Even the best Apple AirPods and other types of headphones can become quieter over time. It may seem reasonable to conclude that the devices are simply too old to provide the same sound performance as when they were new. However, it may not be necessary to purchase a new product. The reason they become quieter may have nothing to do with faulty internal components but rather cleanliness. Headphone-style headphones accumulate all kinds of dirt over the years, including sweat, earwax, skin oils, hair and skin products, dust, and pocket lint. Some particles may be visible immediately, but not always. The solution is to regularly clean your AirPods and other wired and wireless headphones to ensure that sound isn’t blocked as it passes through the speaker mesh.
There is no way to prevent the buildup of certain debris, such as earwax, as it is a physiological aspect of the ear. However, you can remove debris regularly by employing proper cleaning techniques.
What are users saying?
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Social platforms like Reddit have many threads discussing the lifespan of AirPods and similar devices. Battery life is a frequent topic in these discussions, as is cleanliness. In one such thread, Reddit user Ryocoon acknowledged that battery life can be an issue, but that these devices “definitely need to be cleaned.” The user addressed a potential sound issue with the AirPods, saying that if the earbuds are “projecting sound outward,” then they are obstructed on the normal ear port and are likely leaking sound through the bass attenuation ports. The user suggested that the solution is to use “an old soft-bristled toothbrush and isopropyl alcohol” to clean them.
Other Reddit threads report problems with AirPods after cleaning them. “I just decided to clean my AirPods of the wax and got rid of a good amount of them, but after putting them back in, my left AirPod is now extremely muffled and can barely hear through it if it’s at maximum volume,” Reddit user CletusMcgeetus wrote, asking for advice. In another discussion, Redditor noticed that the AirPods were getting “quieter with each use” despite cleaning them frequently, speculating that the AirPods’ mesh was clogged with earwax.
How to clean headphones correctly
What is the best way to clean headphones? Some manufacturers provide support materials that advise consumers to clean their headphones frequently, describing what tools to use and how to clean them. For example, Apple explains in support documents for the AirPods Pro and AirPods models that users should clean the earbud mesh with micellar water containing PEG-6 caprylic/capric glycerides, distilled water, and a soft toothbrush. Users should dip the brush in micellar water, clean the meshes with circular motions for about 15 seconds, then blot the meshes onto paper. The procedure should be repeated three times before dipping the brush in distilled water to rinse the meshes. Let the AirPods air dry for about two hours. The AirPods charging case can be cleaned with a soft cloth and isopropyl alcohol (if necessary). AirPods Pro tips can be removed and rinsed with water.
JBL, which makes inexpensive competitors to AirPods, advises users experiencing volume or sound imbalance to remove earwax stuck in speaker grilles by dipping the earbud tips no more than 1 to 2 mm in warm tap water with dish soap for 2 to 3 minutes. then use a toothbrush to remove the earwax. Sony has a detailed guide to cleaning over-ear headphones, including a section on removing earwax from the microphone mesh. Sony advises users to remove the ear cushions and then clean the microphones using a cotton swab to thoroughly remove dirt. The company does not mention any cleaning solutions for the procedure.
Users can follow these guides for other in-ear headphones and over-ear models, especially if their device manufacturers don’t offer similar support materials. If you’re wondering how often you should clean your headphones, Apple recommends regular cleaning. Some experts say a weekly cleaning schedule should be sufficient, while a deep cleaning can be done once a month.
