How Often And How Should You Clean Your Earbuds Or AirPods In the age of wireless technology, Apple’s AirPods or earbuds are the go-to product for music and podcast listeners. They’re also in high demand because they last longer and look great. But behind the scenes, these little tech gadgets can be a haven for bacteria, earwax, and dirt.
This can pose a health risk. Despite being an everyday accessory, the hygiene aspect of AirPods or earbuds is often overlooked.
It’s important to know that clean AirPods or earbuds are not just for looks, but also for your health.
What’s hiding in your earbuds?
It’s easy to ignore the gunk and debris that accumulates in your earbuds. But the reality is scary. According to a recent guide from How Stuff Works, gunk, dirt, and oil can quickly build up in your earbuds. If left unchecked or left untreated, it can lead to ear infections. The warm, moist environment inside your ears, combined with the dirt and bacteria on your earbuds, creates a perfect environment for infection.
Why is it important to clean your earbuds?
The dangers of dirty earbuds are not limited to infections. Debris accumulated in the speakers can also affect the sound quality. This reduces the bass and clarity of the songs. Debris accumulated can also obstruct the microphone. This can cause problems with clarity when talking on the phone.
Apple’s official guidelines emphasize the importance of proper cleaning methods to prevent long-term damage to the speakers and charging ports. Using rough materials or submerging the earbuds in water can permanently damage them. Doing so may also invalidate warranty claims.
How to safely clean your earbuds?
1) First, gather these items:
A dry cotton swab
A soft, lint-free cloth (microfiber)
70% isopropyl alcohol (to prevent damage)
2) Cleaning the speaker grille:
Use a dry cotton swab to clean the speaker grille and microphone. Apple recommends not using sharp objects like needles or toothpicks to avoid puncturing the delicate grille.
3) Wiping the surface:
Use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe away dust and dirt from your earbuds. For stubborn stains, dampen the cloth with water and wipe the contaminated area thoroughly. Dry the earbuds thoroughly before putting them back in the case.
4) Caring for the charging case:
Use a dry cloth to wipe the case.
For stubborn stains, apply a small amount of isopropyl alcohol to a cloth.
Do not let any liquid get into the charging port.
What not to do when cleaning your earbuds?
1) Do not submerge in water:
Even a brief submersion can damage the speakers. So do not submerge them in water.
2) Do not use sharp objects:
No matter how much you want to, do not use needles or pins to clean the speaker grille.
How often should you clean your earbuds?
If you use your earbuds daily, you should clean them at least once a week. It is advisable to wipe the charging case with the case every day to prevent dirt from accumulating on the connectors.
Consequences of neglect
Ignoring cleaning your earbuds can lead to infection and irreparable damage. Over time, dirt can clog the speakers and reduce sound quality. This may lead to the need to replace the earbuds themselves. Regular cleaning protects your investment in wearable devices.