Why should you clean your headphones?
AirPods owners sometimes experience nearly muted sound from videos or music. People often assume a hardware fault, but more often the issue is much simpler: the headphones need a cleaning.
Users of all AirPods models notice that pollution builds up after years of use. After about four years with the first generation AirPods, a Canadian tech reviewer also observed this phenomenon. In recent months, there have been reports of very high volume settings even when indoors with no ambient noise. The speakers themselves still function, but they simply play at a lower level than before.
Many wearers take their headphones on walks, commutes, and workouts. This habit accelerates dust and grime accumulation on the earpiece grills. Even when used at home, a gradual reduction in volume can occur over time.
The charging case also collects dust and debris as it is opened and closed regularly.
How should cleaning be done?
Like the case, the earmuffs should be cleaned with proper tools. Cleaning can be done at home. Experts commonly suggest using toothpicks, cotton swabs dampened with a small amount of isopropyl alcohol, and a soft brush.
A reviewer tried common methods: cleaning the edges of the speakers with a toothpick, wiping the speakers with a cotton swab, and then gently brushing the surfaces with a toothbrush. The same approach was applied to the case body. While these steps improved the aesthetic appearance of the devices, the sound quality remained unchanged and the volume continued to be low.
There is an alternative method some users claim works as well. It involves using chewing gum.
Proponents advise chewing for about 10 minutes until the gum loses its sweetness and becomes tackier. They claim that this viscosity helps lift grime from the devices. The technique suggests pressing the gum 7–8 times onto the contaminated areas, allowing dirt to transfer to the gum. The appeal lies in the gum’s stickiness and its ability not to obstruct mesh openings.
By design, the gum can reach tight spots where a toothpick or brush cannot. Still, this method carries the risk that gum particles could remain inside the earphone grills, so many opt against it.
Is it better to use service centers?
Many service centers offer cleaning for AirPods, but terms and pricing must be clarified before proceeding. Online prices for cleaning two earpieces and a case typically range from moderate to higher, depending on the model.
Practically, cleaning the first generation AirPods can cost around a typical rate for cleaning two earpieces and the case. In some cases, price quotes vary between in-store and over the phone, making it important to confirm what is included in the service.
The cleaning process can take roughly a dozen minutes. When finished, the earpieces and case appear notably newer, though there will still be signs of wear from years of use.
According to the cleaner, magnet areas on the case cover may show wear that cannot be fully reversed by cleaning alone. The expert also notes that the abrasions beneath the magnets are a natural consequence of long-term use. A key advantage of professional cleaning is a genuine restoration of volume. After service, users often find that the headphones reach a comfortable listening level with a lower overall volume than before.
Is it worth the money?
The difference between DIY cleaning and professional service may justify paying for a cleaning every couple of years. The procedure can be worthwhile, but it helps to discuss cost and cleaning conditions with the technician beforehand.
Taking a photo of the headphones before service can be a smart precaution to verify what was cleaned. It also helps to listen to a few tracks with the headphones before cleaning, so the original volume level is known. After service, replaying those same tracks helps confirm whether the volume improved and the sound quality feels more balanced.