Clean AirPods Case - my hardcore test

I admire the YouTubers and bloggers whose Apple devices in the videos and photos still look the same years later as they did on day one. The opposite is usually the case for me.

My AirPods go straight into my pocket, hanging out alongside a bunch of keys and other things that don't exactly help improve their looks.

For the people who don't value my story and want the tip directly: Clean the AirPods case too 70% isopropanol. That works fine.

Isopropanol 70% purity with 30% distilled water - 750ml cleaning fluid

• Isopropanol is also used as cleaning alcohol, degreaser for cleaning in the household, kitchen, cosmetics and hobbies....
• 70% pure with 30% distilled water & free of dyes and fragrances. Residue-free & leaves no odors.
• Also as a degreaser, de-icing agent, adhesive residue remover for removing wax and ink.

Buy it at Amazon Price includes VAT, plus shipping costs (updated: 6.12.2023 at 23: 34 clock)

The problem with dirty AirPods

I have to take a picture of them every once in a while. Today, for example, because I had a charging station on the test stand that also has a place for AirPods. Of course, I also wanted to take photos with the AirPods on the charging dock, but hey: my AirPods case looked really bad.

When I read the article about the Apple polishing cloth (Apple microfiber cloth – secret weapon or money-making?) I stumbled across the tip from Apple itself to clean products like the Apple Studio Display or iPhone and iPad with 70% isopropanol.

Note: To remove occasionally difficult-to-remove substances from nanotexture or standard glass, you can use a 70 percent solution of isopropyl alcohol (IPA). (Source: Apple)

I got myself a bottle of it immediately after reading the information, since the cleaning liquid will certainly also work for other Apple products.

99,9% or 70% - why does it matter?

As you can see from the photo, I stupidly bought 99,9% isopropanol. This didn't damage the case, but Apple certainly doesn't recommend the 70 percent solution for cleaning the Apple display without reason.

I assume that this reduces the attack on the anti-grease coating on the iPhone and iPad. For iPhone and iPad I therefore also ordered the diluted isopropanol.

Clean AirPods case with isopropanol

So I went straight to my AirPods case and rubbed it down with a kitchen towel and a dash of propanol. The result was quite impressive. A number of stains came off that I couldn't get rid of before by rubbing with the t-shirt.

But don't expect miracles. The keys caused some scratches and a rough surface on my case, which of course also accepts discolouration more than a smooth AirPods case.

However, the strong stains came off and so I can save myself a lot of retouching work in Photoshop, which I usually had to do when I installed the case on photos.

Isopropanol definitely gets a thumbs up from me. You can also use the stuff to remove adhesive residue from labels or remove finger grease from keyboards and mice.

However, Apple recommends a 70% solution, which can also be mixed - for example here at Amazon – can get. Or via this product box:

Isopropanol 70% purity with 30% distilled water - 750ml cleaning fluid

• Isopropanol is also used as cleaning alcohol, degreaser for cleaning in the household, kitchen, cosmetics and hobbies....
• 70% pure with 30% distilled water & free of dyes and fragrances. Residue-free & leaves no odors.
• Also as a degreaser, de-icing agent, adhesive residue remover for removing wax and ink.

Buy it at Amazon Price includes VAT, plus shipping costs (updated: 6.12.2023 at 23: 34 clock)

Jen Kleinholz( Founder & Sir Apfelot )

Jens has been running the blog since 2012. He acts as Sir Apfelot for his readers and helps them with technical problems. In his spare time he rides electric unicycles, takes photos (preferably with the iPhone, of course), climbs around in the Hessian mountains or hikes with the family. His articles deal with Apple products, news from the world of drones or solutions to current bugs.

The page contains affiliate links / images: Amazon.de