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Last Updated on March 7, 2024 by Rifthy

If you’re anything like me, you use your headphones almost every day. Whether you’re working out, commuting, or just relaxing at home, headphones are a great way to enjoy your music without disturbing those around you.

But just like any other piece of electronics, headphones can get dirty, and when they do, they don’t sound and comfortable as great as they should.

We’ll go over step-by-step instructions on how to clean both the ear cups and the earbuds, as well as some general tips on headphone care.

Whether you’re an avid music listener or just use your headphones for hands-free calls, keeping them clean is important for both hygiene and sound quality.

So let’s get started!

Why do we need to clean our headphones?

We all know how important it is to keep our phones clean. We make sure to disinfect or wipe them down with a sanitizing cloth every day, and we never leave them laying around in dirty places. But what about our headphones?

We use them every day, often for hours at a time, and yet most of us never think to clean them. Here’s why you should make cleaning your headphones a regular habit. Your headphones are a breeding ground for bacteria

Just think about all the places your headphones have been: in your ears, on your head, around your neck, in your purse or pocket. They’re constantly in contact with your skin, which is why they can be a breeding ground for bacteria.

In fact, one study found that headphones can harbor more bacteria than a toilet seat.

If you don’t clean your headphones, you’re just recirculating the same bacteria over and over again. This can lead to skin infections, ear infections, and even colds and flu. Not to mention, it’s just gross.

Your headphones can cause acne, If you’re prone to acne, you may want to take a closer look at your headphones. Studies have shown that wearing headphones can cause “acne mechanica,” a type of acne that’s caused by friction and pressure.

When you wear headphones, they put pressure on your skin and trap sweat and oil against your face. This can clog your pores and lead to breakouts.

If you’re already struggling with acne, you may want to try wearing headphones that don’t sit directly on your skin, such as earbuds or over-the-ear headphones.

How to Clean Headphones and earbuds

Now that you know why you should clean your headphones, you’re probably wondering how to do it. The good news is that it’s quick and easy.

How to Clean On-Ear Headphones and Over-Ear Headphones?

First of all, you’ll want to avoid using any kind of water or cleaning solution on the actual speaker driver. This is a very delicate component, and even a small amount of water can damage it beyond repair.

Instead, focus on the areas around the speaker driver.

1. use a soft, dry clean cloth to wipe down the outside of the ear cups. If your headphones are really dirty, you can use mild alcohol and a damp clean cloth or toothbrush to clean them. Just make sure to avoid getting any liquid inside the ear cups. You can also use a can of compressed air to blow away any particles that are stuck in hard-to-reach places.
2. If you’re using in-ear headphones, you can also use a cotton swab to clean the inside of the ear tips.
3. Once you’ve cleaned the outside of your headphones, let them air dry before using them again.

If your headphones are starting to sound a little bit muffled, it’s also a good idea to clean the ear cushions. These are the soft, padded parts of the headphone that sit on or over your ears, and they can get just as dirty as the rest of the headphones.

To clean the ear cushions,

How To Clean Leather Headphones?

Leather is a natural material that can be found on many different types of products, including headphones. When it comes to cleaning leather headphones, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

First, you’ll want to avoid using any harsh chemicals or cleaners on the leather. This can damage the material and cause it to crack or peel over time. Instead, opt for a mild soap or cleaning solution.

Next, you’ll want to be sure to avoid getting the leather too wet. Too much moisture can also damage the material and cause it to break down over time. When cleaning, be sure to use a soft, dry cloth.

Finally, you’ll want to condition the leather after cleaning to help keep it soft and supple. There are a variety of leather conditioners on the market, so be sure to choose one that’s right for your particular headphones.

By following these simple tips, you can keep your leather headphones looking and feeling great for years to come.

How to clean Wireless earbuds in-ear Earbuds?

It is vital to keep your ear tips as well as the mesh grilles under the ear tips clean and debris-free. Debris on either of these surfaces can interfere with your product’s speakers and decrease sound quality. Follow these tips for cleaning your in-ear earbuds.

Cleaning the foam ear tips

1. Remove the tips from the earbuds
2. Wash the ear tips with mild soap
3. Rinse the ear tips clean with water
4. Dry the ear tips with a soft cloth
5. Before reattaching the ear tips, leave them in the open for an extended period so any excess moisture can dry.

If earwax has built up on your earbuds and cannot be wiped off, follow these steps to remove it.

1. Remove the tips from your earbuds
2. Put on protective gloves for your skin before you begin cleaning
3. Use a soft cloth or tissue to apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide (3% concentration only) to the mesh surface at the opening of the earbud. Take care not to allow excess liquid to enter the opening
4. Let the hydrogen peroxide sit for 5 minutes so it can soften the wax
5. Wet a soft-bristled toothbrush with hydrogen peroxide (3% concentration only)
6. Gently scrub the mesh surface to loosen and remove the wax. Take care not to allow excess liquid to enter the opening of the earbud
7. Once clean, gently shake out any excess liquid and debris
8. Dry earbud with a soft cloth
9. Before reattaching the ear tips, leave your earbuds in the open for an extended period so any excess moisture can dry.

How to clean smelly headphones

No one likes the smell of sour headphones. Not only are we uncomfortable, but others around us find it annoying as well

Many headphones have a strong smell from sweat and other body oils that accumulate on them over time.

There are a few ways you can clean your smelly headphones, including using a vinegar and water solution, using rubbing alcohol, or using a dryer sheet.

You can also use a paper towel to clean the headphones and then use a hair dryer to get it to dry. If none of these options work, you can go to your local electronics store and buy special cleaning wipes that will clean your headphones.

You can try some of these Headphones cleaning kits too

How often should you clean your headphones?

So how often should you clean your headphones? Ideally, you should give them a good cleaning every few weeks.

If you use your headphones regularly or sweat while wearing them, you might need to clean them more often. And if you live in a particularly dusty or dirty environment, you might need to clean them even more frequently.

You can check out our list of best over ear headphones for gym headphones if you are a sweaty person these may last long for you than other headphones.

What should I clean my headphones with?

There are a few things you can use to clean your headphones, depending on what materials they are made of. For example, if your headphones are made of plastic, you can use a mild soap and water solution to clean them.

If they are made of metal, you can use a slightly damp cloth to wipe them down.

In both cases, make sure you dry your headphones thoroughly before using them again.

How to store your headphones

Here are a few tips on how to store your headphones so they stay cleaner longer:

1. Keep them in a case when not in use

This is probably the most obvious way to keep your headphones clean. When you’re not using them, make sure to store them in a case or pouch. This will help to keep them free of dust and dirt.

2. Wipe them down with a microfiber cloth

After each use, give your headphones a quick wipe down with a microfiber cloth. This will help to remove any sweat or oil that may have built up on the surface.

3. Avoid sharing them with others

Sharing is not always caring when it comes to headphones. If you share your headphones with others, you’re just inviting bacteria. So, it’s best to keep them to yourself.

How to clean Apple AirPods case and true wireless earbuds cases

1. Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to clean the charging case.

2. Isopropyl alcohol can be used to slightly dampen the cloth if necessary.

3. The charging case needs to dry after cleaning. Avoid getting liquid into the charging ports.

Here are some precautions to take

• Remove any debris from the Lightning connector with a clean, dry, soft-bristled brush.
• Don’t use abrasive materials to clean the charging case.
• To avoid damaging the metal contacts, don’t put anything in the charging ports.
  

There are some Earbuds Cleaning Kits available on Amazon which can ease the cleaning process of the Apple Airpod case and Airpods.

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