If you often use earbuds or in-ear headphones, they can get dirty. Keeping them clean is important to prevent ear problems like infections or earwax buildup.
How often should you clean earbuds?
It depends on how much you use them and for what activities. If you use them daily for calls or music, cleaning them once a week is enough.
If you use them for running or at the gym, clean them before or after each use. Also, clean them often in the summer when you tend to sweat more.
How do you clean earwax out of headphones?
You can tell when your earphones have earwax buildup by the orange-brown debris around the speaker rims or under the silicone tips.
To clean them, use an alcohol wipe or a soft cloth with rubbing alcohol or cleaning vinegar to gently remove any earwax or debris. Cotton buds are good for cleaning small, hard-to-reach areas.
Make sure they’re dry before you use them again or store them.
Can you wash earphones with water?
Water can damage electronics, so it’s best to avoid using water to clean your earphones.
If your earphones need a thorough cleaning, a soap and water mixture can help remove tough debris. Use a cloth rinsed well enough to be just damp, not wet, to wipe the earphones gently. Let them dry for several hours before using them again.
If your earphones have removable silicone tips, wash these with soap and water. Ensure they are completely dry before reattaching them to your earphones.