 Take a close look at your AirPods. You may find the mesh lined with ear wax. It would collect lint or dirt on the plastic seams lining as well as on the inner side of your AirPods case.
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It would quite amaze you to know about the microbes that lurk over there if you have a look at it under a microscope. Now, this is a rather alarming and common situation. One which has to be handled with the utmost care (and cleaning).
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Your AirPods pro is a breeding ground for a number of bacteria and even fungi. People mostly overlook this aspect. They do not clean and disinfect their AirPods pro at all. If they do so then that too once in a while.
AirPods pro needs to be cleaned and disinfected as much as any other product.
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What is AirPods pro?
AirPods pro are wireless Bluetooth in-ear headphones made by Apple for iPhones and iPads. They effectively block the noise all around you and you can work or enjoy music in complete peace.
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What microbes lurk on your AirPods pro?
There are a number of microbes present on your AirPods that may result in outer ear infections.
Among Bacteria
- Pseudomonas
- Staphylococcus aureus
Among Fungus
- Aspergillus
Swimmer’s ear is an infection, pertaining to its name not just affects swimmers but also those with dirty grime-filled AirPods. This happens when inflamed or injured ear skin meets your rarely cleaned AirPods. On the surface of which the above-mentioned bacteria or fungus is thriving already.
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People who have skin infections like Psoriasis and Eczema must pay special heed to cleaning their AirPods pro. These infections act as an irritant to the inner ear lining and they easily fall victim to infection caused by bacteria or fungi present on AirPods.
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In case you are immune deficient or diabetic, then you must be extra careful with the cleaning regimen of your earbuds.
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If you already have an ear infection, then it’s a no-brainer to not use your AirPods pro till you get fully healed. In such a case, still using the AirPods pro will just add insult to injury.
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Although there are not many studies conducted on earbud-ear infection, it is better to be safe than sorry.
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How to clean stains or damage to AirPods Pro or AirPods?
In case of exposure to
- Shampoos
- Conditioner
- Oil
- Hair dye
- Soaps
- Perfumes
- Detergents
- Sunscreen
- Lotions
- Solvents
- Acidic Foods
- Acids
- Insect repellent
How to clean AirPods Pro or AirPods damaged or stained by the above-mentioned material?
- Take a lightly dampened clean and soft microfiber cloth and wipe off the stain. Followed by drying it with a dry and soft microfiber cloth.
- Place them back in the charging case once they are completely dry only.
- Never use them unless they are completely dry.
- Stop any liquid from entering any opening.
- Never use any abrasive or sharp object to clean AirPods Pro or AirPods.
- Use a dry cotton swab to clean the microphone and speaker meshes.
How to clean the case of AirPods Pro or AirPods?
- Take a dry and soft microfiber cloth and clean the charging case with it.
- In addition to this, if you find any visible and persistent stains on your case, then clean it using a soft microfiber cloth moistened with isopropyl alcohol.
- Be extra careful of any liquid entering the charging ports.
- Take an old, soft-bristled, dry toothbrush to clean any debris from the electrical connector.
- Never use any sharp object or abrasive material to clean the charging case.
- In order to prevent any damage to the metal contacts. Never put anything in the charging ports.
How to clean the ear tips of AirPods Pro?
- If water gets collected in the ear tip, tap AirPods Pro on a dry and soft microfiber cloth. The ear tip opening must be facing downward.
- Gently pull off the ear tips from each AirPod and wash the ear tips with clean running water.
- Never use any soap or household cleaner.
- Wipe the ear tips dry with a soft and dry microfiber cloth.
- Place the ear tips back into the AirPod Pro only once they are completely dry.
How to disinfect your AirPods or AirPods Pro?
You can easily disinfect AirPods Pro with the help of either
- 75% Ethyl Alcohol wipe.
- 70% Isopropyl alcohol wipe.
You just have to do it gently as the AirPods are quite delicate.
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Never
- Use products having hydrogen peroxide or bleach.
- Use wipes on the speaker mesh of the AirPods pro, EarPods, AirPods, or AirPods Max.
- Dip the AirPods pro, EarPods, AirPods, or AirPods Max in any kind of cleaning agent.
- Place any liquid in any openings.
- Wash AirPods Pro or AirPods with running water.
Use a hard, wet, and full of lint cloth to clean AirPods Pro.
How to avoid skin irritation while using AirPods Pro?
If you are prone to skin allergy or have sensitive skin, then you have to check for materials in AirPods Pro, AirPods, and EarPods.ÂIf you use your AirPods Pro or AirPods while exercising, then clean and dry your device as well as your skin. This will add comfort and increase the life of your device.ÂAfter working out, your AirPods or AirPods Pro is subjected to- Sweat
- Shampoo
- Soap
- Lotions
- Sunscreen
- Perfume
- Makeup
Take away
AirPods Pro, AirPods, and EarPods are inserted directly into the ears. You end up using them every day. Therefore, they get coated with earwax and grime. If seen under a microscope, they have a number of bacteria and fungi on them. So, it is important to clean and disinfect them occasionally. Follow the way mentioned in this article and enjoy the product’s durability and an ‘ear-infection-free’ life.