Many of us use our earphones and headphones every single day. They enhance our lives and are with us across commutes, workouts, and downtime. But even though our listening gear is such a huge part of our lives, there can be confusion about how to properly care for our earphones or headphones. 

Why should you clean your earphones or headphones?

Our earphones and headphones come into frequent contact with our ears, hair, and the surrounding environment, so it’s inevitable that dust, pollutants, oils, and other products will accumulate over time. This buildup can lead to significant problems. Not only will comfort decrease over time, but sound quality can be affected if sensitive parts break down. Consistently cleaning your device can improve not only its comfort and performance, but also its overall lifespan. 

Best practices for cleaning earphones and headphones

No matter which pair of earphones or headphones you own, you should always consult the manufacturer's instructions for your specific device before cleaning it. 
When it comes to cleaning electronics, force doesn’t mean better results. Take it slow and be gentle.
Avoid harsh chemicals or excessive moisture when cleaning your device.

How to clean earphones

With their small size and lack of removable parts, cleaning in-ear earphones can seem daunting. But earphone maintenance can be made simple by following the right steps. 

There’s no clear expectation for how often to clean your earphones; it depends on how often you use them. If you wear your earphones daily, a weekly clean is ideal. But if you tend to wear your earphones for workouts or in hot weather, you should try to clean them before or after each use.

General earphone cleaning

  1. Power off and unplug your earphones.
  2. Use a dry cotton bud or soft brush to gently remove debris from crevices and around any mesh.
  3. Detach the removable silicone tips and wash them with lukewarm water and a drop of washing‑up liquid.
  4. Wipe the cable with a slightly damp cloth.
  5. Clean the exterior of the charging case with lukewarm water and mild detergent.
  6. Gently brush dust from any ports using a dry brush.
  7. Ensure all parts are completely dry before placing them back in the charging case or using them.

Mesh earphone cleaning

For earphones with mesh speakers, deeper cleans are necessary. 

  1. Power off and unplug your earphones.
  2. Add a small amount of micellar water to a cup.
  3. Use a brush slightly dampened with micellar water.
  4. Hold the earbud with the mesh facing upward.
  5. Gently brush the mesh in small circles for about 15 seconds.
  6. Turn the earbud over and blot the mesh on a paper towel.
  7. Repeat this process three times for each mesh section.
  8. Rinse the brush with distilled water and repeat the same steps to remove any remaining micellar water.
  9. Allow the earbuds to completely dry before placing them back in the charging case or using them.

How to clean headphones

With their larger surface areas and often removable ear cushions, over-ear headphones are generally simple to clean. But care still needs to be taken to protect your device during cleaning, especially by preventing excess moisture. 

  1. Power off and unplug your headphones.
  2. Create a cleaning solution by combining water with a drop of washing-up liquid.
  3. Gently wipe non-fabric surfaces with a dry cloth to remove dust and debris. Use a lightly solution-dampened cloth for any stains.
  4. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to remove the ear cushions.
  5. Gently clean the ear cushions with a damp, microfibre cloth. 
  6. Leave ear cushions to fully air dry.
  7. Ensure all parts are completely dry before reassembling headphones or using them.

Caring for your earphones or headphones

The easiest way to keep your earphones or headphones in good condition is by protecting them from when you first get them, in order to prevent dirt or damage. One simple way to do this is to store them in a protective case when you’re not using them, to reduce exposure to dust and humidity. There’s no need to do a deep clean every day, but if you have time, you could try a quick daily wipe-down with a dry cloth to prevent oil or debris from accumulating.  

For headphone users, even with consistent care, it’s natural for ear cushions to gradually wear down over time. Luckily, many modern headphone models now offer replaceable ear cushions, allowing you to extend your device's lifespan even further. 

Final thoughts

Looking after your earphones or headphones doesn’t have to be complicated. With gentle cleaning and ongoing care, you can maintain comfort, sound quality, and longevity for years to come.