The whiteness of your AirPods signifies that your AirPods are in clean and pristine condition. However, over time factors like dirt, oil, and exposure to sunlight can dull their aesthetic appeal and lead to discoloration.
Today we’ll go into a thorough guide on effective methods, and recommendations to restore and maintain your AirPods’ original white glow, ensuring that they look as good as new. We’ll begin by identifying the causes of discoloration to then provide you with a cleaning guide and product recommendations so you can keep your AirPods in immaculate condition.
What Causes Discoloration?
Oils from your skin and exposure to dirt and dust can leave marks and stains on the surface of your AirPods. Over time, these contaminants can seep into small crevices and eventually harden, making them difficult to remove.
Prolonging and continuous exposure to UV light from the sun can also cause your AirPods to become yellow. This is due to the breakdown of chemical bonds in the plastic material which leads to its coloration. The American Chemical Society explains in more detail how yellow discoloration from UV light occurs on white plastics if you want to know the science behind it.
Using incorrect or harsh chemicals, detergents, or other incompatible cleaning supplies can damage the protective coating of your AirPods. Strong alcohol-based cleaners with more than 70% alcohol for instance can strip away the glossy finish, leaving the surface dull and more susceptible to coloration.
Restoring and Maintenance Guide
Baking Soda Paste
Mix a baking soda with water to form a paste that isn’t too thick to cause abrasion when applying it to your AirPods. A safe ratio to start with is about three parts baking soda to one part water.
Dip the paste you created with a soft-bristled brush then gently apply the paste on the stained areas of the AirPods. The mild abrasive nature of the baking soda will help lift stains without the need for harsh ingredients like bleach.
Using Specialized Polishing Agents
Look for polishing agents that are safe for use, especially for plastic surfaces. These should also be non-abrasive and free from strong chemicals that might degrade the material. If you’re looking for a good recommendation then we highly suggest Novus plastic polish as it cleans the surface and also provides a thin layer of protective coating that helps resist fingerprints and further soiling.
Apply a small amount of the polish to a soft lint-free cloth then gently wipe in a circular motion on the surface of your AirPods for even distribution.
Enhancing Finish with UV Protection
For those who are frequently exposed to sunlight and are in environments like being at the beach or are constantly outside, protecting your AirPods from UV damage is crucial to avoid yellow discoloration. To maintain the pristine white finish of your AirPods we highly recommend a UV protective spray that is safe for the plastic casing of your earbuds.
For this, we recommend 303 Aerospace Protectant a UV protective spray that provides excellent UV protection and helps prevent fading, discoloration, and cracking due to prolonged exposure to UV light coming from the sun.
Maintaining AirPods While on the Go
There are a variety of elements that can compromise the whiteness of your AirPods. This includes everyday items like makeup, earwax, or even snacks from your hands when you’re handling your earbuds. It gets more difficult to remove these stains the longer they’re kept on your AirPods so regular maintenance is required.
Portable Cleaning Tools
If you’re looking for a tool that’s compact and simple to use when you’re on the go then we highly recommend our very own Hybuds Pen. This all-in-one solution comes with a metal tip for debris around the speaker meshes, a high-density brush for removing external debris, and a flocking sponge to clean the inside of your AirPods charging case.
The seamless design and features of the Hybuds Pen will make cleaning your AirPods a breeze and will help with regular maintenance so the stubborn stains disappear as fast as they come.
