How to remove stains from AirPods?

I was frustrated when I noticed some discoloration on my AirPods. After doing some trial and error, I am now here to share how I solved the issue and other solutions I discovered. In this post, I will be discussing the various methods of removing stains from AirPods and the pros and cons of each method. So if you’re looking for an effective way to remove stains from your AirPods, this post is for you.

Quick Answer Tips for Cleaning AirPods:
Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to wipe the exterior surface.
Use a clean cotton swab to remove visible earwax on microphone and speaker
Avoid using abrasive materials to clean AirPods.
Rinse silicone earbud tips in distilled water if water-resistant.
Dry the earbud tips with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth before reattaching.
Do not use sharp objects like pins or toothpicks to clean the meshes.

Table of Contents

How to Remove Stains from AirPods?

AirPods are easy to clean with the right materials. Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to clean visible stains and wax on the outer plastic.

Use a clean cotton swab to remove visible earwax and other dirt on the microphone and speaker meshes. Wipe the exterior with a slightly dampened cloth.

Dry the AirPods before using them or returning them to their case. Ensure moisture doesn’t get in the openings. Avoid using abrasive materials to clean your AirPods.

How to Remove Stains from AirPods Pro?

The silicone component on AirPods Pro differentiates their cleaning from AirPods cleaning. The silicone tips are removable.

Remove the silicone earbud tips and rinse them in distilled water. Don’t add soap or any other household cleaner in the water.

Dry them with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth before reattaching them to their AirPods. While AirPods Pro is water-resistant, submerging them in water is not recommended, except for the silicone tips.

Avoid using sharp objects like pins and toothpicks to clean the meshes and speakers, as they could easily cause damage.

How to Remove Stains from AirPods and AirPods Pro Case?

Clean AirPods cases have better performance. Their charging capability will increase, and they will offer better protection to your earbuds.

To clean your AirPods and AirPods Pro cases, dampen a clean lint-free cloth with rubbing alcohol and use it to remove stains from the exterior parts of the cases. Use a dry cotton swab to clean the interior parts.

How to Remove Ink Stains from AirPods?

Various methods are available for cleaning ink stains from AirPods. The first method is to use a clean, dampened microfiber cloth on rubbing alcohol to clean the ink.

The second method is using plastic erasers available in official retail stores to erase the ink. Be sure to pick the right plastic erasers because the wrong ones could do more harm than good.

How to Remove Ink Stains from AirPods Case?

Use a dry microfiber cloth damped with rubbing alcohol to clean ink stains on the exterior parts of your charging case. Dampen a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol to clean any ink stains on the inside. Avoid using liquids to do the cleaning.

How to Remove Black Stains from AirPods Case?

Use a microfiber cloth to wipe the outside of your AirPods case to remove black stains. If the stains are stubborn, use a lint-free cloth with rubbing alcohol to clean the interior parts. The fabric shouldn’t be too wet, and water or other liquids shouldn’t get inside the charging port.

Use a dry microfibre cloth or a damp cotton swab to clean black stains on the interior. Dry the case with a dry cloth once the black stains have been wiped out.

How to Clean Brown Stains from AirPods Case?

To tackle brown stains, use a lint-free cloth to wipe them away. If stubborn, slightly dampen the cloth with disinfecting alcohol to clean the stains. Clean brown stains in the interior sides using cotton swabs and isopropyl alcohol.

How to Remove Tumeric Stains from AirPods Case?

Tumeric stains are notorious for making AirPods appear yellowish. They can be easily cleaned using isopropyl alcohol or ethyl alcohol and a clean cloth.

Dampen the fabric with any of these solvents and clean the yellow stains. If the stains are on the case’s interior parts, use a damp cotton swab to do the cleaning. If you don’t have access to these solvents, mix equal amounts of water and soda ash to make a paste.

Apply the paste on the turmeric stains on your AirPods. Gently wipe the paste with a fabric dampened in warm water.

Can You Use Nail Polish Remover on the AirPods Case?

People usually use nail polish remover, also known as acetone, to clean their AirPods cases. However, nail polish remover should not be used on AirPods cases. That’s because the solution is a strong solvent that can discolor your case and weaken or melt the plastic materials on your AirPods cases.

Can You Use Acrylic Paint on the AirPods Case?

It is common for people to paint their AirPods cases to add some decorative and personal touch to them. While not all paints are suitable for doing the work, acrylic paint is highly recommended. AirPods cases are made with polycarbonate plastic which designs smooth surfaces.

Acrylic paint works well with bicarbonate plastic and has no negative effects. It is also easy to remove using a gentle paint scrapper or a soft fabric and rubbing alcohol.

Can You Use Bleach on the AirPods Case?

Since AirPods cases are mostly white, people assume they can use bleach to clean them. Don’t use bleach to remove stains or whiten your AirPods cases.

Although bleach can whiten your charging case, repeated use can discolor or damage the bicarbonate plastic used to design the cases.

How to Keep AirPods and AirPods Cases From Getting Dirty?

Although it is easy to clean AirPods and AirPods cases, it would be best to prevent them from getting dirty to boost their functionality and longevity.

Put your AirPods in their charging cases when not in use to keep them clean from dust and dirt. Keep the case in your jeans pocket, backpack, or purse. Avoid hanging them loose on your clothing as they can easily get dirty. You can also buy an AirPods case cover to protect your case from dirt.

Sharing personal accessories like AirPods and AirPods cases is highly discouraged. That’s because non-owners tend to take poor care of things and can make your earbuds and their cases dirty. Additionally, sharing AirPods can lead to the transfer of germs and bacteria.

If you must share AirPods and AirPods cases, ensure you clean them before giving them and after taking them back.

Disinfect your earbuds and their cases by wiping them using a cloth damped in isopropyl alcohol. Limit sharing your AirPods and AirPods cases to two people at most.

Cleaning your AirPods will help to increase their performance.
Cleaning will help to protect your AirPods from dirt and dust.

Cleaning will also help to keep your AirPods cases looking good.
Cleaning your AirPods will help to increase their charging capabilities.

Cons of Cleaning AirPods and AirPods Cases

Using harsh chemicals can damage the AirPods cases.

Using sharp objects can damage the speaker meshes and speakers.
Using too much water can damage the charging port.
Using nail polish remover can discolor the AirPods cases.