Living items · Wireless earbuds care

Clean wireless earbuds and their charging case without soaking them

AirPods bodies, acoustic meshes and charging cases require different treatment; follow the exact model instructions.

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Sweat and cosmetics can soil earbuds, but immersion and direct spraying can damage them. Apple recommends a slightly damp cloth for the exterior, followed by drying with a soft lint-free cloth. Mesh cleaning is model-specific: do not improvise with sharp tools or running water. Follow the maker's instructions for non-Apple earbuds.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

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Identify your exact model, remove the earbuds from the charging case and disconnect the charging cable.
Wipe dirty exterior surfaces with a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with fresh water, then dry with a soft clean cloth.
Acoustic meshes vary by model. Clean only the indicated meshes with approved tools for that model; never poke them with sharp implements.
Wipe the case with a dry lint-free cloth. Only if the manufacturer permits, use a tiny amount of isopropyl alcohol on the cloth for its exterior; keep liquids away from ports.
Gently brush accessible port debris with a clean dry soft brush and do not insert implements into metal contacts.
Allow the earbuds and case to dry fully before use. Apple's general guidance calls for at least two hours of drying after the earbuds contact moisture.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

Further reading

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