How to Clean AirPods and TWS Earbuds Properly at Home

Man, remember when Apple got rid of the headphone jack on the iPhone 7 back in 2016? It was a huge deal! A lot of us were pretty surprised. But that’s when they first showed off the AirPods—those little white wireless earbuds that looked just like the old wired ones, but with no strings attached.

To be honest, a lot of people made fun of them at first. Some said the case looked like a little box of dental floss, and everyone was worried they’d just fall right out of their ears. But you know what? Apple totally proved them wrong. AirPods became a massive hit almost overnight and are now one of their most popular products.

But for all their cool features, AirPods have one big downside: they get dirty super easily. That shiny white plastic and the little speaker grilles are like magnets for earwax, dust, and tiny scratches. Not only does the gunk look bad, but it can actually mess with the sound quality.

Check out: How to Reset AirPods to Factory Settings (All Models)

So, if you’re tired of dirty earbuds, I’ve got you covered. I’ll walk you through the best way to clean them using Apple’s own advice, and I’ll even share my own homemade method (just a heads-up—try that one at your own risk!).

Why You Need to Clean AirPods

• Better sound: Earwax buildup can block speaker grills, making one earbud quieter.
• Hygiene: Dirty earbuds can irritate your ears or cause infections.
• Longevity: Keeping the case and contacts clean helps AirPods charge properly.
• Appearance: A glossy white finish looks best when maintained.

Apple’s Official Cleaning Instructions

Apple recommends a gentle and dry approach:

• Wipe AirPods and case with a soft, lint-free cloth.
• Use a dry cotton swab or soft brush for speaker and microphone grills.
• For stubborn dirt on the case, lightly dampen a cloth with 70% isopropyl alcohol and wipe the exterior.
• Never submerge AirPods in water or use strong cleaning agents.

While safe, this method isn’t always effective for heavy earwax buildup. That’s why I use my own cleaning method, described below.

My DIY AirPods Cleaning Method (⚠ At Your Own Risk)

Over time, even with good hygiene, my AirPods get clogged and sound uneven. After 6–8 weeks, one earbud often plays quieter than the other — a clear sign it’s time for deep cleaning.

Here’s what I use:

• Cotton pads & cotton swabs
• Toothpicks
• Soft toothbrush
• 3% hydrogen peroxide solution
• Rubbing alcohol (Septol or medical alcohol)
• Tissue or toilet paper
• A vacuum cleaner with a DIY nozzle (pen tube trick)

Step-by-Step: How to Clean AirPods

1. Loosen earwax
   • Hold an earbud upside down (speaker grill facing down).
   • Dip the mesh gently into 3% hydrogen peroxide for a few seconds (⚠ avoid letting liquid seep inside).
2. Remove buildup
   • Shake off excess peroxide.
   • Use a toothpick to carefully scrape large wax deposits.
   • Use a cotton swab (dry or lightly dampened) for surface dirt.
3. Brush the grilles
   • Use a soft toothbrush on the speaker and side meshes.
   • Be gentle — pressing too hard may damage the mesh.
4. Clean the microphone
   • The microphone mesh (under the stem) is delicate.
   • Clean only with a dry swab or soft brush. Avoid liquids here.
5. Vacuum dirt out
   • Set your vacuum to low power.
   • Use a small improvised nozzle (like a pen tube) to suck out any remaining dirt and peroxide from the speaker grille.

How to Clean the AirPods Case

• Use cotton swabs or a toothbrush for the inside.
• Toothpicks help in tight spots like the lid rim.
• For stubborn grime, lightly dampen a cotton swab with alcohol, then immediately dry it.
• Carefully clean charging contacts to maintain proper charging.

Some bloggers warn alcohol may damage early AirPods cases. My 2019 AirPods survived without issues, but I recommend being gentle and using very small amounts.

Drying & Finishing

After cleaning:

• Leave AirPods and case open on a napkin for 20–30 minutes.
• Allow alcohol or peroxide to fully evaporate before using.
• Then, enjoy clean, fresh-sounding earbuds.

Final Thoughts

Apple’s official cleaning method is safe but limited. My DIY process restores both sound and appearance, but it carries risks — especially since AirPods are non-removable devices with lithium-ion batteries. If you try this, be extremely careful and accept that it may void your warranty.

Clean AirPods not only look better but also deliver the crisp sound Apple designed them for.

How do you clean your AirPods? Share your tips in the comments below!