How to Clean AirPods or EarPods Properly Without Damage: Best Tips & Tools for 2025
If your AirPods or EarPods have started looking grimy or sounding muffled, it’s probably time for a good cleaning. Over time, earwax, dust, and dirt can build up on your wireless earbuds and inside the charging case - harming sound quality, hygiene, and even charging performance.
But here’s the catch: Apple’s AirPods and EarPods are delicate, and cleaning them the wrong way can damage the speaker mesh or internal components.
In this complete guide to cleaning AirPods and EarPods safely, we’ll show you step-by-step how to clean your earbuds and charging case properly - and recommend a top-rated earbud cleaning tool to make the job quick and easy.
This tutorial is perfect if you’re searching for:
- how to clean AirPods properly
- how to clean EarPods mesh
- best tools to clean wireless earbuds
- how to clean AirPods charging case
🧼 Why You Should Clean AirPods Regularly
AirPods and other earbuds sit in your ears, which naturally produce wax and oils. Dirty AirPods can cause:
- Blocked speaker mesh → reduced sound quality
- Dirty charging contacts → charging issues
- Bacteria growth → ear infections
Pro Tip: Clean your AirPods once a week if you use them daily, and more often if you wear them at the gym or outdoors.
🔧 What You’ll Need
Here are the safe, recommended tools to clean AirPods or EarPods:
✅ Lint-free microfiber cloth
✅ Cotton swabs
✅ Isopropyl alcohol (at least 70%)
✅ Soft-bristled brush (like a toothbrush)
✅ 3-in-1 Earbud Cleaning Brush Tool
✅ Toothpick or SIM ejector tool (optional)
🌟 Featured Product: Best Earbud Cleaning Tool
For best results, we recommend the 3-in-1 Earbud Cleaning Brush Tool - designed specifically for AirPods, EarPods, and other wireless earbuds.
🪄 Why it’s the best:
- Metal precision tip: removes stuck earwax and dirt safely.
- Microfiber brush: cleans the speaker mesh without tearing it.
- Flocked sponge brush: cleans deep inside the charging case.
- Compact & portable for on-the-go cleaning.
👉 Get it here: 3-in-1 Earbud Cleaning Brush Tool
✅ Step-by-Step: How to Clean AirPods Without Damage
1️⃣ Clean the Exterior
Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe the stems and outer surfaces. If needed, slightly dampen it with alcohol (but avoid any openings).
2️⃣ Clean the Speaker Mesh
- Hold the earbud upside down so debris falls out.
- Use the microfiber brush or a soft dry brush to loosen dirt.
- For stubborn wax, use the metal tip of the cleaning tool carefully around the edges - never poke directly into the mesh.
- Wipe gently with an alcohol-dampened cotton swab.
3️⃣ Clean the Charging Case
- Wipe the exterior with a microfiber cloth.
- Use the flocked sponge brush of the cleaning tool to clean dust and debris from the charging ports inside the case.
- Never pour liquid into the case or use compressed air directly.
🧽 Best Practices to Keep AirPods Clean
✔️ Always store AirPods in their case when not in use.
✔️ Don’t share earbuds without cleaning.
✔️ Avoid using them with dirty or sweaty hands.
✔️ Regular weekly cleanings prevent buildup.
🚫 What NOT to Do
❌ Don’t soak AirPods in water or cleaners.
❌ Don’t use sharp metal objects or pins.
❌ Don’t blow air directly into the mesh.
❌ Don’t use bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or abrasive cleaners.
👌 Final Thoughts
Regularly cleaning your AirPods or EarPods improves sound quality, hygiene, and longevity. With the right method and the 3-in-1 Earbud Cleaning Tool, you can keep your wireless earbuds in pristine condition — safely and easily.
✅ Shop the 3-in-1 Earbud Cleaning Brush Tool here and make your AirPods look and sound like new!
