Guides & JournalHow to Clean AirPods and the Case at Home
To clean AirPods at home, wipe them with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth, clear the speaker mesh gently with a clean, dry, soft-bristled brush, rinse AirPods Pro ear tips with plain water, and wipe the charging case — never run AirPods under a tap or push anything sharp into the mesh or ports. A few minutes every week keeps the sound clear and the case looking new. Here is how to clean each part safely, based on Apple's own care advice.
What you need
You don't need a special kit — a few simple things at home are enough:
- A soft, dry, lint-free cloth (a microfibre cloth is ideal).
- A clean, dry, soft-bristled brush — a new, soft toothbrush works.
- Plain water, only for AirPods Pro ear tips and for slightly dampening a cloth.
- Optional: a little isopropyl alcohol for the charging case.
⚠️ Careful here
Never use pins, needles or toothpicks in the mesh, never use abrasive cleaners, and never let liquid get into the charging port or the openings of the AirPods.
The weekly quick clean
Wipe each AirPod with the dry cloth. If they have sunscreen, lotion or sweat on them, wipe with a cloth slightly dampened with fresh water, then dry with a dry cloth.
Let them dry completely — Apple suggests at least two hours after any damp cleaning — before putting them back in the case or wearing them.
How to clean the AirPods mesh and mic
Earwax on the speaker mesh is the most common reason AirPods start to sound quieter. For everyday care, brush the mesh gently with the dry, soft-bristled brush, holding the AirPod with the mesh facing down so loose dirt falls away.
For a deeper clean, Apple describes a method using micellar water (the kind containing PEG-6 caprylic/capric glycerides) and a soft toothbrush: brush the mesh for a few seconds, blot it on a paper towel, repeat a few times, then rinse the brush in distilled water and brush again. Let the AirPods dry for at least two hours afterwards. Follow Apple's support page for your exact model before trying it.
💡 Worth knowing
Searching "clean AirPods with micellar water"? Only use a micellar water with the ingredient above, only on the brush — never pour it on the AirPods.
How to clean AirPods Pro ear tips
AirPods Pro ear tips can be washed, unlike the AirPods themselves:
- Pull the ear tips off each AirPod.
- Rinse them with plain water — no soap or household cleaners.
- Wipe them with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth.
- Make sure they are completely dry before clicking them back on.
How to clean the AirPods case
Brush dust and lint out of the inside of the case with the dry, soft-bristled brush. Don't push anything into the charging port.
Wipe the outside with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. For marks that won't come off, you can dampen the cloth slightly with isopropyl alcohol — damp, not wet — and keep liquid away from the port.
Cleaning kits, liquids and "cleaning sounds"
Airpods cleaning kits and cleaning pens are widely sold. A soft brush tip is useful; skip anything with a metal point or a strong liquid. When in doubt, a dry cloth and a soft brush are all most people need.
If your AirPods still sound quiet after a gentle clean and a full dry, the mesh may need more than home cleaning — contact Apple Support rather than digging into it.
Bought your AirPods second hand?
Give them a full clean before first use, and check they are genuine — Buying Used AirPods, Smart Watches & Gadgets shows how. On dapxop, sellers state the condition of every item, so you know what you're getting before you pay.
Next: How to Connect AirPods to Android, Step by Step, and the complete guide to buying used electronics in Pakistan.
Shop small sellers across Pakistan, with the condition stated on every listing.
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Frequently asked
Can I clean AirPods with water?
Only lightly. Wipe them with a cloth slightly dampened with fresh water and dry them well. Never run AirPods under a tap. AirPods Pro ear tips are the exception — take them off and rinse them with plain water.
Can I use alcohol to clean AirPods?
For the charging case, you can slightly dampen a cloth with isopropyl alcohol if a dry cloth isn't enough. For the AirPods themselves, use a dry cloth, or one slightly dampened with fresh water.
How do I clean the AirPods mesh?
Brush it gently with a clean, dry, soft-bristled brush, mesh facing down. Never use a pin or needle. For heavy earwax, follow Apple's micellar water method for your model.
How do I clean AirPods Pro ear tips?
Pull them off, rinse with plain water without soap, wipe with a dry lint-free cloth and let them dry completely before putting them back on.
How do I clean the AirPods case charging port?
Use a clean, dry, soft-bristled brush around the port and keep all liquid out of it. Don't push anything sharp inside.
Why do my AirPods sound quieter than before?
Earwax on the speaker mesh is the usual cause. Clean the mesh gently and let the AirPods dry fully. If the sound is still low, contact Apple Support.