When it comes to cleaning AirPods, earbuds and wireless charging cases, there is good news and there is bad news. The good news is that cleaning these small electronics is incredibly easy — simply wipe them clean of buildup and debris using a soft cloth. The bad news, however, is that you have to actually clean them.
Caring for earbuds requires no fancy equipment or cleaning products, but there are a number of things that are important to know to avoid damaging these delicate electronics. And, if you’re not a person who will remember to regularly clean them, there are signs to look for that indicate it’s time to show a set of earbuds some TLC.
Ahead, with the help of experts, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know — including the tools for the job — to clean earbuds, including AirPods, and wireless charging cases.
Tuomas Lonka, a brand and marketing director for Urbanista, says, “Try to keep the earphones’ silicone tips clean at all times.”
Signs that indicate it’s time to clean a set of earbuds, according to Lonka, are “when there is visible dirt or earwax on the silicone tips, or lint on the charging case.”
To avoid this, regularly wipe earbuds and wireless charging cases clean using a soft lint-free cloth, which will keep buildup from body oils, personal care products, dust and lint from forming.
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While not strictly necessary, cleaning kits designed for use on earbuds and cases can be nice to have — and they're not terribly expensive, which also makes them great gifts.
From $7 at Amazon
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This earbud cleaning set comes with its own carrying case, making it ideal for stashing in a bag for cleaning on the go, or for frequent travelers.
$17 $7 at Amazon
Amazon
Microfiber cloths are ideal for cleaning delicate tech items like AirPods, earbuds and their charging cases. Use them dry to quickly wipe away smudges and buildup, or spray them with a tech-safe cleaning agent for deeper cleaning and to eliminate bacteria and viruses.
$10 at Amazon
Amazon
A small soft-bristled brush is helpful to dislodge and brush away dust and debris from small electronics. It can be used to clean earbuds as well as keyboards and cell phones, and the bristles retract when not in use, making it perfect for use on the go.
$9 at Amazon
Amazon
Isopropyl alcohol can disinfect and eliminate any viruses or bacteria that may be present and lift stubborn buildup. Always apply liquid cleaning products to a cloth, rather than directly on electronics.
$7 at Amazon
Amazon
Sometimes, the right tool for the job is found in the bathroom. Cotton swabs, either dry or dampened with a small amount of isopropyl alcohol, are excellent tools for cleaning tiny earbuds and their cases.
$10 at Amazon
Amazon
For more regular cleaning, pre-moistened cleaning wipes like Windex Electronic Wipes are a handy way to give earbuds and cases a once-over.
$6 at Amazon
Amazon
Lysol Wipes, and other similar multi-purpose cleaning wipes, can also be used to clean and disinfect a earbuds and cases. Just be sure to wring them out before using them to clean electronics to ensure that excess liquid doesn't seep into the components.
$25 at Amazon
Amazon
Alcohol wipes are another option for cleaning earbuds and, because they're small and individually wrapped, they're a good choice for travel and cleaning on the go.
$9 $4 at Amazon
Cleaning earbuds with silicone tips, AirPods and their cases is a simple and straightforward process. However, there are things to avoid doing and it’s important to know what not to do to avoid causing irreversible damage.
Do not get moisture in openings, and do not submerge earbuds in water or liquid cleaning agents, or run them under water.
Avoid using bleach, hydrogen peroxide or abrasive cleaning agents.
Avoid the use of sharp objects.
Do not use abrasive materials like scrub sponges.
There are two levels of cleaning earbuds. First is wiping away dust, lint, body soils and buildup from personal care products, which constitutes basic cleaning and should be done regularly to keep them clean and in good working condition. Then, there is deeper cleaning, which should be done when dirt or earwax is present.
“Clean with a dry cloth when there is visible dirt or lint on the charging case,” Lonka says, “or if there’s dirt or earwax on silicone tips, wash them gently with warm water and mild soap.”
To clean silicone tips, remove them and wash them with warm soapy water. Dry them with a soft lint-free cloth. They should be completely dry before reattaching them.
The silicone tips on Apple products, however, should only be cleaned with water; avoid the use of detergents and other cleaning agents.
Use a dry soft lint-free cloth or a cotton swab to gently wipe speaker meshes, microphones and other mesh components clean. To remove stubborn debris or buildup, use a small soft bristled brush.
When cleaning mesh screens, take care not to get any liquid in the openings and avoid the use of sharp objects or abrasive cleaning agents or tools.
Exposure to personal care products like body wash, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, perfume, sunscreen or insect repellent can cause stains or other damage, and when that happens, it’s best to wipe them clean as soon as possible. Use a slightly damp microfiber cloth to wipe away residue, then dry with a soft lint-free cloth.
“Wipe carefully with a dry cloth to remove dirt or lint,” Lonka says.
If necessary, a small amount of isopropyl alcohol can be applied to the cloth or use a small soft-bristled brush to lift stubborn buildup on wireless charging cases. Avoid the use of abrasive materials, and don’t put anything, including and especially liquid, in the charging ports.
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