The Complete Guide to Safely and Thoroughly Cleaning Your AirPods (and Other Earbuds)

AirPods and earphones that you use daily are prone to accumulating earwax, sweat, sebum, and foundation, which, if left unchecked, can lead to a decline in sound quality and pose hygiene risks. This guide offers a comprehensive cleaning procedure that aligns WIRED's latest how-to tips with Apple's official support guidelines, tailored for easy implementation in Japanese households. It provides detailed instructions by model (AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, and other earphones). The tools you'll need include a soft toothbrush, cotton swabs, a microfiber cloth, and around 70% isopropyl alcohol (IPA). It also clarifies actions to avoid, such as not getting liquid into the charging case or speaker mesh, and not using compressed air or high heat for drying. The guide covers how to wash silicone ear tips, replace headphone cushions, a frequency chart for regular maintenance, and a recovery checklist for when the sound becomes faint. Keep your devices clean and enjoy the best sound experience comfortably.