Essential Guide: How and How Often to Clean Your AirPods Properly

The Hidden Dangers of Dirty AirPods: Why Cleaning Is Essential

For users of in-ear headphones like AirPods, a quick glance at the silicone tips or metal grilles often reveals an unsightly buildup of yellowing earwax and grime. This common occurrence, while unappealing, is typically harmless, according to Gordon Harrison, Specsavers’s chief audiologist. He explains, "If your earbuds start looking yellow, orange or slightly brown, it’s usually a sign of everyday earwax transfer, rather than anything harmful."

However, neglecting to clean your AirPods can pose serious health risks. Dirty earbuds create a warm, enclosed environment in the ear canal, trapping heat and moisture. Harrison warns, "If they’re not cleaned regularly, this can make it easier for bacteria to thrive and increase the risk of ear infections." The risk escalates during winter months when colds and flu are more prevalent, making the body more vulnerable.

Shocking Bacteria Levels on Earbuds

Research underscores the importance of hygiene. In 2025, Boots’s Hearingcare team conducted swab tests on various headphones and earbuds, finding that wireless in-ear models harboured approximately 80.5 colony-forming units (CFU) of bacteria. This level is considered contaminated and is nearly four times higher than the 21.5 CFU found on a typical toilet seat.

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 commonly associated with contaminated surfaces, highlighting the potential for infection.

Hannah Samuels, an audiologist at Boots Hearingcare, adds, "Earbuds that are used daily but cleaned rarely create a perfect storm for infections." Frequent use without cleaning can push earwax deeper into the ear, leading to compaction, discomfort, pain, and even temporary hearing loss.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your AirPods

Cleaning AirPods is straightforward and doesn’t require special equipment. While Apple sells a Belkin cleaning kit, basic household items suffice. For AirPods Pro, start by gently removing the silicone ear tips. Rinse them with plain water, wipe with a soft, lint-free microfibre cloth, and allow them to dry completely before reattaching. Harrison emphasises, "Making sure the tips are fully dry is important, as moisture trapped against the ear canal can increase irritation."

Next, clean the AirPods themselves. Wipe the outer plastic with a slightly damp cloth, avoiding the speaker mesh and microphone grilles. For deeper cleaning, use an alcohol-based antibacterial wipe or a cloth dampened with isopropyl rubbing alcohol or cleaning vinegar. Harrison notes, "This will help remove any earwax, sweat or debris that can build up on the surface."

The mesh is the most delicate part. Use a soft-bristled brush, like 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. Avoid pressing too hard or letting liquid drip into openings, and allow the AirPods to dry fully before use.

For stubborn wax, cotton buds can be used gently around seams, but avoid pushing debris into the grilles. Ensure all parts are completely dry before reassembling and storing in the charging case, with Apple recommending at least two hours of air drying.

How Often Should You Clean or Replace Ear Tips?

The frequency of cleaning depends on usage. Harrison advises, "If you wear earbuds every day for calls, commuting or listening to music, giving them a clean once a week is good practice." For activities like running or gym sessions, clean before or after each use due to sweat buildup. More frequent cleaning is also beneficial in summer or hot climates where perspiration accelerates grime accumulation.

Replacing ear tips is equally important. Memory foam tips typically need replacement every two to four months as they degrade from exposure to sweat, earwax, and moisture. Silicone tips are more durable, lasting six to nine months. Signs like tearing, flaking, stiffness, or persistent grime indicate it’s time for new tips. Harrison concludes, "Fresh tips help keep your earbuds comfortable, hygienic and performing well."