It is a common but unappealing reality for earbud users: a quick inspection of your AirPods often reveals a build-up of yellowing wax on the silicone tips, metal grilles, and the case. However, there is no need for alarm. Gordon Harrison, Specsavers’s chief audiologist, explains that yellow, orange or brown discolouration is usually a sign of everyday earwax transfer, rather than anything harmful.
Dirty earbuds are not just unsightly; they can also harbour bacteria. Harrison warns that earbuds create a warm, enclosed environment in the ear canal, trapping heat and moisture. If not cleaned regularly, this can make it easier for bacteria to thrive and increase the risk of ear infections, particularly during winter when the body is more vulnerable. In 2025, Boots’s Hearingcare team found that wireless in-ear earbuds housed roughly 80.5 colony-forming units (CFU) of bacteria – nearly four times higher than a toilet seat, which measured 21.5 CFU.
A separate study by The Hearing Care Partnership in 2024 analysed bacteria on used earphones and detected potentially harmful microorganisms including E coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and faecal streptococci. Hannah Samuels, an audiologist at Boots Hearingcare, notes that daily use with infrequent cleaning creates a perfect storm for infections. She adds that frequently wearing earbuds, especially with significant earwax buildup, can push wax further into the ear, causing discomfort, pain, and even temporary hearing loss.
Cleaning your AirPods is straightforward and requires no special equipment. For AirPods Pro, gently remove the silicone ear tips and rinse them with plain water only, then wipe with a soft, lint-free microfibre cloth and leave to dry completely before reattaching. Harrison stresses that ensuring the tips are fully dry is important, as trapped moisture can increase irritation during prolonged wear.
Once the tips are off, clean the AirPods themselves by gently wiping the outer plastic with a slightly damp cloth, keeping moisture away from the speaker mesh and microphone grilles. Harrison recommends using an alcohol-based antibacterial wipe or a soft cloth lightly dampened with isopropyl rubbing alcohol or cleaning vinegar. For the delicate mesh, Apple advises using a soft-bristled brush, such as a children’s toothbrush, dipped in micellar water containing PEG-6. Gently brush in small circles for about 15 seconds, then blot on a paper towel. Rinse the brush in distilled water and repeat to remove residue. Avoid pressing too hard, using sharp objects, or letting liquid drip into openings. Allow the AirPods to dry completely before use. For stubborn wax around seams, cotton buds can be used gently.
