I say this without judgment: you’re likely overdue for an earbud clean.
Earwax, sweat from workouts, dirt, and dust — daily use exposes earbuds to a myriad of ways to get nice and dirty. And when was the last time you spot-cleaned them? Exactly.
Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable
That’s where the deep clean comes in. In addition to the sanitation of it all, cleaning your earbuds periodically can help prevent damage that might impact their use, whether it be causing issues with the charging case, wear detection features, or even how the buds themselves sound. In other words, the less dirt getting into the internals of your buds, the better. Even the best earbuds can start to suffer without proper maintenance. For optimal performance, Bose recommends cleaning your earbuds every two months.
If the idea of cleaning your earbuds makes you worried you’ll cause more harm than good, don’t fret. It’s easier than you think, and you likely have most, if not all, of the supplies already.
Supplies for cleaning earbuds
-
Micellar water (or distilled water, though regular water can also be used in a pinch)
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A clean microfiber cloth
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Cotton swabs
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Optional: A soft-bristled toothbrush
How to deep clean your earbuds
- 5 minutes
- Micellar water
- Clean microfiber cloth
- Cotton swabs
Step 1:
Remove the ear tips.
How to do this can vary slightly from model to model, but generally a light pinch and pull will get the job done.
Step 2:
Wipe down the earbuds and exterior of the case with a dry microfiber cloth.
Step 3:
Check specific earbuds guide for any areas you may need to avoid during cleaning.
For example, Apple’s AirPods Pro instructions make clear where to avoid cleaning.
Credit: Apple / Screenshot
Step 4:
Apply a very small amount of micellar water to a microfiber cloth, cotton swab, or soft bristled toothbrush. Lightly clean earbuds’ mesh for 15 to 30 seconds.
You can repeat this step as many times as needed, but be sure to dry the mesh immediately after with a dry microfiber cloth.
Step 5:
Use a microfiber cloth to wipe the interior of the case.
You can use a small amount of micellar water here, but make sure your cloth is damp, not wet. If possible, avoid getting charging pins wet.
Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable
Step 6:
Wipe ear tips down with microfiber cloth.
In most cases, it’s completely fine to also use a damp cloth here. However, if you’re unsure, check specific instructions for brands. Sony recommends not getting the XM6 ear tips wet, while Bose and Apple say you can submerge the ear tips in water.
Step 7:
Set aside ear tips to dry if necessary.
Tapping the ear tips on a towel to remove any excess moisture can work well here. You’ll want to leave them sitting out in a secure, clean space while the rest of your earbuds dry.
Step 8:
Dry case and earbuds for at least two hours.
This may seem like overkill (and honestly, in some cases, this probably is excessive), but letting the case dry open and the earbuds sit out on a clean surface guarantees that not a drop of moisture will threaten the performance of your earbuds.
Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable
Step 9:
Replace the ear tips, and enjoy your newly cleaned buds!
General rules of thumb for earbud cleaning
DO: Double-check the specific manufacturer instructions for your earbuds. That might mean actually cracking open the user guide. Oftentimes, guides or specific cleaning instructions will tell you the specific areas to avoid on your earbuds.
Find cleaning instructions for Apple AirPods Pro models, Apple AirPods 4 and 5, Bose earbuds, Sony WF-1000XM6 earbuds, Beats Powerbeats Pro 2, Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 earbuds, and Soundcore earbuds.
DON’T: Put earbuds back into their charging case until both the earbuds and the case are completely dry. You didn’t get your earbuds extra clean just to introduce moisture problems.
DO: Be aware of small openings and ports. Minimizing moisture is key, so even when using a lightly damp cloth, it’s important to avoid getting liquid into tiny openings, as it could affect the efficacy of the hardware. After using any damp materials for cleaning, dry your earbuds with another microfiber cloth immediately. Do NOT use any heat, such as hair dryers, as they’re liable to cause damage.
Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable
DON’T: Turn to harsh alcohols for disinfecting. While some brands — Beats and Soundcore included — mention using rubbing alcohol as a cleaning tool, several other brands warn against it. The harshness of the alcohol can degrade earbuds and ultimately affect performance, so relying on water, micellar water, or a dry cloth is ultimately the safest route.
DO: Be careful with cotton swabs and charging cases. Though cotton swabs are a great shape for getting into nooks and crannies, their fibers can easily get caught and lodged into those same nooks and crannies. The best solution is to use a microfiber cloth instead — if you’re having trouble maneuvering it, you can always wrap the cloth around the cotton swab to give yourself more dexterity.
