Isla Bennett
It is not recommended to use nail polish remover to clean AirPods. Acetone, a common ingredient in nail polish remover, can damage the plastic casing of AirPods as well as their electronic components. Additionally, the use of abrasive cleaning products is discouraged, as they can scratch the AirPods. Instead, Apple recommends using a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to clean the AirPods and their case. For more stubborn marks, a small amount of rubbing alcohol can be used, but it should never be applied directly to the case and should be kept away from charging ports.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Should you use nail polish remover to clean AirPods? | No |
| Why? | It dissolves the plastic |
| Alternative options | Alcohol, electronics cleaner, water, lint-free cloth, cotton swabs |
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What You'll Learn
Nail polish remover can damage AirPods
Several online sources advise against using nail polish remover to clean AirPods. This is because nail polish remover often contains acetone, a chemical that can dissolve plastic.
As AirPods are made of plastic, using nail polish remover to clean them may damage their surface and texture. One user on an Apple forum reported that their AirPods case developed a "weird rough texture" after acetone accidentally spilled on it. Another user on the same forum noted that their AirPods now have a "very rough skin texture" after using nail polish remover to clean them.
Similarly, on a Reddit thread dedicated to AirPods, a user commented that cleaning their AirPods with nail polish remover "completely ruined the audio." They added that the audio is barely audible unless the volume is turned all the way up.
Instead of nail polish remover, it is recommended to use isopropyl alcohol or electronic cleaner to clean AirPods. These substances are gentler on the plastic surface of the AirPods and are less likely to cause damage. When using these cleaners, it is important to use them in moderation, applying a small amount to the tip of a brush rather than submerging the AirPods directly in the liquid.
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Acetone in nail polish remover dissolves plastic
Several online sources advise against cleaning AirPods with nail polish remover, stating that it can ruin the audio. Acetone is a common ingredient in nail polish removers, and it is known to dissolve plastic. As AirPods are made of plastic, it is likely that using a nail polish remover with acetone will damage them.
Acetone, also known as propanone, is a colourless, flammable liquid commonly used as a nail polish remover. It is a solvent, which means it can dissolve other substances. Acetone is widely used in the manufacturing of plastics, household products, cosmetics, and personal care products. In the beauty industry, acetone is often used to remove nail polish, gel colour, and acrylic nails, as well as to prep the nails for a new coat of polish. Salons typically use a 70-90% acetone solution during manicures.
Traditional nail polish removers are made up of an acetone solvent and a fatty material like lanolin or caster oil. While acetone is effective at removing nail polish, it has been labelled by some as the "big bad wolf" of the nail industry due to its stringent smell and potential dangers. However, experts claim that there is no hard science proving that acetone nail polish removers are dangerous. When used correctly and sparingly, acetone-based nail polish removers present an acceptable risk.
It is important to note that acetone is flammable, so it should not be used near open flames. If acetone comes into contact with skin, it is important to wash the area thoroughly with soap and water. Acetone can be absorbed into the bloodstream through open cuts or cracked skin, so it is crucial to avoid using it in these cases. Additionally, clothing contaminated with acetone should be removed and washed immediately.
Some nail polish removers may contain other ingredients like formaldehyde, parabens, vitamin E, or glycerin. Formaldehyde is a carcinogen and can be dangerous, so it is recommended to avoid nail polish removers containing this ingredient. Parabens are also linked to cancer, so it is advisable to limit their use or opt for paraben-free alternatives. On the other hand, vitamin E and glycerin can be beneficial, promoting healthy skin and nails.
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Alternative cleaning methods for AirPods
Several online sources strongly advise against cleaning AirPods with nail polish remover, as it can ruin the audio. Instead, Apple recommends using micellar water to clean the encircled meshes on your AirPods. Here is how you can do it:
- Add a small amount of micellar water to a cup.
- Dip a toothbrush in the cup of micellar water until the bristles are fully saturated.
- Hold your AirPod with the mesh facing up.
- Brush the mesh in circles for about 15 seconds.
- Turn over your AirPod and blot it on a paper towel, ensuring the paper towel comes into contact with the mesh.
- Repeat steps 2-5 two more times (three times total) for each mesh that you would like to clean.
- Rinse off the micellar water by rinsing the brush with distilled water, then repeat steps 1-5 with distilled water for each mesh.
- Allow your AirPods to dry completely for at least two hours before placing them in the charging case or using them.
If your AirPods are exposed to anything that might cause stains or other damage, such as soaps, shampoos, conditioners, lotions, perfumes, solvents, detergents, oils, or acidic foods, wipe them clean with a cloth slightly dampened with fresh water. Then, dry them with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth.
Another alternative method is to use isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol). Place a few drops of isopropyl alcohol on a paper towel and clean the exterior of the case, the internal notches where the earpieces sit, and around the magnets. You can also use isopropyl alcohol to clean the exterior surfaces of the AirPods themselves. However, do not use isopropyl alcohol on the ear tips. Instead, pull them off and rinse them with water, then wipe them with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth before reattaching them to the AirPods.
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Users' experiences cleaning AirPods with nail polish remover
Several users have shared their experiences of cleaning AirPods with nail polish remover online. While some do not detail the effects, others note that the audio quality of their AirPods was negatively impacted, with one user noting that the audio is "basically non-existent unless you put the audio all the way up". Another user states that their AirPods now have a very rough skin texture.
It is worth noting that nail polish remover contains acetone, which dissolves plastic. As such, Apple recommends cleaning the encircled meshes of AirPods with micellar water and a soft-bristled brush, avoiding other areas. The charging case can be cleaned with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth, which can be slightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol if necessary. It is important to avoid getting any liquid in the charging ports and to allow the case to dry completely before use.
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Recommended cleaning products for AirPods
It is strongly advised against using nail polish remover to clean AirPods. Nail polish remover contains acetone, which dissolves plastic. Users who have attempted to clean their AirPods with nail polish remover have reported ruined audio quality and a rough texture on their AirPods.
Instead, Apple recommends the following methods for cleaning your AirPods:
- Use micellar water and a toothbrush to clean the encircled meshes on your AirPods. Dip the toothbrush in a cup of micellar water until the bristles are fully saturated. Hold your AirPod with the mesh facing up and brush the mesh in circles for about 15 seconds.
- Turn over your AirPod and blot it on a paper towel, ensuring the paper towel comes into contact with the mesh. Repeat these steps two more times.
- Rinse off the micellar water by rinsing the brush with distilled water, then repeat the previous steps with distilled water.
- Allow your AirPods to dry completely (for at least two hours) before placing them in the charging case or using them.
Alternatively, you can use a disinfecting or alcohol wipe to clean the exterior surface of your AirPods. Ensure that you do not use the wipe on the mesh speaker part and dry the buds completely with a clean cloth before using them again. Since alcohol dries quickly, you shouldn't need to wait more than 60 seconds.
For the microphone and speaker meshes, use a dry cotton swab and a soft-bristled brush to gently wipe away dirt. Be careful not to press too hard, as you could push the wax through the mesh, making it difficult to remove.
If you own AirPods Pro, you can detach the silicone tips from the earphones and soak them in warm, soapy water for about 30 minutes. For stubborn stains, agitate the container to loosen up the gunk. Once clean, use a soft cloth or cotton swab to wipe away any remaining earwax or dirt and set aside the silicone tips to air dry completely before reattaching them to your AirPods.
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Frequently asked questions
No. While your AirPods can bear a little moisture, it is not advisable to use nail polish remover to clean them as it can be harmful to the external polish of AirPods and may damage the product.
You can use an antibacterial screen cleaner that is made particularly for cleaning electronics, such as Whoosh, to clean, polish, and disinfect your AirPods.
Given that AirPods are one of the costliest accessories you own, it is advisable to clean them regularly to keep them free of dirt, dust, ear wax, or grime.
During your leisure time at home, take a cotton swab or a microfiber cloth and clean the AirPods. A medicated cotton swab can work well on the speaker grilles or in the seams.
