Have you taken a close look at your earbuds recently? I did, and I was shocked by how dirty they were. My reliable Apple AirPods had become so filthy and covered in earwax that I felt genuinely embarrassed and almost hesitant to put something so unclean back in my ears.
But do my discolored AirPods actually pose a health risk? I consulted physician Jonathan Webster from Doctify, who clarified that while earwax serves as a protective barrier and is part of the ear’s natural cleaning process, “problems arise because prolonged use of earbuds prevents the wax from moving out naturally – leading to buildup that traps moisture and may result in infections.”
Earbuds can also force earwax deeper into the ear canal, potentially causing blockages and discomfort. There’s a reason your ENT surgeon often says, “Do not insert anything smaller than your elbow into your ear.” Webster also mentioned that “there has definitely been an increase in issues related to earbud use, including hearing loss, tinnitus, and infections.”
Hearing loss isn’t directly related to my lack of headphone cleanliness, but it’s important to remember that “extended exposure to loud noises can harm the delicate hair cells in the inner ear (cochlear), resulting in irreversible hearing loss. With in-ear headphones, sound is concentrated directly into the ear, which could make it more likely to cause problems.”
Additionally, it’s important to note that the UK’s National Health Service recommends that headphone users keep music volume below 60 percent of the maximum and limit listening to no more than an hour at a time.
Can Dirty Earbuds Lead to Infections?
There hasn’t been extensive clinical research on headphone hygiene, but an investigation by ABC 11 in 2019 found that microbiologist Michael Taveirne from North Carolina State University swabbed various headphones and sent the samples for testing. The findings revealed staphylococcus and pseudomonas, two types of bacteria that could cause infections under certain conditions.
Similarly, a Florida-based ENT specialist stated that headphones typically carry about 2,700 times more bacteria than the average cutting board, or six times more than the kitchen sink. That’s rather concerning—but even with that level of bacteria, you’re still not guaranteed to develop an infection.
Bacteria isn’t inherently harmful, but if your earbuds don’t fit well and you frequently adjust them, there’s an increased risk of scraping or injuring the ear canal, creating ideal conditions for bacteria to flourish. When you add sweat from exercising and hours of daily wear, you might face an unpleasant surprise.
How to Clean Your Earbuds
So, your earbuds are filthy—but fortunately, cleaning them safely is surprisingly simple with just a few common household items.
- Disinfectant spray or wipes: Alcohol-free wipes and sprays won’t damage rubber, plastic, silicone, or acrylic, and they quickly dissolve wax buildup.
- Earbud cleaning tool: There are many options available, each designed to clean hard-to-reach areas. However, before buying, try using an old toothbrush or Q-tip first.
- A microfiber cloth: A lens cleaner you use for your sunglasses will work well, although specific tech cloths can be purchased. The main thing is to select a fabric that won’t scratch and will minimize static build-up.
- Soapy water: A mild soap without added moisturizers will help remove any residue from the surface. Be sure to check the IP water resistance rating of your earbuds before doing anything more than a gentle wipe.
- Silica gel pack: Throw one into your gym kit bag with your headphones to help absorb excess moisture.
Some recommend using isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol), but it’s important to be cautious as it may damage certain materials. If you choose to use it, always dilute it with water and apply a small amount on a soft, lint-free cloth.
Apple has a detailed guide for maintaining AirPods that is relevant for other earbud brands as well. The essential advice from their guide is that anything from soap to moisturizer, hair dye, and acidic foods can stain your earbuds, but a quick wipe with a disinfectant wipe should suffice.
Likewise, Kimberley Bradshaw from Hearing Aid UK advises “wiping down your earbuds and case with a microfiber cloth after each use [especially post-sport] to eliminate dirt and sweat. Alcohol-free disinfectant wipes work well for earbuds, but be careful not to let moisture touch the internal parts.”
Use a cotton bud or old toothbrush: This allows you to reach every nook and cranny. For instance, with AirPods, the protective mesh over the ear tips gets easily clogged, but a quick brush can eliminate even the tiniest particles. After doing this, I also noticed my headphones sounded much better.
Soak your ear tips: Once you’ve cleared away any wax or dirt, let the silicone tips soak in soapy water for about half an hour. Make sure to dry them thoroughly before reattaching them to the headphones.
Don’t forget about the cable: If you are a hipster or an audiophile, you might still use wired headphones. You might be surprised at how often you handle the cable, so make sure to regularly wipe it down to eliminate any bacteria buildup.
Clean the charging case: There’s no point in cleaning your earbuds if you’re just going to put them back in a dirty charging case. A quick clean inside with a cotton swab will help remove debris and keep the charging points free. You can wipe down the exterior with soapy water, but avoid letting any water touch the charging port. For stubborn dust, you can use a toothbrush or a bent paperclip carefully.
How often should you clean your headphones?
There isn’t a strict guideline on how often to clean your earbuds or headphones. The cleaning frequency can vary based on how regularly you wear them, what activities you’re doing while wearing them, and the surrounding climate.
For instance, headphones used on a daily basis and kept on your desk should be wiped down approximately every week. Earbuds used at the gym might require cleaning after each use, especially if you sweat heavily.
The best guideline is to monitor your equipment closely. When you observe earwax, dirt, sticky fingerprints, oil, or sweat on your headphones, clean them promptly. Delaying this will only result in more grime and make the cleaning process more difficult.
How to clean AirPods, earbuds, and headphones:
Make it a habit to periodically wipe down your headphones or earbuds. Ideally, you should clean the ear pads of headphones or the tips of earbuds with a slightly damp cloth at least once a week. Ensure that the headphones are powered off and disconnected from your device. After cleaning, dry them thoroughly with a soft cloth. Avoid using alcohol, as it can strip color or damage leather or fabric more quickly. Soap and water will effectively eliminate any unwanted substances.
Utilize a small, soft brush to clean the interior of the earbuds and remove any debris. Wax accumulation can dull the sound of your earbuds. Consider getting an affordable cleaning tool designed to clear out wax (some premium in-ear models even come equipped with one).
First, take off the ear tips from the earbuds. Then, use the metal-loop side of the tool to gently scoop out any earwax.
Be careful not to jam the loop into the tip while it’s still attached to the earbud, as this could push wax further in and harm the driver.
Next, use the small, soft brush end of the tool to carefully clean off anything adhering to the earbuds. Make sure the earbud opening is facing downwards to let gravity assist and to prevent small bits of loosened wax from falling into the earbuds themselves. Clean the ear tips with a soapy, wet cloth and dry them thoroughly before putting them back onto the earbuds.
Clean the charging case and battery connectors:
For completely wireless earbuds, such as AirPods, which are stored in a charging case, it’s essential to routinely clean both the case and the connectors.
Most wireless earbuds charge via small pins and metal contacts that can accumulate earwax and dust. When this occurs, you may discover that your earbuds aren’t charging correctly.
To clean inside the case, Apple suggests wiping both the AirPods case and the earbuds with a dry cloth. We prefer using a cotton swab lightly moistened (not dripping) with isopropyl alcohol to clean the pins inside the case and the earbud connectors. This technique can also be applied to the charging ports of your over-ear headphones, if they aren’t charging reliably. The brush side of the aforementioned cleaning tool will be effective for tiny USB-C and Micro-USB ports, which can get stuffed with lint from your pockets.
After each workout, wipe down your headphones and allow them to dry completely before charging them.
Moisture can harm your headphones, even if they are water- and sweat-resistant. Therefore, avoid leaving them damp for extended periods as water can gradually seep into battery compartments or the earbuds and short them out or ruin the drivers. Make sure to dry true wireless earbuds before placing them in their charging case. (Even swim headphones should be completely dry before stored.) Do not allow moisture to get inside over-ear headphone cups or the nozzles of in-ear headphones.
If you need to remove your headphones mid-run, or if you cannot wait for them to dry completely after leaving the gym, gently shake out any excess water, switch off the power, and keep them in their case or a zip-close snack bag. Avoid storing your earbuds in your gym shorts pocket or sports bra without a water-resistant case, as both locations can accumulate sweat and will inhibit the earbuds from drying properly. When you return home, wipe the earbuds down and let them dry as recommended above.
How to keep your headphones cleaner for a longer period
Store them in a bag or case when they are not in use.
This will shield them from dirt, scratches, and bumps. Use the case that came with them when you purchased them, or consider buying one later. Just make sure the case you select is compatible with your headphones.
Avoid using or storing your headphones in extremely hot or cold conditions.
Places like saunas and car trunks are not suitable for headphones, particularly if your model includes a battery. Additionally, do not keep them in a humid space or wet conditions for extended periods, even if they are labeled as water-resistant. For added protection, place a silica gel packet in the bag (just ensure that gel packs are kept away from children and pets).
If your headphones have power, do not leave the charging port or battery compartment exposed when storing them.
Even in dry conditions, leaving the port open can allow dirt and dust to enter. If your headphones lack a cover, and feature only a Micro-USB or USB-C port for charging, periodically clean out the port as previously mentioned. After exercising or walking in the rain, check for any moisture inside the port before connecting.
For wired earbuds and headphones, do not crimp or bunch the cable or wrap it around your device while it is still connected.
Wrapping your headphones around your phone while they remain plugged in bends the cable at a sharp angle near the plug, which can eventually loosen it from the housing. To wind the cord correctly, softly loop it around your fingers, following the natural curve of the wire. To avoid tangling, use a twist tie from a loaf of bread or invest in a small Velcro cable tie.
Always disconnect your wired headphones or charging case by gripping the plug or cable end, rather than the cable itself.
Avoid removing wired headphones from your device by tugging on the cable as this can weaken it over time. Additionally, never pull wired earbuds from your ears by yanking on the cable, especially if they create a seal; the vacuum effect can harm your ears. Instead, hold the earbud and slightly twist while gently pulling outward.
By adhering to these recommendations, your headphones will remain cleaner and in better condition—and they will last you significantly longer. Enjoy your listening experience!