Apple’s been busy this week—new iPads, MacBooks, and chips galore. But while everyone was drooling over the M4-powered MacBook Air, Apple quietly dropped something equally important: a guide to cleaning your AirPods. Yes, your beloved earbuds deserve some TLC too. And guess what? They even endorsed a $12.95 Belkin cleaning kit. Who knew earwax removal could be so chic?
The instructions, tailored for AirPods 3 and 4, are surprisingly detailed. Apple’s guide circles the exact meshes you need to clean, like a treasure map for hygiene enthusiasts. If you’re not splurging on the Belkin kit, Apple’s list of must-haves is oddly specific: micellar water with PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides (Bioderma or Neutrogena, please), distilled water, a soft-bristled kids’ toothbrush, and even two small cups. It’s like a science experiment for your ears.
But let’s be real—cleaning AirPods isn’t exactly glamorous. TechRadar’s Senior Writer of AI, John-Anthony Disotto, once had a customer’s earwax flicked into his beard while cleaning their AirPods. Legendary. I’ve also written about cleaning wireless earbuds, and my methods align with Apple’s—mostly. The micellar water bit is new to me, though. And while Apple doesn’t mention it, a quick blast of compressed air works wonders for those pesky metal contact points in the case. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.
TechRadar’s Editor at Large, Lance Ulanoff, swears by compressed air too. A controlled blast can dislodge dust and wax in seconds. Cans are cheap, and the results are instant. So, whether you’re team Apple-approved micellar water or team compressed air, one thing’s clear: clean AirPods are happy AirPods. Now, if only Apple could make them self-cleaning.
