How to clean your AirPods and AirPods Pro - complete guide 2026

AirPods are very much a daily essential today. They go to the gym, to work, on walks, to the sofa, and sometimes even to bed. The problem is that they also pick up earwax, dust, pocket lint, and dirt faster than many people think. After a while, many notice the same thing — the sound becomes dull, one side plays more quietly, or the earbuds just feel... not quite clean.

The good news is that it can usually be fixed quite easily. Proper cleaning can actually make your AirPods sound almost new again. Here, we go through how to clean AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max the right way — without risking damage.

The fastest way to clean AirPods
If you just want the short version: Gently brush away dirt and earwax from the speaker grilles Wipe the earbuds with a lightly dampened microfiber cloth Use a cleaning kit or soft brush for details and the charging case

Avoid using water directly in the openings, and never insert metal objects into the grilles.

Why AirPods start sounding worse over time
The most common problem is not actually broken speakers. In many cases, it is just dirt.

Earwax and dust get trapped in the speaker grilles and block the sound. This is often first noticed when the volume seems lower, or one earbud sounds quieter than the other. Many people immediately assume the battery is weak or the earbuds are broken, but often a thorough cleaning is enough.

AirPods Pro in particular are sensitive because they have small mesh filters both in the earbuds themselves and in the ear tips.

What you need to clean AirPods
You do not actually need much, but the right tools make a big difference.

Good things to have:

• Microfiber cloth
• Soft precision brush
• Cleaning putty
• Cotton swabs
• Isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher)
• A good cleaning kit for AirPods

Avoid:

• Wooden toothpicks
• Metal tools
• Paper towels
• Too much liquid
• Compressed air directly at the grilles

A dedicated cleaning kit for AirPods is usually the most convenient option, since you get small tools tailored to the earbuds’ openings and grilles.

How to clean regular AirPods - Gen 1, 2, 3, and 4
Regular AirPods are fairly easy to clean, but the speaker grilles require patience. Start by wiping the entire earbud with a dry microfiber cloth. Then use a soft brush and work gently against the speaker grille in small circles. A lot of earwax usually comes loose right away. If the dirt is stubborn, you can use a little cleaning putty or a lightly dampened cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol. It should be almost dry — never wet.

The charging case is often forgotten, but plenty of dust and pocket lint collects there. Use a thin brush or cleaning pen around the contacts and in the corners. For AirPods 4, it is especially important not to press hard on the grilles, since they are thinner than in earlier generations. The tools above are often included in modern AirPods cleaning kits such as AirCare 2.0.

How to clean AirPods Pro
Cleaning AirPods Pro requires a little more care because the ear tips have their own mesh filters. Start by removing the silicone tips. Rinse them gently in lukewarm water without soap and let them dry completely before putting them back on.

The earbuds themselves are cleaned much like regular AirPods, but here it is especially important to be careful around the microphone openings and the vents for Transparency mode.

Cleaning the speaker grilles on AirPods Pro
The speaker grille is the most common reason AirPods Pro sound worse over time. Use a soft precision brush and brush gently in several directions. A common mistake is to push the dirt further in. Instead, work lightly and methodically. Cleaning putty works very well here because it can lift dirt out instead of pushing it down.

Cleaning the ear tips on AirPods Pro
The ear tips collect more dirt than many people think, especially if you exercise with the earbuds. If the mesh in the tips looks dark or clogged, that is often where the sound problem is coming from. Let them dry thoroughly before use — damp ear tips can affect sound immediately.

How to clean AirPods Max
AirPods Max work a little differently because the ear cushions are removable. Take off the cushions and wipe them gently with a lightly damp microfiber cloth. Apple recommends avoiding strong cleaning agents here.

The mesh in the headband can also collect dirt and grease over time. A dry, soft brush is usually enough. Avoid getting liquid near the Lightning or USB-C port, depending on the model.

How often should you clean AirPods?
It depends entirely on how much you use them.

A good rule of thumb:

• Light use - every other week
• Daily use - once a week
• Exercise and commuting - several times a week

If you use AirPods at the gym, you should wipe them down after almost every session. It is not just about sound quality, but also about earbud hygiene.

Common mistakes that can damage AirPods
There are a few classic mistakes that come up all the time. The most common is using too much liquid. AirPods can handle a little moisture, but they are not designed to be rinsed or soaked.

Another common mistake is using metal objects. Needles, paper clips, and tweezers can permanently damage the grilles. Many people also use compressed air too close to the speakers, which can sometimes force dirt further in instead of removing it.

Proper cleaning makes a bigger difference than many people think
It is actually quite impressive how much difference cleaning can make. Many AirPods that feel "worn out" really just need a little maintenance.

With the right tools and a few minutes of cleaning now and then, both the sound and the feel will last much longer. And, honestly, it is much nicer to put clean earbuds in your ears.

FAQ

How often should AirPods be cleaned?
If you use them daily, once a week is a good pace. If you exercise a lot, it may be needed more often.

Can you use isopropyl alcohol on AirPods?
Yes, but very carefully. Use a small amount on a cotton swab or microfiber cloth — never directly on the earbuds.

Why is one AirPod quieter?
It is usually due to earwax or dirt in the speaker grille. A thorough cleaning often solves the problem.

Is it safe to clean AirPods with water?
Only certain parts, such as the silicone tips on AirPods Pro. The earbuds themselves should not be rinsed with water.

Which cleaning kit works best for AirPods?
Kits with soft precision brushes, cleaning putty, and a microfiber cloth work best because they are suited to small openings and sensitive grilles.