How to Clean Your AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, & EarPods

Learn how to keep your AirPods clean and free from dirt and debris. Learn how to clean your AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, and EarPods.

How to Clean Your AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, & EarPods

Learn how to keep your AirPods clean and free from dirt and debris. Learn how to clean your AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, and EarPods.

Quick Links

Cleaning Products

Make sure not to use isopropyl alcohol, cleaning wipes, surface cleaner, window cleaner, or other similar products unless outlined. Using a 70 per cent isopropyl alcohol wipe, 75 per cent ethyl alcohol wipe, or a disinfecting wipe, you may gently wipe the exterior surfaces of your AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, or EarPods.

Do not use these products on the speaker mesh of your AirPods, AirPods Pro, and EarPods. Avoid using them on the knit mesh canopy and ear cushions of your AirPods Max. Do not use products containing bleach or hydrogen peroxide.

Avoid getting moisture in any openings and do not submerge your AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, or EarPods in any cleaning agents.

Space Grey AirPods Max On Table
Space Grey AirPods Max On Table

AirPods Max

Clean AirPods Max

Do not run your AirPods Max underwater. Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. If your AirPods Max are exposed to anything that might cause stains or other damage, such as soaps, shampoos, conditioners, lotions, perfumes, solvents, detergent, acids or acidic foods, insect repellent, sunscreen, oil, or hair dye, wipe them clean with a cloth slightly dampened with fresh water and dry with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth.

Do not attempt to use them until they are completely dry. Make sure not to get any liquid in the openings. Do not use sharp objects or abrasive materials to clean your AirPods Max.

Clean the Cushions and Headband of Your AirPods Max

In a clean container, mix 5 mL or 1 tsp of liquid laundry detergent into 250 mL or 1 cup of water. Remove the cushions from the ear cups. When you clean the headband, hold your AirPods Max upside down to prevent liquid from flowing into the headband attachment point. Dip a lint-free cloth into the soapy water solution, wring it out slightly, and rub the cloth on the cushions and headband gently for one minute each.

Wipe the cushions and headband clean with a separate cloth that is slightly dampened with fresh water. Dry the cushions and headband with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth, making sure you remove any excess moisture. Lay your AirPods Max flat to dry for at least a day before you reattach the cushions and use them again.

Clean the Case of Your AirPods Max

Clean the Smart Case with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. If necessary, you can slightly dampen the cloth with isopropyl alcohol. Allow the Smart Case to dry. Do not use abrasive materials to clean the Smart Case.

AirPods and AirPods Pro

Clean AirPods and AirPods Pro

Do not run AirPods or AirPods Pro underwater. Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. If your AirPods or AirPods Pro are exposed to anything that might cause stains or other damage, such as soaps, shampoos, conditioners, lotions, perfumes, solvents, detergent, acids or acidic foods, insect repellent, sunscreen, oil, or hair dye, wipe them clean with a cloth slightly dampened with fresh water and dry with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth.

Allow them to completely dry before placing them in the charging case. Do not attempt to use them until they are completely dry. Make sure not to get any liquid in the openings. Clean the microphone and speaker meshes with a dry cotton swab. Do not use sharp objects or abrasive materials to clean your AirPods or AirPods Pro.

Clean the Case of Your AirPods or AirPods Pro

Clean the charging case with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. If necessary, you can slightly dampen the cloth with isopropyl alcohol. Allow the charging case to dry. Make sure that you do not get any liquid in the charging ports. Remove any debris from the Lightning connector with a clean, dry, soft-bristled brush. Do not use abrasive materials to clean the charging case. To avoid damaging the metal contacts, do not put anything in the charging ports.

Removing Tips From AirPods Pro
Removing Tips From AirPods Pro

Clean the Ear Tips of Your AirPods Pro

If any water has accumulated in the ear tip, tap the AirPod on a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to remove, with the ear tip opening facing downwards. Pull off the ear tips from each AirPod and rinse the ear tips with water. Do not use soap or other household cleaners. Wipe the ear tips with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. Make sure that the ear tips are completely dry before reattaching to each AirPod. Click the ear tips back on each AirPod. The ear tips are oval-shaped, so make sure that you align them before you click them back on.

EarPods

Clean EarPods

Do not run EarPods underwater. Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. Make sure not to get any liquid in the openings. Clean the microphone and speaker meshes gently with a dry cotton swab. Remove any debris from the meshes with a clean, dry, soft-bristled brush. Do not use sharp objects or abrasive materials to clean your EarPods.

Sweat and Water Resistance

Your AirPods Pro (1st and 2nd generation), AirPods (3rd generation), MagSafe Charging Case for AirPods (3rd generation), Lightning Charging Case for AirPods (3rd generation), and MagSafe Charging Case for AirPods Pro (2nd generation) are sweat and water-resistant, but not sweat proof or waterproof.

Your AirPods (1st and 2nd generation), Lightning Charging Case for AirPods (1st and 2nd generation), Wireless Charging Case for AirPods (1st and 2nd generation), AirPods Max, Smart Case, MagSafe Charging Case for AirPods Pro (1st generation), and Wireless Charging Case for AirPods Pro (1st generation) are not waterproof or water-resistant, so be careful not to get moisture in any openings.

If your AirPods come in contact with liquid, including sweat from a workout, wipe them down with a dry microfibre cloth. To dry the case, place it upside down with the lid open.

Avoid Skin Irritation

After workouts with AirPods Pro or AirPods (3rd generation), or after your device is exposed to liquids such as sweat, soap, shampoo, make-up, sunscreen, and lotions that can potentially cause skin irritations, clean and dry your device.

Keeping your AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, and EarPods, as well as your skin, clean and dry will maximise comfort and prevent long-term damage to your device. If you have known allergies or sensitivities to certain substances, check the materials in AirPods and EarPods.