Wireless earbuds can get very dirty because they are used so frequently. They can come in contact with oils, ear wax, and skin cells. You should also clean the charging case and your earbuds. This will help to make them last longer. Before using rubbing alcohol or any other metal tools, make sure you use the most gentle cleaning products. This will help reduce damage to the headphones’ glossy plastic casing as well as the chance of damaging delicate membranes (and some ear tips). It’s very easy to perforate AirPod membranes from over-enthusiastic cleaning. You must twist the tips before you can remove them. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions (we have a few guides for you below), and our top tips.
How to clean wireless earbuds
There are different cleaning methods depending on the type of buds. There are wireless earbuds that have removable silicone (or plastic), such as the Galaxy Pro Buds or most Bose earbuds. Additionally, there are several models with one solid body, such as Apple’s original AirPods.
The only difference between the two is that detachable tips can be easier to clean. These tips can be easily replaced and often include spare tips. You don’t have to worry about damaging your headphones’ electrical components by using soapy water or mild cleaning products for a particular tip.
Use a microfiber cloth to clean the tips and earbuds. You may notice dirt on the wireless buds if they are kept in a case. Apple advises that you use a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe, 75% ethyl alcohol wiping or disinfectant wipes to clean the outside of wireless headphones. However, it warns you not to use wet wipes for the speaker mesh parts. Samsung’s Guidance recommends soft, dry cotton clothes and cotton swabs.
If you require something thinner, remove the tips and trace the inside with a cotton swab or a toothpick. You can upgrade to an earphone cleaner with a metal loop, but be careful. Metal objects are more likely than other materials to scratch or pierce. To remove any dirt, the cleaning tool has a brush on the other end. After you are done, wipe the tips with a damp cloth.
Each AirPods Pro tip has a delicate mesh membrane that is easier to clean than the membranes on headphones. However, they are fragile. Apple advises you to rinse the tips with water. However, you should not use soap or any other cleaning products. Use a damp cloth to rinse the tips. After drying them, dry them completely with a clean towel.
Apple recommends that you use cotton swabs, or a dry cloth to clean the speaker mesh parts of your AirPods. A bulb air blower can be used to remove dirt and dust without causing damage to electrics. Although canned air might be stronger than regular air, it is not recommended. Sony warns that this can push dust into the microphones or sound outlets’ holes.
How to clean the charging case for wireless earbuds
Your charging case might be in worse shape than your buds. The case has deep crevices that can pick up dirt and lint from your buds while they charge. The cases are typically made of metal contacts that connect to the buds and charge them. This can cause problems with charging your headphones if there is any dirt buildup or ear wax. It is important to clean the charging contacts. You can capture any obstructions to charging with a soft cloth or cotton swab. A bulb air blower can also be used to add some air – the ones that have a brush attached work well for this.
To clean the case and the earbuds, use a small toothpick. This will remove any wax or grime trapped in the seams. While most earbuds are made of molded plastic, some have lines and edges that gather dirt.
How to maintain your wireless earbuds
Your buds look great! Keep them that way. To reduce moisture buildup, you can wipe your Galaxy Buds or AirPods with a damp cloth after your workouts. Your wireless earbuds will be easier to clean if you regularly check their condition.
This guide will end with some digital hygiene. Make sure your companion TWE apps are current. These updates may add notable features or increase performance. After app and OS updates, your smartphone will typically transmit firmware updates to your headphones automatically. Make sure to keep them close to your phone. This is especially true for AirPods and iPhones. They will not notify users when firmware updates become available. You should ensure that your firmware is up to date in iOS settings. If it isn’t, you can make sure that both your iPhone (and AirPods) are connected to power and located near one another. You can leave the devices together overnight for the update to take place.