How to Clean AirPods Properly (Without Damaging Them)

Updated September 21, 2026

AirPods are a staple for many, offering convenience and high-quality audio on the go. However, with regular use, they can accumulate earwax, dust, and debris, leading to muffled sound and reduced performance. Properly cleaning your AirPods is essential to maintain their audio quality and longevity. This guide will walk you through the safest and most effective methods to clean your AirPods, tailored to each model, while ensuring you avoid common pitfalls that could damage your devices.

Why AirPods Get Muffled: Earwax and Debris Buildup

Muffled sound from your AirPods is often due to the accumulation of earwax, dust, and other debris in the speaker mesh and ports. Earwax, in particular, can harden over time, obstructing sound waves from passing through efficiently. This buildup is especially common in the speaker meshes and the ear tips of AirPods Pro.

While the earwax serves a protective function in your ears, it can become problematic for your AirPods. The small openings in the speakers are particularly susceptible to clogging, which can significantly impact sound quality. Understanding the cause is the first step toward effective cleaning.

Apple-Aligned Cleaning Method

Apple provides specific guidelines for cleaning AirPods, which are designed to be safe and effective. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Wipe the Exterior

Use a soft, lint-free cloth, lightly dampened with water if needed, to gently wipe the exterior surfaces of your AirPods. Avoid getting moisture in any of the openings, as this can cause damage. This method helps remove surface-level dirt and oils without risking any harm to the device.

Brush the Mesh

Gently clear the speaker mesh with a soft dry brush. A clean, soft-bristled brush is ideal for this task. The bristles can dislodge earwax and debris without pushing them further into the mesh. Be sure to brush lightly to avoid damaging the delicate mesh.

Clean the Ear Tips

For AirPods Pro, remove the ear tips and rinse them with water. Ensure they are completely dry before reattaching them to the AirPods. This step is crucial for maintaining hygiene and ensuring optimal sound quality. Avoid using soap or other cleaning agents, as they can leave residues that may irritate your ears.

Avoid Liquids Inside

Keep alcohol and other liquids away from the openings of your AirPods. The internal components are sensitive and can be damaged by moisture. If you accidentally get liquid inside, allow the AirPods to dry completely before using them or charging them.

Dry Before Use

After cleaning, let everything dry completely before putting your AirPods back in the charging case or using them. Moisture can interfere with the charging process and potentially damage the electronics.

Cleaning the Mesh Without Pushing Wax Deeper

When cleaning the mesh, it’s important to avoid pushing earwax or debris further into the speaker. Using a soft brush is the best approach, as it can dislodge particles without forcing them deeper. If you find that the mesh is particularly clogged, you may need to repeat the brushing process several times to ensure all debris is removed.

For more stubborn buildup, you can use a dry, lint-free cloth to gently wipe the mesh. However, be cautious not to apply too much pressure, as this can damage the mesh or push debris further into the speaker.

Never Submerge AirPods in Water

Submerging AirPods in water is a definite no-no. The internal electronics are not waterproof and can be severely damaged by moisture. Even AirPods Pro, which have some water resistance, should not be submerged. If your AirPods get wet, dry them thoroughly with a soft, lint-free cloth and allow them to air dry completely before using or charging them.

Model Differences: AirPods 2/3, Pro, and Max

Different models of AirPods have varying designs, which can affect how you clean them:

• AirPods 2 and 3: These models have a simple design with a speaker mesh and a microphone mesh. Use a soft brush to clean the meshes and a damp cloth for the exterior.
• AirPods Pro: The ear tips on AirPods Pro can be removed and rinsed with water. Ensure they are completely dry before reattaching them. The speaker and microphone meshes can be cleaned with a soft brush.
• AirPods Max: The ear cushions and headband cushion on AirPods Max can be removed and wiped with a damp cloth. The meshes can be cleaned with a soft brush.

Comparison of Cleaning Tools and What to Avoid

When cleaning your AirPods, it’s important to use the right tools and avoid those that could cause damage. Here’s a comparison table to guide you:

When Sound Issues Are Hardware, Not Dirt

While cleaning can resolve many sound issues, it’s important to recognize when the problem is due to hardware malfunction. If you’ve cleaned your AirPods thoroughly and are still experiencing muffled sound, it may be due to a blown speaker or other internal damage. In such cases, it’s best to contact Apple Support for further assistance.

Remember, the free Phone Speaker Cleaner tool can help with water and loose debris, but it cannot repair physically damaged, blown, or corroded speakers.

Frequently asked questions