In the main speaker, it seems like earwax has gotten in when it’s warm and melted into the mesh. I can’t scrape it out. Would carefully soaking it in alcohol dissolve it?

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creamsofpeach t1_jcx77hy wrote on March 20, 2023 at 6:46 AM

I looked this up once and watched many YouTube videos until I found the answer:

Blue mounting putty.

Reusable - I’m on the same one square of putty and I’ve cleaned mine countless times
Fast - takes me maybe 10 seconds for each earbud
High contrast - easy to tell if you left traces behind (just go in with the ball of putty again)
Cheap - comes out to just a few cents per square
Seriously satisfying.

23dohlen t1_jcx4x65 wrote on March 20, 2023 at 6:14 AM

Use adhesive putty like Tesa Tack, Uhu Patafix, Blu Tack.

It’s sticky enough to get all the dirt out but won’t damage the speaker or mesh.

keepthetips t1_jcwzkvt wrote on March 20, 2023 at 5:06 AM

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BewBewsBoutique t1_jcx4890 wrote on March 20, 2023 at 6:05 AM

Yes, but soaking anything will likely damage the speakers.

Try soaking the end of a q tip in alcohol, then holding the air Pod with the speaker side facing down, gently rub the q tip over the mesh.

Sufficient_Focus t1_jcx4ws2 wrote on March 20, 2023 at 6:14 AM

Alcohol is usually fine for electronics. Just make sure it's fully dry before using.

[deleted] t1_jcx5h6y wrote on March 20, 2023 at 6:22 AM

[removed]

Roaring-Kitty t1_jcxbn28 wrote on March 20, 2023 at 7:50 AM

I don't think soaking your AirPods in alcohol is a good idea. I would recommend using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol (90% isopropyl) to gently clean the mesh. You may also want to check out some YouTube tutorials on how to properly clean AirPods. Good luck!

Gargomon251 t1_jcxlekn wrote on March 20, 2023 at 10:14 AM

Stores literally sell something called earbud cleaning putty

Selenamunoz t1_jcx371i wrote on March 20, 2023 at 5:51 AM

Try washing your ears first 😜

Hungry-Baseball-Fan t1_jcxbsy6 wrote on March 20, 2023 at 7:52 AM

I’ve had this issue as well and I found out that a mixture of warm water and soap does the trick! Make sure you use very mild soap, and you can also add a few drops of rubbing alcohol for best results. Soak your AirPods in the mixture for a few minutes and then rinse them off with warm water. Be sure to let them air dry before using them. Good luck!

jak0v92 t1_jcx5eld wrote on March 20, 2023 at 6:21 AM

Buy a new pair, because that's what apple users usually do 🤷