How to clean AirPods to keep them looking like new

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

A toothbrush, electrical tape, vinegar and hydrogen peroxide can restore the original look to the headphones and case.

For six months with AirPods, I got used to them so much that I am ready to call them ideal headphones. There is only one thing: the charging case gets dirty very easily, and it is rather difficult to clean it. I have tried a little less than a dozen ways to give headphones an out-of-the-box look and am ready to share the most effective ones.

What happened

From the outside, the case looks like new. The impression is spoiled by a couple of small chips and a few barely noticeable dull spots in the friction areas of the case and jeans.

But inside the case has collected a bunch of dirt, dust and lint.

The headphones themselves did not get particularly dirty for six months. Affected by the love of hygiene and the shallow fit of the AirPods in the ear canal.

What you need to clean your AirPods

I used to clean my headphones and case:

• hydrogen peroxide;
• vinegar;
• electrical tape (and scissors);
• cotton buds;
• toothpicks;
• a toothbrush.

Cleaning the headphones

The presence of earwax in the mesh can affect the appearance of the headphones and even the sound quality. Use a Q-tip moistened with hydrogen peroxide to clean. You can also use a soft toothbrush and toothpicks.

Remember, AirPods are not friendly with moisture. They should not be wet, and no liquid should get into the openings of the headphones or case.

Washing the cover with vinegar solution

First you need to mix vinegar with water in a ratio of 1: 1. Then you need to dip the cotton swabs into the solution and wipe the dirty places of the cover with them. You can use a toothbrush, also on the other side (with a special eraser for the gums).

Do not forget to wring out the cotton wool and the brush so that the solution does not penetrate the holes of the case.

Cleaning the cover with electrical tape

It is necessary to seal all areas with dirt spots, dust and lint with electrical tape. The grooves at the points of contact between the lid and the case are rather narrow, so the electrical tape should be additionally smoothed out with a toothpick.

Peeled tape will collect most of the dirt.

What happened

Both of the above methods of cleaning the case work, you can use either one. I also tried using soapy water, alcohol, citric acid, baking soda, WD-40 and even fine sandpaper (which was absolutely stupid, because plastic is easily scratched).

Pay attention to your headphones. Stubborn stains that appear in the first weeks of use are the worst.