4 Tips For How To Clean Your AirPods
Let's face it, AirPods travel with us everywhere and they get gross. From the busy airport to a hard workout to jostling around in your bag... they're probably overdue for a cleaning. When you pay more than $160 for AirPods, it's totally understandable that you'd want them to last! Now is a great time to give them a Spring clean. Prevent long-lasting crud buildup by giving your AirPods consistent cleanings. Here's how...
How to Clean AirPods
"Why are my AirPods suddenly quieter?" is an incredibly common question. Sure, there's a minute chance there's something wrong with them... However, odds are they just need a good cleaning. Particulates can clog the mics and speakers of the AirPods, which makes them "go quiet".
First off, you'll want to get a soft, lint-free dry cloth. Then, clean the mesh microphone and speakers with a q-tip. (Pro-tip: Use a precision q-tip to really get in there. Their conical shape will really clear out the debris.) Another alternative is to take a dry, soft-bristled brush (like an old toothbrush). Use your tool to gently brush in one direction.
You may be tempted to scrub back and forth, but that'll grind the gunk into your AirPods. Also, avoid using any sharp objects or abrasive materials to clean them. This includes toothpicks, bobby pins, or needles. They may puncture and ruin your Pods. If this isn't quite cutting it, you may need to perform a deeper clean on them.
Deep Cleaning AirPods
As much as we wish that AirPods are completely seamless and airtight, they aren't. Their raised edges, ports, and cutouts trap and collect dust. They get crusty and fast. Don't be afraid to get up close and personal with them, especially if you've never cleaned them before. Before and after each thorough cleaning, make sure you give your favorite song a listen to. This will give you a baseline to measure from. You'll know if they get fuzzy, cut out, or are much quieter. Also, this will inform you if its an internal or external issue.
For a really deep clean, you can get slightly dampen your cloth with some rubbing alcohol or tech cleaning solution. Then, delicately wipe over the AirPods. If the cloth is too saturated, it'll liquid damage the internal parts. Then dry it with a dry section of the microfiber cloth and let them air out overnight. Your AirPods are meant to survive a workout, not a deep sea dive, be very careful when deep cleaning!
Clean your AirPods Case
The steps for cleaning your AirPods and their case are pretty similar. Use your microfiber cloth to wipe down your case. If need be, you may want to ever so slightly dampen your cloth with rubbing alcohol. While cleaning, take extra care towards the metal contacts. They're easily the most fragile part of your case!
Be sure to avoid getting any liquid into the charging ports. Then, use your soft bristled brush to gently loosen up dirt in the lightning port. Specks of dust that come out can be ground into your case while cleaning, so avoid scrubbing back and forth! Give them a final wipe down, and you're good to go.
Caring for your AirPods and AirPods Charging Case
Once you've deep cleaned your AirPods and charging case, you'll want to maintain them. First and foremost, AirPods and their charging case aren't waterproof or water resistant. Be vigilant not to get moisture in any openings. If they do come in contact with liquid (including sweat from a workout) wipe them down with a dry microfiber cloth. To dry the case, place it upside down with the lid open.
Every few days or so, give them a light cleaning. Then, take some time out about once a month to give them a deep clean. This will help prolong the life of your investment and keep them nice and hygienic. Do you have any AirPod tips? Let us know in the comments below!
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