Are you like most who answer “rarely” or maybe even “never”? Dirty earbuds can cause ear infections, bad sound quality, and even smell funny. Yup, all that earwax, sweat, and dust trapped in your earbuds may cause something that we all do not want, right?
So if you’re wondering how to clean earbuds without ruining them, let’s learn the easy way to keep your earbuds clean, safe, and working like new!
Editor
Mae An NG chevron_right
Table of Contents
Why You Should Clean Your Earbuds
Before we jump into how to clean earbuds, here’s why it’s important:
- Better sound: Dust and dirt can block the speaker holes.
- Hygiene: Bacteria and earwax buildup can lead to infections.
- Longer lifespan: Clean earbuds work better and last longer.
And if you’re sharing your earbuds with friends or family? You MUST clean them!
What You’ll Need
No need for fancy cleaning kits. You probably have these things at home:
- A soft, dry cloth (like a microfiber cloth you use for your glasses)
- Cotton buds (Q-tips)
- A little bit of rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol, around 70% is good) OR mild soapy water
- A soft, small brush (an old, clean toothbrush or a tiny makeup brush works great!)
- Lukewarm water (if using soap)
How to Clean Earbuds (Step-by-Step)
Whether you're using your earbuds for work calls, jamming to music on the LRT, or watching TikTok before bed, they can get pretty dirty pretty fast. Earwax, dust, and sweat — all of that can build up over time and affect sound quality or even cause infections if not cleaned regularly.
But don’t worry, cleaning your earbuds isn’t that hard. You just need the right steps — and a bit of care — to make sure you don’t damage them.
Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to clean your earbuds the proper way.
1. Unplug and Power Off Your Earbuds
First things first — safety.
If you're using wired earbuds, unplug them from your phone, laptop, or tablet. If they’re wireless earbuds, make sure you turn them off and remove them from their charging case.
Why? You don’t want any electric components running while cleaning. If the moisture and electricity don’t mix, you could short-circuit the earbuds or even damage the battery.
2. Remove the Silicone Ear Tips (If Your Earbuds Have Them)
If you’re using in-ear models or any earbuds with removable silicone tips, take them off gently.
- Wash the ear tips with warm water and a bit of mild soap.
- Rinse thoroughly under running water to remove any soap residue.
- Pat them dry with a clean towel and let them air dry completely before reattaching.
Do not reattach wet ear tips! Any trapped moisture can lead to bacterial growth or damage the speaker grill.
3. Clean the Mesh Speaker Area Carefully
This is where the sound comes out — and also where earwax and dust love to get stuck. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a dedicated earbud cleaning brush (if you have one). Gently brush the mesh in circular motions to loosen and remove debris.
Tip: Hold the earbuds with the mesh facing down so that the debris falls out, not deeper in.
Be gentle — don’t press too hard or poke anything into the mesh. It’s a sensitive area, and pushing debris inside can affect your audio quality.
4. Disinfect the Surface Using Rubbing Alcohol
Now it’s time to sanitise!
- Dip a cotton bud (Q-tip) or a soft cloth in rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol). Make sure it’s damp, not soaking wet.
- Gently clean around the outer casing, edges, and the part that goes into your ear.
- If you're using earbuds with stems (like AirPods), you can also clean along the stem.
This helps remove oils, grime, and any invisible bacteria.
Important: Never pour or spray alcohol directly on the earbuds. That’s a one-way ticket to damaging the internal electronics.
5. Wipe Down and Let Everything Dry
Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth (or tissue, if that’s all you’ve got) to wipe everything down — including the earbud body, stem, and charging contacts.
Make sure everything is 100% dry before:
- Reattaching the silicone ear tips.
- Placing them back in the charging case.
- Turning them on or plugging them in.
What NOT To Do When Cleaning Earbuds
- Don't use too much liquid. A little goes a long way.
- Don't use harsh chemicals like bleach or strong solvents.
- Don't poke sharp objects into any part of the earbuds or case.
- Don't forget to let everything dry completely.
How Often Should I Clean My Earbuds
Good question! If you use your earbuds daily, especially for workouts:
- Quick wipe-down: Every few days.
- Deep clean (like we described above): Once a week or every two weeks.
Listen to your earbuds (and look at them!). If they look dirty or the sound is off, it's time for a clean!
Bonus Tips for Keeping Your Earbuds Clean Longer
- Clean them weekly if you use them daily.
- Avoid using them with dirty or oily hands.
- Don’t share your earbuds with others (or clean them first before doing so).
- Store them properly in their charging case or pouch, not loose in your pocket or bag.
- Avoid using them in dusty or sweaty environments unless they are water-resistant (like IPX5/IPX7 models).
Final Thoughts
Your earbuds go into your ears, so keeping them clean isn’t just about sound — it’s about your health too. The best part? You don’t need anything expensive to do it.
Knowing how to clean earbuds properly is a simple habit that makes a big difference. So the next time you're blasting your Spotify playlist or taking Zoom calls, you’ll know that your earbuds are clean, safe, and giving you the best sound possible.
Looking for new earbuds to replace your old ones? Check out our latest list of the best earbuds in Malaysia — there are many options for every budget!