How To Clean Headphones & Earbuds in 2025 [Ultimate Guide]

We use earbuds and headphones on a daily basis, whether we're commuting to work or just listening to music at home. It's no secret that headphones and earbuds can often become dirty over time. Earwax, dust, and other debris can easily accumulate on the speakers and in the earpieces, causing their quality to suffer.

The effects of dirty headphones and earbuds can be detrimental to our overall health. They can cause bacteria to accumulate, which can lead to infection. Poor sound quality is another common issue, as dust and other debris can easily get caught in the speakers and affect the sound.

It's important to clean them regularly to avoid these problems and prevent bacteria buildup and maintain sound quality.

In this comprehensive guide, we will teach you how to clean your headphones and earbuds in the most effective way possible so that they perform like new again.

Things To Use To Clean Your Headphones Or Earbuds

Before you get started, there are a few supplies that you will need:

• A bowl or container large enough to fit your headphones/earbuds
• A cup of white vinegar
• A cup of water
• An old toothbrush
• Q-tips
• Paper towel or cloth

You will also need some patience, as this process can take a little time, depending on how dirty your headphones/earbuds are.

Guide To Clean Headphones And Headsets

To clean the headphones, you will need a soft and dry cloth. If you need to, you can use a slightly dampened cloth with distilled water. Do not use any cleaners or solvents as they could damage the coating on the headphones.

• Start by gently wiping down the ear cups. If there is any dirt or debris on the headband, use a soft brush to remove it. Be careful not to use too much water as it can damage the electronics inside the headphones. Also, make sure you do not forget to unplug the headphones before cleaning them.
• Remove the ear cushions and wipe them down with a cloth. If they are particularly dirty, you can use a mild soap and water solution. Rinse them well and allow them to air dry before putting them back on the headphones.
• If you have headphones whose ear cups are attached to them, you will need to be more careful. Do not submerge them in water as this can damage the electronics. Instead, wipe them down with a damp cloth and allow them to air dry.
• Cleaning the nooks and folds can be a bit tricky as dirt and debris can easily become trapped. A soft and dry toothbrush can help to dislodge any dirt or debris. Be careful not to use too much pressure as you could damage the headphones.
• If you want to give your headphones a more thorough cleaning, start by removing any detachable parts, like ear cups or headbands. If your headphones have a wire connecting the two ear cups, be careful not to yank on them too hard because it’s usually attached to the ear cups with fragile plastic snaps. Once you’ve removed all the detachable parts, wipe them down with a cotton swab or Q-tip soaked in 70% isopropyl alcohol. Allow everything to air dry completely before putting your headphones back together.
• If you have a headset with a microphone attached, it is more difficult to clean. The mic can easily become dirty, and it can be difficult to remove all the dirt and debris. To clean the mic, you will need a small brush, such as a toothbrush. Gently brush away any dirt or debris and make sure you remove any buildup around the microphone.
• Once all the dirt and debris have been removed, use a dry cloth to wipe down the headphones. If you need to, you can use a slightly dampened cloth with distilled water. Do not use any cleaners or solvents as they could damage the coating on the headphones.
• Allow the headphones to air dry before using them. If you notice any residue, repeat the cleaning process until it is gone.

How To Clean Different Types Of Earcups

Different types of headphones will have different types of ear cups.

• The most common type is the leather ear cup. To clean a leather ear cup, you will need a soft and dry cloth. If you need to, you can use a slightly dampened cloth with distilled water. Do not use any cleaners or solvents as they could damage the coating on the headphones.
• To clean a velour ear cup, you will need a soft and dry cloth. If the ear cup is very dirty, you can use a slightly dampened cloth with distilled water. Gently rub the affected areas until they are clean. Do not soak the velour or put it under running water as this could damage the headphones.
• To clean a mesh ear cup, you will need a soft and dry cloth. If the ear cup is very dirty, you can use a slightly dampened cloth with distilled water. Gently rub the affected areas until they are clean. Do not soak the mesh or put it under running water, as this could damage the headphones.

Guide for Cleaning Earbuds

Cleaning earbuds is a bit different from cleaning headphones, as you have to be careful not to damage the delicate parts of the earbuds. To clean the earbuds, you will need a cotton swab or a soft and dry toothbrush. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean your earbuds:

Step 1: Remove any Debris

The first step is to remove any visible debris from the headphones and earbuds. Use a soft and dry cloth to wipe down the headphones and earbuds. If you need to, you can use a slightly dampened cloth with distilled water. Be sure to avoid getting any water inside the earbuds.

Step 2: Clean the Speaker Mesh

The next step is to clean the speaker mesh. This is the part of the headphones or earbuds that emits sound. To clean it, use a cotton swab or a soft and dry toothbrush. Gently brush away any debris that is caught in the mesh.

Step 3: Clean the Earbuds

The next step is to clean the earbuds. To do this, use a cotton swab or a soft and dry toothbrush. Gently brush away any debris that is caught in the earbuds. Be sure to avoid getting any water inside the earbuds.

To clean your earbuds more thoroughly, start by removing the ear tips. If your earbuds are the type that goes in your ear canal, be careful not to lose the small foam or silicone sleeve that helps keep them snugly in place.

After removing the ear tips, use a cotton swab or Q-tip soaked in 70% isopropyl alcohol to clean around the mesh grille on each earbud. Allow them to air dry completely before reassembling.

Step 4: Dry the earbuds

Once you have finished cleaning the earbuds, make sure to dry them off completely. Use a soft and dry cloth to wipe down the headphones and earbuds. If you need to, you can use a slightly dampened cloth with distilled water. Be sure to avoid getting any water inside the earbuds.

Step 5: Disinfect

You can also disinfect your headphones and earbuds to keep them bacteria-free. You can do this by wiping them down with 70% isopropyl alcohol.

Use a cotton swab or Q-tip to apply the alcohol directly to the mesh grille, being careful not to get any moisture inside the headphone casing. Allow them to air dry completely before using them again.

How to Clean AirPods and AirPods Pro

There is a specific way to clean your AirPods and AirPods Pro to ensure that you do not damage them.

• Start by detaching the ear tips from the stems of your AirPods Pro.
• Next, use a dry cotton swab to remove any debris from the mesh on each stem. If you see any build-up in the speaker grille, use a dry soft-bristled brush to remove it.
• Be sure to avoid getting any moisture in the openings.
• To clean the ear tips, lightly dampen a cotton swab with fresh water and gently wipe the surface of the EarTip.
• Do not use sharp objects or abrasive materials to clean your AirPods or AirPods Pro.
• If you need to clean the Charging Case, use a soft and lint-free cloth.
• For stubborn dirt and grime, add a little fresh water to the cloth, and be sure to dry it off completely before charging your AirPods or AirPods Pro.

Things to Avoid When Cleaning Headphones and Earbuds

When cleaning your headphones and earbuds, there are a few things you should avoid:

• Do not use abrasive materials to clean your headphones or earbuds. This includes anything with a rough surface, such as paper towels or tissue.
• Do not use sharp objects to clean your headphones or earbuds. This includes toothpicks or other objects that can puncture or damage the surface of your headphones or earbuds.
• Do not use alcohol-based cleaners on your headphones or earbuds. This includes rubbing alcohol, which can damage the surface of your headphones or earbuds.
• Do not use household cleaners on your headphones or earbuds. This includes bleach, which can damage the surface of your headphones or earbuds.
• Do not use solvents on your headphones or earbuds. This includes acetone, which can damage the surface of your headphones or earbuds.

Conclusion

The best way to clean your headphones and earbuds is with a soft, dry cloth. Gently wipe the surface of your headphones or earbuds with a cloth to remove any dirt or debris.

If you need to, you can use a mild soap and water solution to clean your headphones or earbuds. Be sure to rinse them thoroughly with clean water afterward.

Cleaning your headphones and earbuds on a regular basis will help extend their lifespan and keep them working properly.

Follow the tips in this article to ensure that you are cleaning your headphones and earbuds correctly, and you are sure to enjoy them for many years to come. We hope you found this article helpful.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to us. We would be more than happy to help. We hope you enjoyed this blog post. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to us. We would be more than happy to help. Thank You.