Avoid hand sanitizer gels, sprays and water; too much moisture is the quickest way to permanently damage your AirPods.
PhoneSoap 3.0 UV Smartphone Sanitiser & Charger – Black
This is a superb multi-purpose product by PhoneSoap, not only will it clean your smartphone, but it will accommodate your AirPods comfortably.
Because while your case might not have earwax, it does have bacteria and dirt from everyday use. To clean it, Apple recommends using a soft cloth along with isopropyl alcohol if necessary. However, be careful not to get any liquid in the charging ports and never use anything abrasive that could damage any of the parts.
Apple says you can use “70-percent isopropyl alcohol wipe, 75-percent ethyl alcohol wipe or disinfectant wipes” to clean the exterior of its wireless headphones, but advises that you shouldn't use wet wipes on the speaker mesh parts of the AirPods.
Because of this, we recommend you clean your AirPods or other in-ears every 72 hours of listening time. Like any other orifice, ears are gross and filled with gunk that's actually supposed to be there—so this is something that really can't be avoided. Don't forget to swab down your carrying case with alcohol!
Buildup of debris or earwax can affect the sound output quality of your AirPods, so giving them a thorough cleaning to see if dirt is interfering with sound may save you a trip to the Apple store.
We spoke to an Apple team member who confirmed your local store will clean your AirPods or AirPods Pro without charge, provided nothing more than an “outer cleaning” is necessary.
Using a 70-per cent isopropyl alcohol wipe, 75-per cent ethyl alcohol wipe or disinfectant wipes, you may gently wipe the exterior surfaces of your AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max or EarPods. Don't use on the speaker mesh of your AirPods, AirPods Pro and EarPods.
Wipe down the outside of the charging case in just the same way. Apple says you can use isopropyl alcohol to clean the outside of your AirPods case. We recommend a higher percentage isopropyl alcohol due to faster drying times (we use 91%).
In short, UV-C Light Disinfection does not degrade or wear down cellphone/laptop electronics over time in any way. Unlike harsh cleaning agents, such as alcohol or bleach based solutions, UV-C Light Disinfection does not corrode the efficacy of the touch screen or interior electronics of the cell phone at all.
Alcohol.
For silicone tips: Use alcohol wipes or pour a little rubbing alcohol on cloth. If you don't have either of those products, some vodka or hand sanitizer should do the trick. Rub it up and down the wire oh so tenderly, and then rub it around the earbud. Take the tips off and do it from both sides.
While UV air purifiers may be effective at filtering bacteria out from the air, there is a risk that these devices can emit ozone. The EPA recommends using HEPA or carbon filter air purifiers.
Apple stores provide free cleaning service for AirPods. They can also give advice on how to maintain and clean them at home. If your AirPods have audio issues, it is best to visit your local store and have them checked out. You may be eligible for a replacement if they are under 1 year old.
If you prefer to have your AirPods cleaned professionally, the Apple store will clean them for free.
AirPods typically last about 2-3 years before most users feel the need to replace them. This short lifespan is because of their lithium-ion batteries. AirPods have proven tough in several durability tests and have shown that they can withstand pressure.
AirPods Pro and AirPods (3rd generation) aren't designed for use in water sports like swimming, or for showering.
Give your ears a break.
The World Health Organization suggests that people listen through their headphones for just one hour per day.
Like with cotton swabs, pushing something into your ear can push wax back into the ear canal. If your ears don't produce much wax, in general, using in-ear headphones may not cause earwax buildup or blockage.
Kits like the AKIKI Cleaner Kit, MUIIGOOD Airpods Cleaner Kit, and the Ear Care MD Earbud Cleaning Kit all come with earbud putty. If you run out or just want to try the putty on its own, the AirSquares Earbud Cleaning Putty is an excellent pick.
First and foremost, you should check the ear tip fit test, as an improper seal can significantly decrease sound quality. You may also need to adjust the volume control of your AirPods and ensure that the iPhone volume is set to max.
Use only a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid abrasive cloths, towels, paper towels, or similar items. Avoid excessive wiping, which might cause damage.