Apple AirPods have become a necessary item for contemporary listeners in the era of personal audio.
Whether using your AirPods to listen to a podcast during your commute, exercising to your preferred fitness music, or taking essential phone calls, they are consistently at your side daily.
However devoted they may be, our little companions may quickly become disordered with even a slight lack of caution— particles of dust, dirt, and earwax can swiftly overwhelm the pristine, clear sounds you cherish.
Suppose an individual has seen a decrease in loudness or sound quality. In that case, the cause may not be a defective device but rather the presence of dirt within it.
Regularly cleaning AirPods is not only important for preserving their appearance but also crucial for ensuring excellent operation and hygiene.
Below is a complete guide on 7 Steps to Properly Clean Your Apple AirPods, which is essential for maintaining exceptional sound quality.
7 Steps to Properly Clean Your Apple AirPods
Step 1: Unpair AirPods from Connected Devices
Ensure your AirPods are not linked to your devices before scrubbing them so they don’t turn on by chance.
- On your iPhone or iPad, go to settings and tap on Bluetooth.
- Find your AirPods in the list of devices that are linked and tap the “i” button next to them.
- Press “Disconnect” or “Forget This Device.”
After removing your AirPods from the charging case, close the lid and put them there. Now, you can clean safely and thoroughly without worrying about Siri’s warning or music stopping.
Step 2: Wipe Away Surface Debris
Your AirPods’ charging case and smooth and curved parts pick up dirt and dust. This can be done with a soft, dry, or slightly wet lint-free cloth.
- Clean the outside of the AirPods and charge the case with a soft cloth.
- To get rid of tough spots, slightly wet the cloth. It is essential to keep wetness out of the gadget.
Being careful around the Lightning plug and never putting anything in the charge ports is essential.
To be clear, I said “damp,” not “soaking wet.” This step should eliminate any general wear-and-tear dirt on the surface of your AirPods.
Step 3: Clean the Audio Outputs
There can be a lot of buildup in the speaker grilles and microphone holes on your AirPods, which makes the sound quality and microphone less valuable.
Check out these steps for cleaning them.
- Dust off the speaker grilles with a soft-bristled or anti-static brush.
- Put the brush gently into the grilles and brush the dust out of them in one direction.
- Use a fine, high-quality tip to loosen and clean the microphone holes of any built-up dirt.
- Ensure your tool is soft and won’t hurt the AirPods’ delicate parts. For better call clarity and crystal-clear sound, this step is a must.
Step 4: Sanitize with Isopropyl Alcohol Wipes
It is essential to keep clean, especially when using gadgets that touch your ears. The alcohol in isopropyl doesn’t hurt your AirPods and can kill germs and viruses.
- Take the AirPods out of the case and separate them from each other. Then, use isopropyl alcohol wipes to clean each piece well.
- Be careful not to oversaturate and keep fluids out of the charging ports, especially on the AirPods.
- Don’t forget about the inside of the charging case; use alcohol wipes to clean it out so that germs don’t have a place to grow.
- A quick wipe-down with alcohol makes sure that you’re not only getting a clean sound but also keeping your gadgets clean enough to put in your ears.
Step 5: Air Dry Your Clean AirPods
It’s important to let your AirPods dry totally after wiping them down with rubbing alcohol.
Leave the AirPods apart and the box open for a few hours in a dry, clean place.
Do not use a hair dryer or compressed air on the device; this could damage it or push dirt and dust deeper inside it.
Once they are dry, you can be sure that any dangerous moisture is gone, and your AirPods are ready to be put back together and charged.
Step 6: Reconnect and Verify Sound Quality
Now that you’ve cleaned your AirPods, it’s time to ensure they work perfectly.
Pair your AirPods with the devices you want to use them with again.
Test the sound quality by playing different music files from your device.
During a call, test the microphone to see if the call quality has improved.
Reconnecting and trying again shows that the cleaning worked, and your AirPods are back to their former glory. This makes listening to music much more enjoyable.
Step 7: Maintain Cleanliness
Your AirPods work again after being cleaned, but don’t stop there. Your AirPods will look and sound great for longer if you care for them regularly.
If you use your AirPods a lot, clean them once a week or every two weeks.
Set an alarm to check once a month to ensure that not too much trash has gathered.
Buy a secure case or skin for your AirPods and charging case to keep them from getting dirty.
By following these easy steps, you can make sure that every time you listen to music with your AirPods, it’s just as good as the first time. They will also last for years to come.
Conclusion
There you have it – It might seem optional to clean your AirPods correctly.
Regularly taking care of your audio equipment will not only make it sound better but also make it last longer.
Remember these steps to keep your AirPods in good shape, so they keep working as the good friends they’re meant to be.
Cleanliness should be a habit. Then you can enjoy the music and talk ready for you, without any extra noise.
Remember that cleaning your AirPods isn’t just a chore; it’s an opportunity to learn. In the world of sound, little things can make a big difference.
Hopefully, this article answered all of your questions and you found it helpful.
I’d happily answer any other questions you have about AirPods below.
My best wishes to you,
– Brandon Evans
