With regular use, all AirPods need cleaning eventually. It’s inevitable that earwax and other gunk will build up. This isn’t just unsightly; it can potentially impact sound quality and, worse, even lead to health issues such as ear infections. If you’re not careful, though, earbuds such as AirPods and over-ear headphones like the AirPods Max and Max 2 can easily be damaged during the cleaning process.
The most important tip: Don’t soak them or blast them with running water. You should also avoid using most cleaning products or wipes. Fortunately, even with those limitations, cleaning your Apple headphones is pretty easy — and we’ve got a few methods to help.
If you have some non-Apple headphones you want to clean, too, check out How to Clean Your Headphones and Earbuds (and Yes, You Should).
Apple’s AirPod cleaning instructions
As with all pricey tech devices, take care when cleaning your AirPods
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