How to clean your earphones
14 Oct 2025

Keeping earphones clean is essential for ensuring the best sound quality and longevity of the device.

Regular cleaning can prevent the buildup of dirt, wax, and other debris that can muffle sound or even damage the earphones.

Here are five practical tips to keep your earphones in top shape, ensuring they deliver clear audio and remain comfortable to wear.

Use a soft brush for dust removal
Tip 1

A soft brush, like a clean makeup brush or a small paintbrush, can be used to gently remove dust from your earphones.

This method is particularly useful for getting rid of dust that accumulates on the speaker grilles.

Make sure the brush is dry and clean before using it to avoid adding more debris.

Wipe with a microfiber cloth
Tip 2

A microfiber cloth is perfect for wiping down your earphones without scratching them.

Just dampen one corner of the cloth with a bit of water or rubbing alcohol and gently wipe the surfaces of your earphones.

This will remove fingerprints, smudges, and oils from your skin, while also keeping them looking new.

Avoid moisture exposure
Tip 3

Moisture can severely damage the electronic components of earphones, so it's best to keep them away from water or other liquids.

Don't use wet wipes or soak any cloth before cleaning. If you need to clean them, just use slightly dampened cloths.

This way, you avoid any risk of moisture seeping into the earphones and damaging them.

Check cables regularly
Tip 4

Inspecting cables regularly helps identify wear and tear early on.

Look for fraying or exposed wires along the length of the cable and near connectors.

If you notice any damage, consider using heat-shrink tubing or electrical tape as a temporary fix until you can replace them properly.

Store earphones properly when not in use
Tip 5

Proper storage when not in use is key to keeping your earphones in good shape over time.

Store them in their case, if provided, or wrap them neatly without twisting too much around themselves to avoid tangling or breaking under pressure points over time.