How to Easily Clean Your Airpods Case

By
Mary Marlowe Leverette
Mary Marlowe Leverette 2018
Mary Marlowe Leverette

Mary Marlowe Leverette is one of the industry's most highly-regarded housekeeping and fabric care experts, sharing her knowledge on efficient housekeeping, laundry, and textile conservation. She is also a Master Gardener with over 40+ years of experience and 20+ years of writing experience. Mary is also a member of The Spruce Gardening and Plant Care Review Board.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 01/24/23
Reviewed by
Katie Berry
Katie Berry
Reviewed by Katie Berry
Katie Berry is a cleaning expert with 30 years of household management experience and 12 years of writing about cleaning methods and routines for Housewife How-Tos. She is the author of several books about homemaking.
Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board
Closeup of cleaning an airpod case with a cotton swab

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 3 - 5 mins
  • Total Time: 15 - 30 mins
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $5-7

Airpods, or any type of earbuds, have become almost required pieces of equipment for daily use. It doesn't take long for the Airpods to become coated with ear wax and dust that can interfere with your listening efficiency and comfort.

Just as it's important to clean every brand of earbuds, it's important to clean the case you use to prevent soil and bacteria from re-depositing on the Airpods or earbuds. Dust and debris in the case can disrupt charging. Learn how to clean an Airpods case and other types of storage for your earbuds.

How Often to Clean an Airpods Case

You should clean an Airpods case every time you clean your Airpods. Weekly cleaning is recommended. This same tip applies to other brands of cases, as well.

If you use earbuds daily, use an alcohol wipe to clean them at least once a week when you clean your laptop or other devices. This is the easiest way to clean your earbuds and this will help remove accumulated wax, dust, and grime.

The 8 Best All-Purpose Cleaners of 2023
Featured Video

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • 1 microfiber cloth
  • 1 sink or small bowl
  • 1 soft-bristled brush

Materials

  • 1 bottle isopropyl alcohol
  • 1 bottle mild laundry detergent
  • 2 to 3 cotton swabs
  • Warm water

Instructions

Materials for cleaning an Airpod case

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

How to Clean an Airpods Case

  1. Clean the Interior

    With the Airpods removed, use a lint-free microfiber cloth to wipe away any visible soil on the inside of the case. If there is soil around the grooved edges of the lid, dampen the cloth with a few drops of isopropyl alcohol to wipe away the grime.

    Warning

    It is vital to prevent moisture from coming in contact with the charging ports. Do not swab them with alcohol or any liquid. Do not allow any type of implement (cotton swab, toothpick, paperclip) to enter the charging ports.

    Cleaning the interior of an airpod case

    The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

  2. Clean the Exterior of the Case

    Use the same microfiber cloth to wipe away grime and smudges from the exterior of the case. Again, use isopropyl to dampen the cloth if needed to remove heavy soil.

    Cleaning the exterior of an airpod case

    The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

  3. Clean the Lightning Connector

    Use a soft-bristled brush to gently brush away lint or debris from the Lightning connector. A clean toothbrush works well to reach this small area.

    Cleaning the lightning connector with a toothbrush

    The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

  4. Air-Dry the Airpods Case

    Leave the lid open on the case and allow it to air-dry completely before putting the Airpods back inside.

    Letting the airpod case air dry on a cloth

    The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

How to Clean Hard-Sided Earbuds Cases

If the case is used for charging earbuds, follow the same guidelines as those for an Airpods case. This step-by-step guide is for non-charging hard-sided storage cases.

  1. Clean the Interior of the Case

    Use a microfiber cloth to wipe away dust and debris. Dip a cotton swab in isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol to reach corners and grooves that have trapped dirt.

    Cleaning the interior of a hard-sided earbud case

    The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

  2. Clean the Exterior of the Case

    Dampen the microfiber cloth with water or a few drops of alcohol to wipe away smudges and grime.

    Cleaning the exterior of a hard-sided earbud case

    The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

  3. Allow to Air-Dry

    Open the case and allow it to air-dry thoroughly before placing the freshly-cleaned earbuds back inside.

    Letting the earbud case air dry

    The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

How to Clean Soft-Sided Earbuds Storage Cases

Whether you have purchased a soft-sided storage case sold for earbud storage or are using a small fabric bag, it should also be cleaned regularly to keep your earbuds as clean and functional as possible.

  1. Read the Care Tag

    If your storage case or pouch has a care tag, read and follow the directions carefully.

    Reading the care label inside of a soft earbud case

    The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

  2. Mix a Cleaning Solution

    Fill a sink or bowl with warm water and add a drop or two of a mild laundry detergent.

    Mixing a cleaning solution to wash an earbud case

    The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

  3. Wash the Case

    Submerge the case in the warm, soapy solution and let it soak for five minutes. Use your fingers to gently squeeze the solution through the fabric to make sure that the inside and outside of the case are free of debris.

    Submerging the earbud case into a cleaning solution

    The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

  4. Rinse the Case

    Hold the case under cool running water to rinse well until no more soapy residue remains.

    Rinsing the earbud case in water

    The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

  5. Allow the Case to Air-Dry

    Use an absorbent microfiber towel to blot as much moisture as possible from the inside and outside of the case. Open the case to increase airflow and allow the case to air-dry thoroughly before using it again.

    Letting the earbud case air dry

    The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

Tips to Keep Your Airpods and Earbuds Case Clean Longer

  • Clean your Airpods or earbuds weekly.
  • Wash your hands frequently.
  • Do not store the case in pockets or backpacks that contain leaky pens or opened food.
How to Clean a Laptop Screen