How to Clean Airpods for Better Sound [9 Steps]

Use a soft brush and alcohol-dampened cotton swabs to gently clear any visible debris or wax blocking the microphone, speaker meshes, and antennae. Be extremely delicate, don’t over-moisten, and avoid poking anything inside the ports. Then let AirPods dry fully before use for crisp, clear audio.

Keeping your AirPods clean is essential for ensuring optimal audio quality and smooth performance. Over time, earwax, debris, and moisture can build up on your AirPods, muffling the sound. Luckily, cleaning your AirPods case is easy.

Why Cleaning AirPods Matters

How to Clean Airpods for Better Sound? Earwax and debris physically block sound from entering the speaker mesh, reducing volume and clarity.

Moisture damages the internal components over time, causing crackling/popping sounds.

Thorough cleaning extends the lifespan of your AirPods by preventing deterioration.

So, don’t neglect this important maintenance task! Follow the simple steps below to keep your AirPods sounding crisp.

Supplies Needed

Before getting started, gather the following supplies:

• Soft brush (toothbrush, makeup brush)
• Cotton swabs
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Compressed air
• Microfiber cloth

Avoid using water, soap, or abrasive materials that could damage your AirPods.

Section 1: Inspecting Your AirPods

The first step is examining your AirPods to identify any visible debris, corrosion, cracks, or damage:

• Remove AirPods from the case and look closely at the speaker meshes, microphones, and contact points. Check for buildup or obstructions.
• Check the seam between upper and lower portions for separation or cracks. This can allow moisture/debris inside.
• Inspect charging contacts in case and on AirPods. Corrosion here impedes charging.

Make notes on any problem areas to target during cleaning.

Section 2: Cleaning AirPod Exteriors

Gently wipe away any earwax, oils, or environmental gunk on the outside:

• Use a soft dry brush to dislodge particles blocking the speaker, microphone, or antennae mesh.
• Wrap microfiber tightly around a cotton swab and wipe debris away. Twist into crevices.
• Moisten cloth with isopropyl alcohol to sanitize AirPod surfaces and charging contacts.
• Use compressed air to blast out stubborn dust. Keep the can upright to avoid liquid discharge.

Take your time and be extremely delicate during this process. Harsh scrubbing can damage the mesh or finish.

Section 3: Cleaning AirPod Charging Cases

It’s equally important to clean gunk out of the charging case to maintain battery contact:

• Check the Lightning port for compacted lint or debris. Carefully scrape out with a toothpick or use compressed air.
• Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe the metal charging contacts inside the case.
• Moisten cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol to remove grime buildup in hard-to-reach crevices.
• Brush out any dust bunnies with a small makeup brush, then wipe clean.

Be cautious not to get moisture into any openings, which could reach the circuitry. The air is completely dry.

Section 4: Cleaning AirPod Speaker Meshes

While you won’t damage the internal drivers, take care not to poke anything through the delicate meshes:

• Wrap microfiber around cotton swabs, slightly moisten with isopropyl alcohol, and gently wipe debris off the mesh exterior.
• Use the pointed end of the swab to dislodge wax visible through the speaker and microphone ports. Don’t forcefully dig.
• Alternate between cotton swab and soft brush to work gunk free.

Avoid pressing too hard on the mesh, which could warp the delicate gold plating and impact water resistance.

Section 5: Cleaning AirPod Microphones

Since AirPods use both inner and outer microphones for calls and noise cancellation, keep both sets debris-free:

• Locate the tiny microphone inlets along the bottom seam of each AirPod.
• Lightly brush each microphone port to clear dust. Don’t poke anything inside.
• Moisten a cotton round with alcohol, wrap it around a toothpick, and gently swab just the exterior inlet.

Blocked microphones lead to low call/Siri volume and activation issues. Be impeccably gentle here.

Section 6: Cleaning Moisture Inside AirPods

While water damage cannot be reversed, you can dry out mild moisture accumulation by charging AirPods with the case open for 24 hours. The heat generated helps evaporate dampness before it causes operational problems.

If you suspect larger liquid exposure, discontinue use and seek professional assistance to prevent shorts or sparks. Don’t attempt to DIY this.

Section 7: Getting Deeper Earwax Buildup Out

If you can see earwax plugging the speaker meshes or microphone ports, avoid pushing it in deeper. Instead:

• Soak a cotton round in warm water and hold it over the blockage for 1 minute, which softens wax.
• Use an earwax removal kit’s mini loop tool to gently Extract softened bits blocking openings.
• Alternate between alcohol-soaked cotton swabs and the loop tool.

Never insert anything into the actual ports. Seek professional help if you cannot clear blockages.

Section 8: When To Get Professional Cleaning

While DIY cleaning tackles most issues, it’s best to consult experts for:

• Visible moisture/corrosion on internal charging contacts or circuitry
• Persistent battery issues even after external cleaning
• Physical damage like cracks or holes

Reputable local electronics repair shops offer affordable AirPods cleaning/diagnostic services to revitalize sound and battery life.

They use industry-grade tools like ultrasonic cleaners and air dusters for squeaky clean AirPods without risk of internal damage from over-poking at home.

Additional Readings:

How to Clean Airpod Max Ear Cups.

How to Clean Airpods Case Charging Port [9 Tips].

Section 9: Storing AirPods Properly

Prevention is key! Adopting better daily habits keeps AirPods gunk-free longer:

• Always place AirPods back in the charging case when not in use rather than pockets or bags. The case protects the contacts and meshes.
• Clean ears and AirPods before inserting for listening. Never re-insert earwax-covered AirPods.
• Avoid exposing AirPods to moisture or using them during strenuous workouts. Perspiration and oils quickly transfer.
• Use outer silicone eartips on AirPods Pro, changed monthly. Don’t insert bare AirPods Pro into your ears.

Final Thoughts

How to Clean Airpods for Better Sound? While AirPods require minimal regular effort, keeping them clean dramatically improves audio quality, battery life span, and overall functionality.

Implement this AirPods troubleshooting guide as soon as you notice muffled sound or call/Siri issues arise. Don’t let debris accumulate!

With the proper supplies and techniques, you can handle most basic cleaning needs yourself. Seek professional assistance if problems persist or moisture/damage is visible internally.

Then make debris-prevention steps part of your habits. Place in the charging case, clean ears, and swap eartips consistently.

Give your AirPods some TLC – and they’ll deliver pristine sound for years of wireless listening enjoyment!