You spent five hundred and fifty dollars on a pair of headphones. Maybe more if you grabbed them at launch or opted for a fancy color. Now, after six months of daily commutes, gym sessions, or just wearing them while doing dishes, the knit mesh canopy looks gray and the ear cushions smell... interesting. Honestly, it’s gross. But the fear of breaking the internal sensors or water-logging the drivers keeps most people from doing anything more than a quick wipe.
Don't just dunk them in water. Please.
Learning how to clean AirPods Pro Max is less about "deep cleaning" and more about surgical precision. These are precision-engineered aluminum and fabric machines, not a pair of gym socks. If you get moisture inside the mesh of the ear cups where the H1 chips live, you're looking at a very expensive paperweight. Apple's official documentation is actually pretty strict about this, but most users ignore the nuance. You've got to separate the textile elements from the electronics. That is the golden rule.
The Secret Is the SIM Tool (Seriously)
Most people try to clean the headband while it’s still attached to the ear cups. This is a mistake. It’s awkward, and you're constantly risking a drip into the speaker grill.
If you look closely at the inside of the ear cup, near where the headband attaches, there’s a tiny pinhole. Use a SIM card ejector tool or a paperclip. Push it in, and the entire headband pops right out of the aluminum cup. This is a game-changer. Suddenly, you have a piece of stainless steel and mesh in one hand and two sensitive electronic pods in the other. You can now scrub that headband without any fear of a short circuit.
Why does this matter? Because the "canopy"—that mesh part at the top—is a magnet for hair oils and dead skin. Over time, these oils break down the elasticity of the mesh. If you don't clean it, the mesh sags. Once it sags, the heavy headphones rest directly on the steel bars against your skull. It hurts.
Dealing with the Ear Cushions
The cushions are magnetic. Pull them off. They should pop right out with a satisfying snap.
Apple recommends a mixture of liquid laundry detergent and water. Specifically, 1 teaspoon (about 5 mL) of detergent to 1 cup (250 mL) of water. Don't use bleach. Don't use dish soap, which can be too harsh for the fabric's acoustic coating.
- Dip a lint-free cloth into the soapy mix.
- Wring it out until it’s barely damp.
- Rub the cushions gently.
- Do not soak them.
I’ve seen people throw these in the washing machine. Don't be that person. The heat from a dryer will melt the adhesive holding the fabric to the plastic frame, and the agitation of a washer can warp the shape. Just use the cloth. It takes five minutes.
The Aluminum Cups and Sensors
The aluminum part of the AirPods Pro Max is surprisingly resilient, but the sensors inside are not. Use 70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipes or 75 percent ethyl alcohol wipes. This is the standard recommended by Apple for hard, nonporous surfaces.
Gently wipe the exterior. For the digital crown, if it feels "crunchy" or stuck, you might have debris under the dial. Don't spray compressed air directly into the gaps. That can actually force dust deeper into the mechanism. Instead, use a dry, soft-bristled toothbrush. A kid's toothbrush works best because the bristles are softer and can reach into the crevices around the crown and the noise control button.
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Be careful around the optical sensors and the "L" and "R" markings inside the cups. These are protected by a thin film. If you scrub too hard with alcohol, you might cloud the sensor window, which messes up the "Automatic Head Detection" feature. If your headphones stop pausing when you take them off, you probably have a smudge or a scratch on that sensor.
Solving the "Dreaded Condensation" Issue
If you use your AirPods Pro Max for long periods, you’ve probably noticed moisture droplets inside the cups when you pop the cushions off. This is basic physics. Your ears are warm, the aluminum cups are cold, and condensation happens.
If you're wondering how to clean AirPods Pro Max to prevent this, the answer is: you can't prevent physics, but you can manage the aftermath. If you see those droplets, wipe them away immediately with a dry microfiber cloth. If that moisture sits there, it can migrate into the pinholes for the microphones. This leads to that weird "crackling" or "static" sound in Transparency Mode or Active Noise Cancellation.
The Headband Canopy: The Hardest Part
This is the part everyone messes up. The knit mesh is delicate. If you scrub it with a rough towel, it will fray.
Use the same detergent solution mentioned earlier. Use a very soft cloth and "blot" the mesh. Don't rub back and forth like you're sanding wood. Think of it like cleaning a silk tie. If you have the white or "Silver" model, the yellowing from sweat is almost inevitable, but regular cleaning every two weeks can slow it down significantly.
Once you’re done, let everything air dry for at least 24 hours. Do not—under any circumstances—reattach the headband or the cushions while they are still damp. Water and electricity are enemies.
Essential Maintenance List
- Frequency: Every 2-3 weeks for heavy users; monthly for occasional users.
- Materials: Microfiber cloths, 70% Isopropyl alcohol, liquid laundry detergent, a soft toothbrush, and a SIM tool.
- Drying time: 24 hours minimum. No hair dryers. High heat ruins the battery and the adhesives.
- Case care: The "Smart Case" is basically microfiber and polyurethane. Wipe it with a damp cloth. It gets dirty faster than the headphones because it’s always in your bag.
Real-World Nuance: Third-Party Cushions
Sometimes, the original cushions are just too far gone. If they smell like a locker room and soap isn't fixing it, you might need to replace them. Apple sells replacements for $69. It’s steep. There are $20 versions on Amazon, but be warned: most of them change the sound profile. The original Apple cushions have a specific density that aids in bass response and noise isolation. Third-party ones are often just foam and might make your $500 headphones sound like $50 ones.
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Also, keep an eye on the charging port. Use a wooden toothpick to gently dig out lint from the Lightning (or USB-C on newer models) port. Don't use a metal needle; you'll short the pins.
Actionable Next Steps
Start by removing the ear cushions and checking for any visible moisture or debris. If the headband feels loose or looks stained, use a SIM tool to detach it from the ear cups before applying any cleaning solution. Mix a small amount of laundry detergent with water and damp-wipe the fabric surfaces, then leave all components to air dry separately for a full day. For the metal and plastic parts, a quick wipe with 70% isopropyl alcohol will sanitize the surface and remove skin oils. Stick to this routine once a month to ensure the mesh canopy doesn't lose its tension and the microphones remain clear of any obstructive buildup.