How to Clean Airpods Max Cushions [12 Inspect Cushions]

Use a microfiber cloth dampened with distilled water to gently wipe down the mesh cover and fabric exterior. For the interior, use a cotton swab dipped in diluted isopropyl alcohol to disinfect. Let cushions air dry completely before use to avoid moisture damage. Be patient and handle delicately.

AirPods Max headphones are an investment, with premium features like immersive sound quality and active noise cancellation. Keeping them in pristine condition is important to get the most out of your headphones and extend their lifespan.

Over time, the soft cushioning on the ear cups and headband can accumulate dirt, oil, and sweat. Cleaning them regularly keeps your AirPods clean Max looking and feeling fresh. Follow this comprehensive guide to learn how to clean AirPods Max cushions properly.

Supplies You’ll Need

• Microfiber cloth: A soft, lint-free cloth ideal for gentle cleaning. Avoid using paper towels or other rough fabrics.
• Cotton swabs: The pointed tips allow you to access small areas between mesh and cushion. Go for ones with wooden, not plastic stems.
• Distilled water: Prevents mineral deposits that can leave white stains on the cushions. You can find this at any grocery store.
• Diluted isopropyl alcohol: Helps sanitize and remove oils and residue. Mix equal parts 99% isopropyl alcohol and water.
• Slanted tweezers: Allows you to grip and remove debris from the mesh. Essential for a deep clean.
• Toothbrush or cleaning brush: For scrubbing the cushion surface gently. Look for soft nylon bristles.
• Drying stand, vertical stand, or box: Lets AirPods Max dry upright and evenly after cleaning.

12 Inspect Cushions

First, inspect the ear cushions and headband padding closely. Check for:

• Dirt, dust, or crumbs clinging to the mesh covering or embedded in the cushions’ knitted material.
•  Oily residue, sweat stains, smears, or discoloration on the cushion exterior or interior next to your skin.
• Strands of hair, lint, or other debris caught in the nets.

Make a note of any problem areas to target during cleaning.

Step 2: Remove Debris From Mesh

The stretchy mesh that encloses each cushion can trap all kinds of particles. Thoroughly cleaning it first allows you to tackle the cushion beneath.

Use slanted tweezers to gently grip and pull out any noticeable debris in the mesh. Things like dust, crumbs, pet hair, and lint often collect here.

Take your time and carefully pick out anything lodged between individual mesh holes. Avoid tearing the delicate material.

Step 3: Disinfect Mesh Exterior

The mesh covering the ear cushions and headband needs a proper disinfecting to eliminate grime and germs.

Dip a clean microfiber cloth in your diluted isopropyl alcohol solution. Gently rub it over the mesh exterior on each ear cup and the headband padding.

Make sure no liquid seeps through onto the cushion interior. Just moisten the mesh to effectively sanitize it.

Let the mesh air dry for 2-3 minutes before moving to the next step. This prevents excess moisture from damaging the inner cushion material.

Step 4: Clean Mesh With Distilled Water

For a deeper clean, use distilled water to thoroughly wash the mesh.

Dampen a clean microfiber cloth or cotton swab with distilled water. Gently rub it over the mesh surface, concentrating on stained or dirty sections.

The distilled water helps lift residue while preventing new mineral deposits that can leave white stains.

Take a dry microfiber cloth and lightly buff the mesh to absorb any remaining moisture. Again, let air dry for 2-3 minutes before continuing.

Step 5: Disinfect Cushion Exterior

Time to move onto the cushion exterior underneath the mesh. This often takes the brunt of dirt and oils from handling.

Use a new microfiber cloth lightly moistened with your isopropyl alcohol solution. Gently wipe down the entire exterior surface of each ear cushion and the headband padding.

Rub more vigorously over any visible stains or discoloration to disinfect. Take care not to oversaturate the cushions.

Let air dry for 5 minutes before flipping over the cushions. Moisture needs time to evaporate to avoid damaging inner fabric.

Step 6: Clean Cushion Exterior With Water

For optimal cleaning, use distilled water on the cushions’ outer fabric as well.

Dip a new microfiber cloth or soft-bristled brush in distilled water. Gently scrub the exterior of each cushion and headband padding to lift dirt and oils.

Focus on areas that see the most skin contact and buildup. But clean the entire surface to prevent uneven fading.

Make sure to regularly rinse out the cloth or brush filaments in clean water. This prevents redistributing grime.

Thoroughly buff with a dry cloth to soak up all moisture before the next step. Let air dry another 5 minutes.

Step 7: Disinfect Cushion Interior

Don’t neglect the interior cushion surfaces that press against your skin. They need disinfecting too.

Use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol solution. Swab the entire interior of each ear cushion and headband padding.

This helps sanitize the fabric that absorbs sweat and oils closest to your face. Be extremely careful not to oversaturate the material.

Allow about 10 full minutes for the interior cushion fabric to completely air dry before moving on. Pat gently with a dry swab if needed.

Step 8: Clean Interior Cushion Fabric

For optimal results, use distilled water on the interior cushion as well. This removes residue that simple disinfecting may leave behind.

Dip a fresh cotton swab in distilled water. Gently scrub the entire interior surface, concentrating on areas around your ears and forehead that see the most contact.

Use a dry swab to lightly absorb moisture after cleaning each cushion. Avoid rubbing, which can cause pilling on the soft fabric interior.

Let the ear cushions and headband dry for 15 minutes in a warm, dry place. Air circulation helps prevent moisture damage.

Step 9: Detail Clean Mesh

At this point, the exterior and interior cushion surfaces should be clean. Now it’s time to detail clean the mesh covering.

Dip a fresh cotton swab in isopropyl alcohol solution. Gently swab the entire mesh surface, especially in crevices and along edges where gunk collects.

This disinfects spots you may have missed earlier. The pointed swab tip lets you easily scrub the mesh holes.

Use a dry swab to absorb any excess moisture so it doesn’t drip onto the cushions beneath. Let the air dry for 5 minutes.

Step 10: Rinse Mesh With Distilled Water

To finish, do a final rinse of the mesh with distilled water to remove any last residue.

Run a damp cotton swab over the mesh, periodically rinsing in clean distilled water. Take care around stitching and fabric borders.

Make sure to wipe with a dry swab after cleaning the mesh on each ear cup and the headband. Let the air dry for 10 minutes.

Step 11: Allow Proper Drying Time

Patience is key for pristine results and avoiding water damage.

Let AirPods Max dry for at least 60 minutes before reassembling or putting them on. I recommend standing upright in a stand.

Avoid moisture getting trapped between the ear cushions and headphone interior by letting all surfaces dry thoroughly.

Step 12: Check Results and Reassemble

Once completely dry, check over your AirPods Max cushions closely. The mesh and underlying fabric should look renewed.

If any stains persist, spot clean them gently with diluted alcohol applied via cotton swab.

Carefully place the ear cushions back onto the headphone and attach the headband padding. Check for full connectivity and noise cancellation before use.

Additional Readings:

How to Clean Airpods Mesh.

how to clean airpods case inside.

Maintenance Tips to Keep Your AirPods Max Cushions Clean

Wipe down ear cushions and headband padding with a microfiber cloth after each use. This prevents buildup of oils and dirt over time.

Use disinfecting wipes designed for electronics to easily sanitize the mesh and exterior cushions as needed. Keep individual wipes handy in your carrying case.

Wash mesh coverings weekly using distilled water and mild soap solution. This helps limit accumulation of residue and bacteria.

Inspect for debris in mesh holes using a magnified mirror. Carefully pick out anything embedded with slanted tweezers.

Replace ear cushions about every 2 years. The inner foam deteriorates and traps microbes, impacting sound.

Store AirPods Max properly in case when not in use to minimize dust exposure and cushion wear.

Consider replacing headband padding 6 months before ear cushions. The bend zone accumulates dirt fastest.

Use a dry microfiber cloth folded between ear cups when storing long term. This wicks moisture and prevents mold growth.

Don’t use cleaners containing ammonia, bleach, acetone, essential oils, etc. which can degrade the mesh and cushion material over time.

How to clean airpods max cushions? By regularly cleaning your AirPods case Max cushions and implementing preventative maintenance, you’ll enjoy these premium headphones for years to come. Just be sure to give the cushions adequate time to completely dry after each cleaning session. With the proper supplies and techniques, you can keep your AirPods Max looking and sounding like new.