Cleaning your AirPods is very similar to cleaning your wired Apple headphones. However, you must stay vigilant toward the device's more delicate and exposed electric parts. If you know how to do that, you should have no trouble cleaning the grime off your AirPods. Just follow the simple steps below.

Things to keep in mind

While cleaning your headphones, you need to be very mindful of the things listed below:

• Remember that if you have an AirPods Pro, the case is water-resistant, not waterproof. Please avoid exposing the device to any water or liquid products.
• Do not run your Airpods or the Airpods Pro under running water or soak them in any liquid. 
• Make sure that when using a disinfectant, you do not touch the wire mesh area. Disinfectant is ideal for cleaning the body of the AirPods.
• Do not use your AirPods until they have been completely dried. Make sure you are always air drying your device without using a heat source, exposing it to direct sunlight, or using high-power air to dry them off.

Things you’ll need

• A dry, non-abrasive cloth
• Disinfecting spray or cleaning liquid
• Q-tips 

Clear your Airpods

Before cleaning anything, ensure that you have removed your Airpods from the case and that they are not plugged in to be charged. To be safe, clean them in a dry area where they are not exposed to electric surfaces/ wires. Then, follow these steps:

• First, use a dry, non-abrasive cloth to clean the body of the AirPods. Dampen it if need be. If they need more cleaning, spray the cloth lightly with the disinfectant and wipe the body carefully. Make sure to avoid the speaker mesh. 
• Next, use a Q-tip to clean the insides of the speaker mesh. Use gentle, circling motions to reach the small edges. If you can’t properly clean them using a Q-tip, you can use a toothpick to get rid of stubborn grime or earwax.
• Pull out the ear tips to clean them. Wash them under some lukewarm water but do not use a cleaning agent.
• Wipe the tips with a dry, non-abrasive cloth. Do not dampen the cloth or use disinfectant on the ear tips.
• Allow them to dry before you use them completely.

Cleaning the Airpods case

To clean the case, follow these steps:

• Wipe the exterior of the case thoroughly with a dry cloth. Dampen it if necessary. You can also disinfect the cloth but avoid touching the charging ports.
• Use a Q-tip to clean the charging ports. Make sure not to put any tough objects into the ports since they can damage them.

If you follow these steps carefully, you should be able to successfully clean the AirPods and the case without any issues. If they are accidentally exposed to any water or cleaning agent, immediately clean them with a dry cloth. Do not wash them.

Always make sure that you are cleaning them with soft materials and not harsh, abrasive objects. Not complying with these methods can risk the performance of the AirPods and ultimately reduce their shelf life. Remember that the longer you delay cleaning them, the tougher the grime gets; therefore, it is harder to clean. For best results, disinfect your AirPods at least twice a week.