Your AirPods And Earbuds Are Probably *Way* Grosser Than You Think — Here’s How To Clean Them

(Amazon)

You probably use your earbuds a lot. They see you through your toughest workouts, your most stressful business calls, and help you find your zen when you’re off the clock through soothing playlists and podcasts. And, naturally, with all that use, they can get pretty gross. But it’s easy for buildup to go unnoticed, as most of us aren’t in the business of inspecting our earbuds between uses.

If you haven’t taken a look in a while, I encourage you to grab your case and take a peek. Chances are, wax and other debris have built up in the acoustic cavity and speaker mesh — and your charging case is likely showing signs of buildup, too.

To help give your earbuds and case the deep clean they deserve, we’ve broken down the cleaning process and done some digging, searching for reviewer-approved kits that’ll help you banish buildup, germs, dust, and debris, and leave your most-used gadgets looking, feeling, and performing as good as new.

The Basics: How to Clean Your Earbuds

1. If your earbuds have removable silicone tips, take them off and clean them in warm, soapy water.
2. Use a brush to sweep away earwax and loosen dirt trapped in the speaker mesh.
3. Wipe down your earbuds with a dedicated tech wipe and/or microfibre cloth. If you’re using a damp cloth, do your best to avoid electrical components and ports. Let them dry completely.
4. Thoroughly clean your charging case. Use a brush or swab to clear out the charging port, reach into the nooks and crannies inside the case, and then wipe everything down.

The Best Products for Cleaning Earbuds