How to Clean Earbuds—Because They're Swimming With Germs

Learning how to clean earbuds is vital because, like smartphones, they get germy fast. Odds are, you've popped in those little pods at least a few times in the last week while walking to work, running errands, working out, or sitting at your desk.

If you have noticed that the sound quality isn't quite as good as it once was, it could be because your earbuds are filled with earwax, bacteria, and dirt. Don't skip a beat. Here's how to clean your earbuds the right way, without damaging them.

How Often to Clean Your Earbuds
If you use earbuds daily, quickly clean them at least weekly to remove wax, dust, and grime. Do a thorough cleaning monthly or more often during hot weather or if you wear them while sweating at the gym.

"Unless you sanitize them [regularly], your earbuds have probably accumulated a great deal of dirt and bacteria," Whittier Hospital Center explains in a blog post. "So the moment you put them in, your earbuds can introduce dirt and bacteria into your ears and also increase ear wax build-up," the medical experts say. "Excessive wax build-up leads to impacted ear wax that can affect your hearing."

What You'll Need
To Clean Earbuds
Dishwashing liquid
Cotton Swab
Microfiber Cloth
To Disinfect Earbuds and Case
Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol
Alcohol wipes
Cotton swabs
To Clean Fabric Pouch
Dishwashing liquid and water
Bowl
How to Clean Earbuds
Unlike a pair of earplugs, you should never hold the earbuds under running water or submerge them in water or another liquid for even a second. Always disconnect them from any device before cleaning. Then follow these steps:
Step 1: Mix a Cleaning Solution
In a small bowl, mix ¼ teaspoon dishwashing liquid with ½ cup warm water. Dishwashing liquid is preferably to hand soap, which could leave a residue from added moisturizers or colors.
Step 2: Remove and Soak the Tips
Pull the foam or silicone tips and rotate to gently remove them from the earbuds. Add them to the cleaning solution and allow them to soak for at least 30 minutes.
Step 3: Clean and Dry the Tips
Remove the tips from the cleaning solution. Use a cotton swab to wipe away any loose dirt or wax. Rinse well with warm water and allow them to air-dry on a lint-free cloth. They must be fully dry before placing them back on the earbuds.
Step 4: Clean the Mesh Cover
Hold the earbud with the mesh cover facing down so any particles will not fall deeper into the outer housing. Use a soft, dry toothbrush to gently brush away any visible wax.

How to Disinfect Earbuds
If it's been a while or your earbuds are visibly dirty, you need to disinfect them.
Step 1: Wipe the Tips With Alcohol
If you have silicone tips, disinfect them by wiping them down with an alcohol wipe or a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol. Allow them to air-dry. Foam tips cannot be disinfected because of their porous nature but cleaning them in the detergent and water solution will help clean them.
Step 2: Swab the Mesh Screen With Alcohol
Use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to wipe the mesh screen. Be sure the swab is only slightly damp because you do not want moisture to enter the housing. Allow the screen to air-dry for an hour.
Step 3: Wipe or Swab the Housing and Cord With Alcohol
Use an alcohol wipe or cotton swab to wipe down the outer housing of the earbuds and the cords, if you have them. This will clean and disinfect the surface.
Step 4: Dry
Allow them to air-dry before using. Do not dry with hot air (as from a hair dryer), which can damage the earbuds. One way to speed up the drying is to place them in a small container with a moisture absorber packet inside.

How to Clean a Silicone or Plastic Earbud Case
Step 1: Wipe With Cloth and/or Cotton Swab
Remove the earbuds and wipe the outside and inside of the case with a dry, clean, microfiber cloth. Use a clean, dry cotton swab to remove lint and dust from the nooks and crannies in the case as well as the charging port.
Step 2: Wipe With Alcohol
If the case is still dirty, dampen a cloth or cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol to thoroughly wipe down the interior and exterior of the case. You can also use an alcohol wipe as long as it's merely damp, not wet. If the case is used for charging, take care not to get moisture on the electronic components.


Step 3: Dry
Allow it to air-dry for an hour or so before replacing the earbuds. (Again, they should not be too wet.)

How to Clean Fabric Earbud Pouch
Step 1: Make a Cleaning Solution
Place a bowl under the faucet and fill it with warm water. Add a few drops of dishwashing liquid and mix.
Step 2: Submerge Pouch
Open the earbud pouch as much as possible and submerge it in the soapy solution. Allow it to soak for at least 10 minutes.
Step 3: Remove Soil
Use your fingers to gently irritate the fabric. This will work the solution into the fabric to remove any dust, lint, or soil. Rinse well and allow the pouch to air-dry.
How to Keep Your Earbuds Clean for Longer
Use a case. When you toss your earbuds in a backpack, purse, or pocket, they are picking up dust, lint, and bacteria.
Allow the earbuds to air-dry away from direct heat if they get wet, even if they are water-resistant.
At the gym, don't tuck your earbuds into sweaty gym shorts or sports bras, where they'll be exposed to too much moisture and bacteria. Store them in a case or a sealable plastic bag when you're not using them.
Close the charging case while the earbuds are powering up. No need to allow dust to settle on them or the interior of the case.