Your AirPods Pro 3 will inevitably get gross from ear wax. Here's how to clean them properly without damaging anything.
Cleaning the Ear Tips: Pull them off at the base where they connect. Rinse with water only (no soap). Dry completely with a lint-free cloth before reattaching.
Cleaning the Speaker Mesh: This is where wax affects sound quality. Be careful here.
- Use a soft-bristled brush (clean toothbrush works)
- Gently brush across the mesh to loosen wax
- Don't push debris INTO the mesh
- For stubborn buildup, use a dry cotton swab on edges only
After Workouts: Wipe AirPods with a dry cloth before putting them in the case. Sweat is salty and causes problems if left to dry.
What NOT to Do:
- â Don't submerge in water
- â Don't use compressed air (damages speakers)
- â Don't use alcohol on speaker mesh
- â Don't use sharp objects to scrape
Cleaning Schedule:
| When | What | |------|------| | Every few uses | Quick wipe-down | | Weekly | Thorough cleaning | | After workouts | Immediate wipe |
Recommended Tools:
- Microfiber cloth
- Soft-bristled brush
- Cotton swabs (edges only)
- 70% isopropyl alcohol (case exterior only)
Pro Tip: Regular ear cleaning reduces how much wax ends up in your AirPods. If you're constantly dealing with buildup, it might be worth getting your ears checked.
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How we researched this
Where this comes from: this answer draws on the product's published specifications and the reviews ShopSavvy collected for it, alongside prices from 1 retailer in ShopSavvy's price data, most recently seen Oct 16, 2026.
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