How to Clean Earbuds

Before You Begin

Whether you have earbuds with cords or wireless ones, such as Apple's AirPods or Samsung's Galaxy Buds, the cleaning steps are very similar. Do not submerge the buds in water or hold them under a faucet, even for just a second. You'll damage the wiring. And never clean the earbuds while they are connected to your phone, laptop, or another device.

You can also use the same method to clean headphones. Just wipe down the larger surfaces as well as the inner mesh screen.

1. Clean the Earbud Tips

   If you have silicone tips, foam tips, or covers on the earbuds, pop them off. Mix a solution of one part dishwashing liquid and five parts lukewarm water in a small bowl. Add the tips and allow them to soak for at least 30 minutes. After soaking, use a cotton swab dipped in the soap mixture to give them a better cleaning. Rinse the tips well and allow them to air-dry for several hours or overnight. Do not put them back on the earbuds until they are completely dry.

2. Clean the Earbud's Mesh Cover

   Use a new or old clean, dry toothbrush to gently brush and clean away any visible earwax out of the earbud's mesh screen. Hold the earbud with the mesh facing downward so any particles fall out instead of deeper into the earbud.

3. Disinfect the Mesh Cover

   Lightly dampen a cotton swab with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and wipe the bud mesh to disinfect and remove any residue that remains. Don't saturate the cotton swab with too much alcohol. You don't want any moisture to drip down into the inner mechanisms of the earbud. The alcohol should dry quickly.

   Warning

   Note that both Apple and Samsung do not recommend that you put anything wet or damp on the mesh of an earbud, and instead, use only a dry cotton swab, which will not disinfect the mesh cover.

4. Disinfect the Outside of the Earbud and Cords

   Finally, dip the microfiber cloth in isopropyl alcohol and wipe the outer rubber surfaces of the earbud. This will both clean and disinfect the surface. Microfiber is lint-free and will not leave fibers in the mesh. You can also use a prepackaged alcohol wipe.

   If you have corded earbuds, use the alcohol-dipped microfiber cloth or alcohol wipe to clean the cords.

5. Allow the Earbuds to Dry

   Allow the earbuds to air dry away from direct heat for at least 15 minutes before using them or storing them in a case. Don't use a fan or hairdryer because they can blow lint back into the mesh screen.

Tips to Keep Your Earbuds Clean Longer

• Put earbuds in a case when you're not using them. Every time you put earbuds into your pocket, backpack, or purse, they pick up lint and debris.
• Clean your case, too, because dust and debris can disrupt charging. When you clean the earbuds, clean the case by wiping down the inside with a microfiber cloth dipped in a bit of rubbing alcohol. This is particularly important for wireless charging cases.
• Even if your earbuds are water-resistant, they shouldn't be kept wet for long periods because moisture can slip into the inner workings. If they do become quite wet, allow them to air-dry away from direct heat.
• Don't keep your earbuds in your gym shorts or tucked in your sports bra where they are exposed to sweat. Instead, put them in a sealable plastic bag or waterproof case.