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Barf1312184

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Sep 17, 2016
20
9
I received my silver airpods max and am extremely happy with them. My only concern is being able to keep the white mesh part clean. Ideally, I would have gone with one of the darker colors, but the only one that was still available for pre-order with a release day delivery was the silver. I didn't know if anyone had any ideas on how to keep the white mesh from looking disgusting over time (aside from just not wearing them) or if there were any thoughts on how it might be able to be cleaned.
 

Bazooka-joe

macrumors 603
Mar 12, 2012
5,347
3,743
Swindon, England
I received my silver airpods max and am extremely happy with them. My only concern is being able to keep the white mesh part clean. Ideally, I would have gone with one of the darker colors, but the only one that was still available for pre-order with a release day delivery was the silver. I didn't know if anyone had any ideas on how to keep the white mesh from looking disgusting over time (aside from just not wearing them) or if there were any thoughts on how it might be able to be cleaned.
Are they starting to get grubby or are you just thinking ahead?
 

akerns429

macrumors regular
Sep 24, 2013
102
142
Everyone's about that instant gratification these days. I would have waited for a darker color, like the Space Gray. Luckily I was able to order that color for launch day delivery. If I wouldn't have been able to, I'd be waiting. I think the black mesh headband is going to be much easier to keep clean than white. But, maybe you can use a sneaker cleaner that's safe on mesh sneakers like Ultra Boosts?
 

Klschmann

macrumors member
Jan 21, 2020
45
59
Washington, DC
Black has it's own disadvantages - it shows oils and fingerprints much more than lighter colors.

I've had white/silver Bose headphones for years and they still look good. I'm hoping my silver AirPods Max will age similarly.

Also, less concerned about the mesh than the actual arms as those rest on my head with more force. Hopefully these will be easy to clean if needed.
 

Ryanoceros

macrumors newbie
Dec 23, 2020
10
24
I’m very, very curious about this too. I bought the APM in silver (was lucky enough to find one available for pickup at my local Apple store). But once I got home and realized from the photo on the box just how bright white the canopy mesh was, I figured I might need to find out how easy it will be to clean/wipe off before I commit to them. I realize they’re going to get dirty and show the dirt quite easily. That’s to be expected. If they clean off easily, then I won’t really mind it.
 

LeonPro

macrumors 6502a
Jul 23, 2002
933
510
I avoided the grey because it looks like my other dark-coloured headphones. The silver/white combination is unmistakably Apple. I won't worry about the light colour as long as you don't have dirty hair. Lol.

I did order the black ear foams to replace the silver pads to make it look distinct. I ordered it directly with an Apple phone support and they put an order for me ready to ship once it becomes available.
 

spencecb

Suspended
Nov 20, 2003
1,187
215
I can say that they definitely get dirty (mine are the silver ones). Mine have gotten dirty around the parts of the cushions that touch my face. I never have hair product in my air prior to using my AirPods Max. Granted, I only use them at home as I have not flown anywhere yet, despite being vaccinated.

Anyway, I am letting the cushions soak in mild laundry detergent and water right now, but I am curios to try the suggestion of sneaker cleaners on them if this does not work. I used Woolite last week, since that is meant for hand washing and is mild, but it definitely did not work.
 

spencecb

Suspended
Nov 20, 2003
1,187
215
I can say that they definitely get dirty (mine are the silver ones). Mine have gotten dirty around the parts of the cushions that touch my face. I never have hair product in my air prior to using my AirPods Max. Granted, I only use them at home as I have not flown anywhere yet, despite being vaccinated.

Anyway, I am letting the cushions soak in mild laundry detergent and water right now, but I am curios to try the suggestion of sneaker cleaners on them if this does not work. I used Woolite last week, since that is meant for hand washing and is mild, but it definitely did not work.
I can already say this seems to have worked very well. I let them soak for 10 minutes, then I washed them gently with a clean wash cloth. I ran them under hot water to rinse them out, then pressed the cushions to get most of the water out of them. Now they are drying in front of a fan. Pretty easy!
 

TorontoSS

macrumors 65816
Nov 9, 2009
1,087
395
I can already say this seems to have worked very well. I let them soak for 10 minutes, then I washed them gently with a clean wash cloth. I ran them under hot water to rinse them out, then pressed the cushions to get most of the water out of them. Now they are drying in front of a fan. Pretty easy!
Just want to say thanks for posting this. Super helpful to know they get clean! I also have the white ones and I’m more concerned about that headband, but I’m hoping wipes will do the trick!
 
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Synomenon

macrumors 6502a
Apr 5, 2011
831
434
I received my silver airpods max and am extremely happy with them. My only concern is being able to keep the white mesh part clean. Ideally, I would have gone with one of the darker colors, but the only one that was still available for pre-order with a release day delivery was the silver. I didn't know if anyone had any ideas on how to keep the white mesh from looking disgusting over time (aside from just not wearing them) or if there were any thoughts on how it might be able to be cleaned.
You could try these headband covers. I use one with my silver APM:
 
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