How do I ACTUALLY clean my AirPods?

Official Apple instructions don’t work. Wiping and brushing just pushes ear wax further into the AirPod, and sound get gradually worse over time, no matter how much I clean the AirPod or my ears. With daily use, these are supposed to last how long, a year maybe, before it’s gummed up with ear wax on the inside? I really love my Airpods, but it’s clear Apple wants me to buy a new $150 pair every year, and just wear dirty EarPods. The official cleaning instructions are a joke.

Cleaning with alcohol (not the official way), no matter how carefully, is likely to break the Airpods. I’m on my second pair, busted after cleaning them, being very careful not to saturate alcohol past the mesh. I let them dry over night, and even let the airpods run out of battery before cleaning. It’s clear that Apple doesn’t want airpods to last very long. Please show me how I am wrong.