As an owner of AirPods, I know how frustrating it can be when they get scuffed up. I recently encountered this problem and had to do some research and testing to find a solution. After finding some successful solutions, I’m here to share my experience and the other solutions I discovered to help you get scuffs off your AirPods.
| Method | Supplies Needed | Process |
|---|---|---|
| Toothpaste | Whitening toothpaste, soft-bristled toothbrush, water, soft lint-free cloth (preferably microfiber) | 1. Wipe AirPods with a damp cloth. 2. Spread a small amount of whitening toothpaste on AirPods (avoid ear opening). 3. Gently rub toothpaste in a circular motion with a soft-bristled toothbrush. 4. Wipe off excess toothpaste with a damp cloth. |
| Sandpaper | Microfiber cloth, rubbing alcohol, fine sandpaper (600 grit or higher), water | 1. Wet the sandpaper to soften it. 2. Lightly run the sandpaper over the scratches, moving your hand in one direction. 3. Wipe the earpiece with a microfiber cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol. Note: This method can be rough on AirPods, so use caution. |
Table of Contents
2 Easy Ways to Get Scuffs Off Your AirPods
AirPods are great. You can use them for meetings at work or while you’re out for a little walk. Yet, there’s one thing we’ve learned over time: when we’re on the go, things can get a little messy.
Sometimes your AirPods case can fall out of your pocket and take some hits and bumps. Also, one of your AirPods can fall and get scuffed up as well.
Thankfully, this won’t damage the inner working of the earbuds or the case. Apple designed both items with hard plastic capable of withstanding pretty much all types of falls and accidents.
Even though they won’t break, it doesn’t mean they won’t get scuffed up or scratched. So, what’s a busy person to do?
If this sounds familiar, then you’re in luck. Below, you’ll find a few quick, no-hassle tips on removing those scuff marks.
Read more: How many AirPods can you connect to one phone?
The Toothpaste Method
Using toothpaste to clean something besides your teeth might seem a little strange. However, many people actually use it to remove scratches from their smartphone screens, watches, and even their cars!
This is one of the most accessible methods because everyone has toothpaste in their homes. Yet, it’s more ideal for light scuffs rather than deep scratches.
It’s also highly effective thanks to the mild abrasive in whitening toothpaste that helps wear away scratches, making them less visible.
Keep in mind that you should only use whitening toothpaste. Any other regular type or gel toothpaste won’t work for the scuffs.
Nonetheless, you’ll have to be extra careful when you use it. If even a small amount gets inside the case or your AirPods, it could potentially damage them.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Whitening Toothpaste
- Soft-bristled toothbrush
- Water
- Soft, lint-free cloth (preferably microfiber)
Now that you have all your tools ready, follow these steps:
- First, take your AirPods out of their case and wipe them with a damp cloth. It’s best to use a microfiber cloth because it’s both soft, lint-free, and highly absorbent.
- Next, spread a little amount of the toothpaste on your Airpods (avoid the ear opening!) and rub it gently in a circular motion with the soft-bristled toothbrush.
- After rubbing the toothpaste on your AirPods, you’ll notice that the scruffs are much lighter than when you started. In the end, spray some water on the cloth and wipe off any excess toothpaste.
The Sandpaper Method
This method is just as popular as the toothpaste method. Yet, unlike the toothpaste approach, sandpaper is ideal for deep scuffs and scratches.
Although, you may need to go out and buy some supplies before you get started. First, you need to know what grit size the sandpaper is.
Avoid getting anything lower than 600 grit because it’ll be too coarse for this job, which could remove more layers than needed, making matters worse. Your best option is to use extra-fine sandpaper.
To begin the cleaning, you’ll need:
- Microfiber cloth
- Rubbing alcohol
- Fine sandpaper
- Water
To start, first wet the sandpaper to soften it. Then, lightly run the sandpaper over the scratches.
Don’t be afraid to use a bit more force than you did in the previous method. Though, it’s best to avoid going back and forth or using a circular motion. Always move your hand in one direction to avoid removing more layers than necessary.
Finally, after sanding, wipe the earpiece with a microfiber cloth dipped in some rubbing alcohol.
Remember, this method can be rough on the AirPods, so be careful. The earpiece will lose some of its shine where the scratch is, but at least it won’t look scuffed up in the end.
Conclusion
Read more: AirPods vs Bluetooth headphones
So, we hope this article has helped you learn how to get scuffs off AirPods. Both methods are a simple and affordable way to bring your AirPods back looking their best!
The best part is you can do this yourself, and it won’t take but a few minutes. Plus, you won’t need a lot of supplies, only some toothpaste or a piece of sandpaper!
