Steps to Clean and Maintain Apple Earbuds and Headphones

Apple audio gear boasts unique features that set them apart. Keeping them clean requires specific methods for optimal performance.

Disassembling AirPods Max Ear Cups

1. Gently tug off the soft ear cushions to reveal a hidden feature.
2. Under the cushions, find a small hole resembling a keyhole.
3. Insert a SIM card tray pin into the hole and gently twist to unlock the connection.
4. With the pin released, the ear cups slide off easily.

This method simplifies cleaning and maintenance, ensuring your AirPods Max remain pristine and deliver top-quality sound.

Cleaning the Headband

1. Grab mild liquid detergent and a soft-bristled brush (like a toothbrush).
2. Ensure the metal parts stay dry; focus on cleaning the cloth headband cover.
3. Mix a small amount of detergent with water—a little goes a long way.
4. Dip the brush in the diluted mixture, keeping it slightly damp. Use small, circular motions to gently scrub the cloth headband cover, like a spa treatment.
5. Rinse the brush with clean water and wipe off any detergent residue. Let your AirPods Max air dry thoroughly before reassembling.

Your headband is now refreshed without disassembling anything. Easy and effective! Ready for the next step in giving your headphones a spa day.

Caution with Cleaning AirPods and EarPods

For Apple AirPods and EarPods, it’s crucial to avoid cotton swabs and alcohol. Here’s why:

1. These earphones feature a delicate paper-like layer covering the speaker membrane, enhancing music quality.
2. Using cotton swabs poses a threat as they could harm this thin layer when cleaning the earphones.
3. Alcohol can also potentially damage the special layer, so it’s best to steer clear of it.

The bottom line: Handle AirPods and EarPods delicately. Skip cotton swabs and alcohol to preserve sound quality. Protect your music experience by avoiding these cleaning methods.

Clearing AirPods Mesh with Blu-Tack Putty

To tackle stubborn wax on your AirPods’ mesh, try Blu-Tack putty:

1. Take a small amount and roll it into a ball.
2. Gently press the Blu-Tack onto the wax buildup. It sticks like glue.
3. The putty acts as a magnet, lifting the wax without pushing it deeper.
4. Peel away the Blu-Tack to reveal a wax-free mesh, refreshing your AirPods.

Using Blu-Tack is a simple yet effective way to ensure crystal-clear sound by eliminating wax buildup. Now, let’s proceed to keep your earphones spotless!

Hydrogen Peroxide for Stubborn Earwax

If you’re up for it, a tiny drop of hydrogen peroxide can soften stubborn earwax on your earphones:

1. Using a small amount, target the wax area gently, like a mini spa treatment.
2. Let it sit for a minute or two to soften the wax.
3. Use a small earwax cleaner or a gentle scooping tool to carefully remove softened wax.
4. Using hydrogen peroxide can risk damaging the paint finish on the mesh, affecting the appearance of your earphones.

While this method can work, it’s slightly risky. If uncertain, it’s safer to stick to the previously discussed cleaning methods to maintain your earphones’ appearance and functionality.

Read more: How to fix water damaged headphones