Using dirty headphones can potentially affect your ear health. Learn how to properly clean your headphones to protect your hearing and extend the life of your device.
Using dirty headphones is like reusing cotton swabs – something we all know is a bad idea. Because every time you wear headphones, earwax, dirt and bacteria will gradually accumulate. This accumulation not only affects the sound quality but can also be the cause of ear infections.
Earwax, dirt and bacteria are favorable factors for the growth of bacteria inside the ear canal. If not cleaned regularly, headphones will become a hotbed of bacteria causing inflammation, affecting your hearing health.
Therefore, regular cleaning of headphones is extremely necessary to prevent bacterial growth and maintain the performance of the device.
Tips for cleaning headphones safely and effectively
Apple offers some recommendations for cleaning AirPods, including using disinfectant wipes or alcohol to clean the outer surface, but not the speaker grilles. If you use liquid to clean your headphones, make sure they are completely dry before using them again.
For the speaker grille and microphone, you can use a dry cotton swab and a soft-bristled brush to gently wipe away dirt. “However, don’t press too hard because it can push earwax deep inside the mesh, making cleaning more difficult,” technology expert Matt Elliott shares.
You can also use Fun-Tak clay to remove stubborn earwax. Just warm the clay, press it against the speaker, and use a bamboo toothpick to scrape off any wax that’s stuck around. Apple also offers a separate $19 polishing cloth that can be used to clean your AirPods. You can also use a regular microfiber cloth to clean the outside of the earbuds.
Cleaning headphones with removable silicone tips
Headphones with removable silicone tips, like the AirPods Pro or JBL Reflect Flow Pro, are often easier to clean. The silicone helps protect the speakers from earwax and dirt, and they can be easily removed.
To clean the earbuds, remove them and soak them in warm, soapy water for 30 minutes. If the earbuds are very dirty, you can gently shake them to remove dirt more easily. Then, use a clean towel or cotton swab to wipe away any remaining earwax and let it dry naturally.
You can easily find replacement silicone tips on Amazon for about $13, suitable for many types of headphones, including regular AirPods. Don’t forget to clean the headphone case with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. You can moisten a cloth with water or alcohol, but avoid getting liquid on the charging port.
Don’t forget to clean the charging box
Keeping the charging case clean is often overlooked, but it is extremely important to keep your headphones clean. Dust that accumulates in the case can easily be transferred back to the headphones after they have been stored. To clean the charging case, simply use a soft, slightly damp cloth to wipe away any dirt. Be careful not to get liquids in the charging port, as this can cause damage. The charging case plays an important role in keeping your headphones clean, so be sure to clean it regularly along with your headphones.
Mistakes to avoid when cleaning headphones
Although some headphones are advertised as waterproof, immersing them in water to clean them is not recommended. The safest way is to moisten a microfiber cloth or cotton swab and gently wipe away dirt. Using sharp objects such as staples to clean headphones also poses many risks, possibly damaging the speaker membrane. Instead, use a soft-bristled toothbrush or wooden toothpick to gently remove dirt. Careful maintenance of your headphones will help prevent damage and ensure the device operates properly, extending its lifespan.
