The “skin care” that Apple recommends giving your AirPods for a perfect clean. It’s not easy at all

A few days ago I started removing all the AirPods I had around the house and took advantage of our tutorial on how to clean AirPods. leave them free of stains, wax and impurities. And even though I am very happy with the result, I still had one question: how do the Apple Store experts do it? Do they use other techniques, other products, other cleaning tools?

Well, my problem is solved: Apple itself has published an official tutorial. And the tutorial is fun because it is exhaustive: It almost seems like one of many skincare routines you can find on TikTok. The difference is that it comes from Apple itself, and their advice is always relevant: who will know better than them to take care of a product. We’ll tell you what it involves, because there’s nothing simple about it.

What you need to permanently clean your AirPods

Oddly enough, the first thing Apple recommends is a Belkin cleaning kit for AirPods, a pack that usually costs between 9.99 dollars and 14.99 dollars. The first on the front.

We also suggest something similar, although a few cotton swabs and some skills may do the trick. If you prefer to save money on this kit, you can always opt for Apple’s second recommendation, which is:

• Micellar water with PEG-6 caprylic/capric glycerides, such as Bioderma or Neutrogena (as comprehensive as that may sound).
• Distilled water.
• A children’s toothbrush with soft bristles.
• Two small cups.
• A paper napkin.

Which parts should be cleaned based on each AirPods

Continuing Apple’s recommendations, the Cupertino company emphasizes paying particular attention to several points, such as its microphones and speakers. In each model they emphasize different elements. Regarding the release of the new AirPods 4, it is suggested to clean these three grilles. Apple emphasizes “avoid cleaning other areas.”

Regarding AirPods 3, it is recommended to clean the same grilles, those that appear circled:

Step by step to clean AirPods grills

The reality is that sometimes AirPods lose power, just like we lose our hearing ability if a wax blockage blocks our ear canal. And the reality is that it is not enough to simply Push with your nail to try to remove impurities. It’s pretty harmful. Here, Apple digs in and gives a series of recommendations. Eight points, nothing less:

1. First add a small amount of micellar water to a cup.
2. Dip the toothbrush into the cup of micellar water until the bristles are completely saturated.
3. Hold the AirPod with the grille facing up.
4. Brush the grill in circles for about 15 seconds.
5. Turn the AirPod over and place it on a paper towel. Make sure the backing is in contact with the paper towel.
6. Repeat steps 2 through 5 two more times (three times total) for each rack you want to clean.
7. To remove traces of micellar water, rinse the brush with distilled water, then repeat steps 1 through 5 with distilled water on each grid you have cleaned.
8. Let the AirPods dry completely for at least two hours before putting them in the charging case or using them again.

How to clean the “body” of AirPods

Although Apple recommended above not to clean “anything else”, they also have a section dedicated to the body of the Airpords, that is, the shaft and general structure. Apple claims that if the earbuds have been exposed to corrosion caused by “conditioners, lotions, perfumes, solvents, detergents, acids, or acidic foods, insect repellent, sunscreen, oil or hair dye“, the procedure for cleaning them is as follows:

1. Clean them with a cloth lightly dampened with running water and dry them with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth.
2. Let them dry completely for at least two hours before putting them in the charging case or using them again.

They do not recommend putting AirPods underwater or using abrasive materials under any circumstances. Regarding the first thing, we have an exhaustive article so you know which Airpods models are waterproof and What levels of water resistance do they have?. In any case and like Apple, we do not recommend putting them under the tap. Never.

Clean the AirPods charging case

Finally, Apple tells us how to clean the charging case and in this case the recommendation is clear: a soft, dry and lint-free cloth. We associate the one from Mercadona because it is radically cheaper than the usual cloths sold in optical centers and computer stores in general, or than the official Apple chamois itself.

You can also dampen the cloth with a 70% isopropyl alcohol (IPA) solution (i.e. 30% water, 70% alcohol). Then let the charging case dry before recharging it. Of course, you have to be very careful because no liquid can enter through the charging ports. The metal pins or contacts could be damaged and you will no longer be able to charge the case..

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