How to Clean AirPods and the Case Safely, and Keep the Case Looking New — Capes

AirPods get dirtier than almost anything else you carry: they go in your ears, then into a pocket, then onto a desk. Cleaning them wrongly is easy too. Pins in the mesh, wet cloths and household cleaners are what usually cause muffled sound and dead charging ports.

The steps below follow Apple's own AirPods and AirPods Pro cleaning guides, which we checked on 9 October 2026. At the end we cover the part Apple doesn't: keeping the outside of the case looking new.

How do I clean AirPods safely?

Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth for everyday cleaning, and fresh water on the cloth only when needed. Apple's steps for the body of the AirPods:

1. If your AirPods have touched something that can stain or damage them, such as soap, perfume, sunscreen or hair dye, wipe them with a cloth slightly dampened with fresh water.
2. Dry them with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth.
3. Let them air dry for at least two hours before you put them back in the case or use them.

Don't put AirPods under running water, and don't use heat or compressed air to dry them.

How do I clean AirPods Pro ear tips and the mesh?

Rinse the ear tips in plain water with no soap. Clean the mesh only with Apple's micellar-water method, and only on the meshes Apple marks for your model.

Ear tips (AirPods Pro)

1. Pull the ear tips off and rinse them with water. Apple says not to use soap or other household cleaners.
2. Wipe them with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth and make sure they are fully dry.
3. Line up the oval shape and click each tip back onto its AirPod.

Mesh (AirPods Pro 2 and 3, AirPods 3, 4 and 5)

Apple's method uses micellar water containing PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, a soft-bristled children's toothbrush, distilled water and a paper towel:

1. Dip the brush in a little micellar water until the bristles are soaked.
2. With the mesh facing up, brush it in small circles for about 15 seconds.
3. Turn the AirPod over and blot the mesh on a paper towel. Do this three times for each mesh.
4. Rinse the brush, then repeat the same steps with distilled water.
5. Let the AirPods dry for at least two hours before using them or putting them in the case.

Clean only the meshes Apple's guide shows for your model and leave other openings alone. If your AirPods sound muffled, a blocked mesh is a likely cause, and this is the safe way to clear it.

How do I clean the AirPods charging case?

A dry lint-free cloth for the outside, a dry soft brush for the port, and nothing sharp anywhere. Apple's steps:

1. Remove debris from the charging port with a clean, dry, soft-bristled brush. Don't put anything inside the port; it can damage the metal contacts.
2. Wipe the case with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. If needed, dampen the cloth slightly with isopropyl alcohol.
3. Let the case dry, and make sure no liquid gets into the charging port.

What should I never use to clean AirPods?

Anything sharp, anything abrasive, and liquid where it can run inside. Here is the whole list in one place.

How do I keep the AirPods case looking new?

Cover it. Cleaning removes dirt, but scuffs and scratches on the glossy white case stay. You can use a case cover or a skin.

If you drop your AirPods often, a cover is the better protection. If you want the case to stay pocket-sized and scuff-free, a skin is the better fit. Clean the case first, using the steps above, before you put either on.

Which AirPods skin fits my case?

Check which case you have: the second-generation AirPods came with two different cases. Apple's identification guide says the Wireless Charging Case has its status light on the front, while the Lightning Charging Case has its light inside, under the lid.

Skins for other earbuds, including AirPods Pro and AirPods 3, are in the earphones skins collection; headphones are in headphone skins.

Find a skin for your AirPods case

Pick your model in the truly wireless earphones skins collection. Outside India? Shop on capes.co.

Written by Capes. Last checked: 9 October 2026.