Your Earbuds Are Gross. Here's How to Clean Them Properly

WIRED

19-02-2025

Feb 19, 2025 8:00 AM Filthy buds look bad, impact sound quality and even risk infection. WIRED asked the experts how to correctly banish that ear gunk. Photo-Illustration:If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more. Please also consider subscribing to WIRED
Have you looked closely at your earbuds lately? I did, and I was horrified at how gross they were. My trusty Apple AirPods had become so mucky and caked in ear wax I was genuinely embarrassed, and almost reluctant to put something so nasty back in my ears.
But are my yellowing Airpods actually a risk to my health? I asked general practitioner Dr. Jonathan Webster, from Doctify, who explained that while earwax is protective and part of the normal cleaning process of the ear, 'problems arise because long-term use of the earbuds prevents the wax from naturally migrating outwards—and so it builds up, trapping moisture, and making it prone to getting infected.'
Earbuds can also push earwax deeper into the ear canal, leading to blockages and discomfort. There's a reason your ENT surgeon likes the saying, "Do not put anything smaller than your elbow in your ear." Dr. Webster also explained that 'there has definitely been a rise in problems associated with earbud use, including hearing loss, tinnitus and infections.'
Hearing loss has little to do with my poor headphone cleanliness, but it is worth remembering that 'prolonged exposure to loud noise can damage the very delicate hair cells in the inner ear (cochlear), leading to permanent hearing loss. With the in-ear headphones there is a concentration of the sound directed into the ear, which may make it more likely to cause a problem.'
It's also worth noting that the UK's National Health Service advises that headphone users should not listen to music at higher than 60 percent of the maximum volume, and not for more than an hour at a time. Can Dirty Earbuds Really Cause Infections?
There's not been a huge amount of clinical research into headphone cleanliness, but according to an investigation by ABC 11 back in 2019, microbiologist Dr. Michael Taveirne, from North Carolina State University, swabbed several different headphones and sent the cultures in for testing. The results showed staphylococcus and pseudomonas, two types of bacteria that can cause infection under the right circumstances.
Similarly, according to a Florida based ENT specialist headphones house around 2,700 times more bacteria than the average cutting board, or six times more bacteria than the kitchen sink.That's pretty gross—but even then you're not guaranteed to get infected.
Bacteria isn't inherently problematic, but if your earbuds don't fit properly and you're always fiddling with them, there's a higher risk of you scraping or damaging the ear canal, which will create the perfect conditions for bacteria to thrive. Add in sweat from sports, and hours of daily wear, and you could be in for a nasty surprise. How to Clean Your Earbuds
So, your earbuds are disgusting—but fortunately it is surprisingly easy to restore their cleanliness safely with just a few household essentials. Disinfectant spray or wipes : Alcohol-free wipes and sprays won't harm rubber, plastic, silicone or acrylic, but will make quick work of your grubby buds, dissolving wax quickly.
: Alcohol-free wipes and sprays won't harm rubber, plastic, silicone or acrylic, but will make quick work of your grubby buds, dissolving wax quickly. Earbud cleaning tool : There are countless options available, each designed to get into the smallest spaces. But before you invest, try using an old toothbrush or Q-tip first.
: There are countless options available, each designed to get into the smallest spaces. But before you invest, try using an old toothbrush or Q-tip first. A microfibre cloth : If you have a lens cleaner with your sunglasses this will work fine, although specific tech cloths are available. The key is to use a fabric that won't scratch, as well as minimise static build-up.
: If you have a lens cleaner with your sunglasses this will work fine, although specific tech cloths are available. The key is to use a fabric that won't scratch, as well as minimise static build-up. Soapy water : A mild soap without added moisturizers will remove any exterior residue. Check the IP water resistance rating of your buds before you do anything other than a careful wipe.
: A mild soap without added moisturizers will remove any exterior residue. Check the IP water resistance rating of your buds before you do anything other than a careful wipe. Silica gel pack: Chuck one in your gym kit bag along with your headphones and it will help to absorb excess moisture.
Some people recommend using isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol), but do so with caution as it can damage certain materials. If you do, always dilute it with water and use a small amount on a soft, lint-free cloth.
Apple has a comprehensive guide to AirPod maintenance that is equally relevant for other earbud brands. The main takeaway from their guide is that everything from soap to moisturizer, hair dye and acidic food can stain your earbuds, but a quick wipe with a disinfectant wipe should do the trick.
Similarly, Kimberley Bradshaw, from Hearing Aid UK suggests 'wiping down your earbuds and case with a microfibre cloth after each use [especially after sport] to remove dirt and sweat. Alcohol-free disinfectant wipes are great for earbuds, but avoid getting moisture on the internal parts.'
Use a cotton bud or old toothbrush: This ensures that you can get deep into every corner. With AirPods, for instance, the protective mesh over the ear tip gets blocked easily, but a quick brush should remove even the smallest particles. Having done this, I also noticed my headphones sounded better, too.
Soak your ear tips: Once you've removed any wax or dust, let the silicone tips soak in soapy water for half an hour. Dry thoroughly before reattaching them to the headphones.
Don't forget the cable: If you're a hipster or an audiophile you may still have wired headphones. You'd be surprised how often you touch the cable, so remember to give it a regular wipe to remove any bacteria buildup.
Clean the charging case: There's no point cleaning your buds if you're just going to plonk them back in a wax-smeared charging cradle. A once-over inside with a clean cotton bud will remove any debris and keep the charging points clear. The outside can be wiped down with soapy water, although avoid contact with the charging socket. Remember to remove any dust from the socket with the toothbrush or (carefully) with a bent paperclip if it's really impacted. Headphone Cleaning Kits
If you want to really go to town on your wax-off overhaul, here are our recommended all-in-one solutions to give your earbuds (and your ears) a treat. iFixit Precision Cleaning Kit : This includes 12 precision cleaning tips and contact cleaning liquid that's safe for electronics. A bargain at $10.
: This includes 12 precision cleaning tips and contact cleaning liquid that's safe for electronics. A bargain at $10. Belkin AirPods Cleaning Kit : A simple, Apple-approved cleaning kit consisting of brush, cleaning liquid, deionized water, microfibre and cloth.
: A simple, Apple-approved cleaning kit consisting of brush, cleaning liquid, deionized water, microfibre and cloth. Jlab headphone cleaning kit: Multipurpose one-piece tech cleaning kit with push-up pen nib for getting in the cracks, refillable cleaning spray bottle, soft sponge and brush—plus the outer case is covered in microfiber for polishing.