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)
Here’s the proper way to clean your earbuds, without damaging them.
1. Unplug and Power Off
Always disconnect your earbuds from your phone or laptop. If they’re wireless, turn them off first.
2. Remove Ear Tips (If Got)
If you’re using in-ear buds (like AirPods Pro, Galaxy Buds, or other silicone tip types), gently remove the ear tips. Wash them with warm, soapy water. Rinse and let them dry completely before putting them back.
3. Clean the Mesh
Use a dry toothbrush to gently scrub the mesh area. This will remove dried wax or dust. Don’t press too hard, be gentle!
4. Disinfect with Alcohol
Dip a cotton bud into rubbing alcohol (not too wet). Wipe around the outside of the earbuds, including the part that goes into your ear. This helps kill bacteria and removes oil or grease.
Never pour alcohol directly into the earbuds. You don’t want to short-circuit anything.
5. Wipe and Dry
Use a microfiber cloth to wipe everything down. Make sure there’s no moisture left before using or charging the earbuds again.
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!
Final Thought
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!