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Your AirPods Are Filthy – Here’s How to Clean Them, According to Experts
Your AirPods could be harvesting a significant amount of grime and bacteria, posing potential health risks if left unchecked. Alex Lee, a senior tech critic, highlights this issue, noting that yellowing ear tips are a common sign of everyday earwax transfer, which is perfectly normal but requires attention.
The Hidden Dangers of Dirty Earbuds
Gordon Harrison, chief audiologist at Specsavers, explains that while discolouration from earwax is harmless, dirty earbuds create a warm, enclosed environment in the ear canal. This traps heat and moisture, making it easier for bacteria to thrive and increasing the risk of ear infections. The risk can be slightly higher during winter months, when colds and flu are more prevalent and the body is more vulnerable.
In 2025, Boots's Hearingcare team conducted a study swabbing various headphones and earbuds. They found that wireless in-ear earbuds housed roughly 80.5 colony-forming units of bacteria, a level considered contaminated and nearly four times higher than a toilet seat, which measured 21.5 CFU.
A separate 2024 study by The Hearing Care Partnership analysed specific bacteria on used earphones, detecting harmful microorganisms such as E coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus cereus, along with faecal streptococci and enterococci. These bacteria are typically associated with contaminated surfaces, underscoring the importance of regular cleaning.
Hannah Samuels, an audiologist at Boots Hearingcare, adds that earbuds used daily but cleaned rarely create a perfect storm for infections. Frequently wearing earbuds can push wax further down the ear, leading to compaction, discomfort, pain, and even temporary hearing loss.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your AirPods
Cleaning your AirPods is straightforward and doesn't require special equipment, though Apple sells a Belkin cleaning kit. Here's how to do it effectively:
- Remove Ear Tips: For AirPods Pro, gently pluck off the silicone ear tips. Rinse them with plain water, wipe with a soft, lint-free microfibre cloth, and let them dry completely before reattaching. Ensure they are fully dry to avoid irritation from trapped moisture.
- Clean the AirPods: Wipe the outer plastic with a slightly damp cloth, avoiding the speaker mesh and microphone grilles. Use an alcohol-based antibacterial wipe or a cloth dampened with isopropyl rubbing alcohol or cleaning vinegar to remove earwax, sweat, and debris.
- Address the Mesh: Clean the delicate mesh with a soft-bristled brush, such as a children's toothbrush. Dip it in micellar water containing PEG-6, brush gently in small circles for 15 seconds, then blot on a paper towel. Rinse the brush in distilled water and repeat. Avoid pressing too hard or letting liquid drip into openings.
- Handle Stubborn Debris: Use cotton buds gently for wax around seams, but avoid pushing dirt into grilles. After cleaning, ensure all parts are completely dry before reassembling and placing in the charging case. Apple recommends air drying for at least two hours.
How Often Should You Clean or Replace Your AirPods?
The frequency of cleaning depends on usage. Gordon Harrison advises:
- For daily use in calls, commuting, or music, clean once a week.
- For activities like running or gym sessions, clean before or after each use due to sweat buildup.
- Increase cleaning during summer or in hotter climates where heat and perspiration accelerate grime accumulation.
Replacing ear tips is also crucial. Memory foam tips wear out faster and should be replaced every two to four months, while silicone tips are more durable, lasting six to nine months. Replace tips if they tear, flake, stiffen, or retain grime to maintain comfort, hygiene, and performance.
Essential Items for Your AirPods Cleaning Kit
To keep your AirPods in top condition, consider these items:
- Microfibre cloth
- Soft-bristled children's toothbrush
- Micellar water containing PEG-6
- Distilled water
- Alcohol-based antibacterial wipes
- Isopropyl rubbing alcohol
- Cleaning vinegar
- Replacement ear tips for AirPods Pro models
By following these expert tips, you can ensure your AirPods remain clean, safe, and functional, reducing health risks and enhancing your listening experience.
