Here's how to clean AirPods without breaking the bank (or your tech), according to experts
Let's be honest: AirPods aren't cheap. Whether you got them as a generous gift or in a treat-yourself moment, they deserve a little TLC. And that's not just to keep them in working order — like any other earbuds that have gone too long without being sanitized, dirty AirPods can actually lead to an ear infection. Um, yikes.
To keep this from happening, we've gathered expert tips on how to clean your AirPods easily and efficiently. But before getting into the nitty-gritty, here's a little bit of insight on what can happen when you don't clean your earbuds. Kelly Reynolds, associate professor of environmental health at the University of Arizona, told BuzzFeed that typically-harmless earwax can build up on your earbuds, eventually acting "as a layer to trap bacteria and prevent it from drying out so it can survive and grow." Not good.
How to clean AirPods in a few easy steps
To keep bacteria from thriving when you're just trying to listen to your favorite tunes, it's important to clean your AirPods — and do it thoroughly. Apple suggests using 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes, 75% ethyl alcohol wipes or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes to clean the outside of your AirPods.
More than 30,000 Amazon shoppers swear by this product, with several saying they use them to clean tech. The wipes are damp but not overly wet, making them ideal for sanitizing delicate devices.
Experts usually advise against using household cleaners, but Apple says it's actually safe to use disinfectant wipes on the outside of your AirPods.
While Apple says these products are safe to use on the outside of AirPods, it also stresses that you shouldn't get too enthusiastic trying to get every crack and crevice. Avoid using the wipes on the speaker mesh of your AirPods and refrain from "getting moisture in any openings," the company advises.
Cult of Mac, which covers all things Apple, and Burton Kelso, owner and chief tech expert at Integral, a tech repair company, also shared a few tips on how to safely clean your AirPods.
Step 1: Wipe down your AirPods with a dry, lint-free microfiber cloth.
With over 50,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, these No. 1 bestsellers are an easy win. Each cloth comes in its own little bag, so you can toss one in your pocket and still keep it clean.
Step 2: To remove any filth or wax buildup around the speakers, Cult of Mac recommends using the SIM card removal tool that often comes with iPhones. It's small and stiff enough to get in those tiny corners. Don't have one? A very small screwdriver or a pair of tweezers can also do the trick. Experts advise going slowly so that you don't damage the speaker mesh or push wax further into your earbud.
Step 3: Once you've gently scraped away any buildup, it's time to disinfect. Using one of the wipe options above, gently rub the AirPods' plastic exterior and charging case. If you prefer to steer clear of wipes, Kelso told Reader's Digest that gently scrubbing with a dry cotton swab works too.
Step 4: If your AirPods are extra dirty, Kelso suggests another pass with a slightly damp microfiber cloth. Then, wipe them again with a dry, lint-free cloth and put them on a clean surface to dry completely.
If you're into one-stop shopping (and who isn't?), there are also dedicated AirPod cleaning kits on Amazon that buyers say are effective and convenient.
Over 4,000 Amazon shoppers gave this kit a five-star review, with one saying it's the "perfect tool" to banish the AirPod "ick."
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