the charging case by using a cotton swab to gently push the wipes inwards. Wipe clean the charging wires as well.
How to Clean and Disinfect AirPods Pro
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
Similarly to the AirPods, AirPods Pro can be cleaned using a few common supplies you might find in your office. You'll need:
- Toothpick or cotton swab
- Lint-free cloth
- Rubbing alcohol
- Cleaning solution: 1 cup of water with 2 tablespoons dish soap
Step 2: Remove the Silicone Tips
Unlike the AirPods, the AirPods Pro has silicone tip ends that give a tight fit to your ears, and for clearer sound. Remove these tips, and wipe them with a tissue paper or a piece of cloth to remove any residual gunk, earwax, and dust.
Step 3: Use a Toothpick or Dry Cotton Swab to Clean the Speaker Mesh
The speakers of the AirPods Pro are not indented, so you can easily brush away the gunk or use a toothpick to remove any dirt that you see on the mesh. Be careful when cleaning AirPods as the mesh can easily get damaged with too much force. It is good to wrap a thin layer of tissue paper around the tip of the toothpick to remove gunk with more accuracy.
Step 4: Sanitize the Silicone Tips
Once you've removed the silicone or rubber tips, place them in a small container or bowl to soak in rubbing alcohol. Silicone is safe to clean with alcohol, but avoid submerging the tips too long.
Step 5: Wipe the AirPods and Charging Case with a Mild Cleaning Solution
Use the same soapy solution to clean the AirPods Max and the charging case. Take your cloth and dip it into the soapy solution. Use this solution to give your AirPods a good wipe down, as well as the charging case. Make sure your cloth is only damp to prevent water damage to your earbuds.
Step 6: Let Everything Dry Completely
Let everything dry before placing the parts back together. Dry the tips on a cloth or towel, and do the same for the earbuds and charging case before you put everything back together.
How to Clean and Disinfect AirPods Max
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
AirPods Max are more akin to headsets than earbuds, but they can get dirty just as easily. To clean these, you'll need:
- A soft bristle brush
- Mild cleaning solution or disinfectant
- Microfiber cloth
Step 2: Brush Away Any Gunk
First, use a soft brush to clear away the gunk around the mesh of your AirPods. Clean AirPods Max with light pressure, as a heavy hand may cause damage to the device. Use a swift but light brushing motion to sweep the gunk out.
Step 3: Wipe Down the Headset with a Mild Cleaning Solution
Clean AirPods Max using a cloth dipped in a mild cleaning solution. You may opt to use the soapy solution mentioned earlier (1 cup of water mixed with 2-3 tablespoons of dish soap), and wipe down the entire You can use cotton swabs to get into the water resistant parts, as well as the nooks and crannies of the headset.
Step 4: Let Everything Dry
After you clean your AirPods, use a dry, lint-free cloth to wipe the entire headset dry. Do the same for the charger, and any part that was cleaned with the mild disinfectant.
Sound Check!
For a full clean of your office, trust in Luce SG to get the job done right! Our experienced cleaners are skilled in disinfecting all sorts of devices and supplies, leaving you with a pristine, spotless office. Less dust also means less grime that gets deep into your AirPods, saving you the expenses of a professional earbud cleaner!
Check out more cleaning tips and tricks by visiting our blog page today.
