How’s this for an unsettling fact? According to cleaning expert Lana Tkachenko, your earbuds can contain way more bacteria than your kitchen sink, one of the germiest places in a home. But while your home’s sinks are likely already a part of your cleaning routine, the same likely can’t be said about your beloved AirPods. Due to their minute size and electronic components, how to clean earbuds can be somewhat of a conundrum—and you want to take extra precautions to protect your investment. “Cleaning your earbuds regularly helps maintain sound quality while preventing dirt, oil, and bacteria build-up,” says Tkachenko. Here, our experts explain best practices when it comes to cleaning your smallest audio devices, along with common mistakes to avoid.
I’ve got to admit, I hadn’t thought about cleaning my AirPods until I noticed the sound quality dipping a bit—yep, that muffled sound was a wake-up call! A study from the Online Journal of Health & Allied Sciences backs this up, showing that earphones can harbor bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, which can lead to infections if not cleaned regularly. To keep things safe, I now make it a habit to clean mine every couple of weeks. Tkachenko’s point about maintaining sound quality really hits home—clean earbuds don’t just keep germs at bay, they also ensure your music sounds crisp. For those of us who use earbuds daily, adding this to your routine is a small effort for a big payoff.
How to Clean Earbuds, Step-by-Step
Cleaning any electronics comes with some universal rules, says Cassandra Cummings, CEO at Thomas Instrumentation Inc. “Electricity and liquids don’t mix,” she says, noting that dry cloths and cotton swabs should usually be your initial approach. “If you feel the need to further disinfect a product, then using alcohol wipes is the best option—but don’t use a wipe that’s soaked with rubbing alcohol.” Airbuds have sensitive electronic parts packed into a tiny space, Leon Huang, CEO at RapidDirect, reminds us. “Liquid, high pressure, or even static discharge can destroy the internal circuitry,” he says. “Clean them carefully with non-metal tools and make sure the ports and speaker meshes are dry.”
Materials Needed:
- Static-free surface, such as an ESD mat
- Microfiber cloth
- Soft-bristled cleaning brush
- Cotton swabs
- Rubbing alcohol
Instructions:
Huang, CEO at RapidDirect, offers this step-by-step guide to cleaning your earbuds:
- Power off and disconnect. Remove the earbuds from there case and disconnect them from any devices.
- Place on a clean, static-free surface. This could be made from rubber, vinyl, or laminate. ESD mats—which protect against electric static discharge (ESD)—can typically be purchased online.
- Wipe down exteriors. Take a dry microfiber cloth and use it to clean the surface of the earbuds and their case. If there is still grime on the device, apply a little bit of isopropyl alcohol on the cloth.
- Clean the speaker mesh. Use a clean, soft-bristled brush or dry cotton swabs to clean the speaker’s mesh surface. Work in circular motions, avoiding excessive force so as not to damage the mesh.
- Clean the case’s interior. Use a dry cotton swab to clean around the metal contacts located in the charging case. Do not use excess liquid or force.
- Leave to air dry. If you utilized wet swabs or cloths, ensure that all parts have fully dried before placing the earbuds back in their case or resuming use.
I’ve found that keeping a small cleaning kit handy makes this process a breeze—think a microfiber cloth, a few cotton swabs, and a tiny bottle of isopropyl alcohol. One thing I learned the hard way: don’t skip the static-free surface. I once cleaned my earbuds on a wool blanket (bad idea!) and got a static shock that made me nervous about damage. Huang’s tip about using an ESD mat is spot-on, especially if you’re a bit clumsy like me. Also, if you’re wondering about cost, a basic ESD mat can be found online for about $10-$20, and a small bottle of 70% isopropyl alcohol is usually under $5. This small investment keeps your earbuds safe and your cleaning routine effective.
Common Mistakes When Cleaning Earbuds
Take special care to avoid damaging your earbuds by avoiding these common blunders. Remember: You’re putting your earbuds in your ears, says Tkachenko. This means you don’t want to use toxic cleaning chemicals—or anything stronger than 70 percent alcohol. Poking sharp objects (such as straight pins) through the speaker mesh can easily damage your device, cautions Huang. Your case often tends to be dirtier than the earbuds—don’t forget to clean it. If your electronics get wet, the best solution is to turn off the device and leave it out somewhere clean to dry, says Cummings. “People may be tempted to use rice or hair dryers to speed the process, but that can be damaging,” she explains. “You don’t want pieces of rice in your charging port or speaker holes. You also don’t want to use a hair dryer as it may overheat the device, causing additional damage.” Time is often your best remedy in these cases.
I’ll confess, I used to think tossing wet earbuds in a bag of rice was a genius hack—until I found a grain stuck in the charging port! Cummings’ advice about air-drying is the way to go. Patience is key here; letting them dry naturally might take a few hours, but it’s better than risking damage. Also, Tkachenko’s warning about toxic chemicals really made me rethink my cleaning supplies. I once grabbed a household cleaner by mistake, and let’s just say the smell lingered on my earbuds for days. Stick to 70% isopropyl alcohol—it’s safe, effective, and evaporates quickly. Another tip: keep a small brush (like an old toothbrush) just for your earbuds’ case. It’s amazing how much dust and gunk can hide in those crevices, and a dedicated brush makes it easy to stay on top of it.
