How to clean Bluetooth headphones without damaging them

Bluetooth headphones have revolutionized the way people listen to music and interact with audio content. However, like all headphones, they can get dirty quite quickly. They easily become clogged with earwax and can accumulate dust, dirt and soot, which can affect the appearance and performance of the device.

Dirty headphones can affect sound quality, not to mention that wearing dirty headphones is unhygienic. Proper cleaning is essential to maintain functionality. The headphones seem difficult to clean due to their small size and delicate design. So here's how to do it easily.

What to avoid

Proper care of your headphones is critical to ensuring their longevity and performance. Before cleaning them, it is important to be aware of methods that can cause more harm than good. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.

Sharp objects: Do not use pins or needles for cleaning, as they can damage delicate speaker components and scratch the surface.

Liquid immersion: Do not submerge, soak, or immerse the headphones in water or other cleaning agents.

Abrasive chemicals: Avoid aggressive materials that may corrode the surface or damage the coating. These materials include bleach and hydrogen peroxide.

How to clean headphones

While you can purchase cleaning kits specifically designed for cleaning headphones and cases, it's just as easy to do it yourself. Here's how to do it.

Necessary materials

Cotton swabs

• Tools with thin edges, such as a toothpick, dental floss stick, or small brush with soft bristles
• Isopropyl alcohol (70% or less concentrations)
• Mild dish soap or household soap (optional)
• Soft, dry, lint-free cloth or microfiber cloth
• Warm water

How to clean your headphones

Step 1: Unplug and turn them off

Before cleaning, disconnect the headphones from all connected devices and make sure they are turned off to prevent accidental damage or safety hazards during cleaning.

Step 2: Clean the exterior

Lightly dampen a lint-free cloth or microfiber cloth with water and gently wipe the exterior surfaces. Pay special attention to crevices and seams where dirt and soot accumulate. Avoid getting moisture into openings such as the charging port or speaker grills, as this may damage the internal components. Wipe the earbuds with a dry cloth, but do not plug in or use them until they are completely dry.

Step 3: Clean the ear tips

Carefully remove the ear tips from each earbud by gently twisting them and pulling them toward you. Wipe the liners with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris. Soak the tips in warm, soapy water for a few minutes to remove stubborn stains and debris, then rinse and dry thoroughly before reattaching.

Step 4: Remove earwax

Earwax build-up affects the sound quality of your headphones. To remove earwax, lightly moisten a cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol and gently clean the grilles and speaker mesh. Be careful not to push the earwax deeper into the speaker grills, as this can cause them to become clogged and affect the sound quality. If earwax cannot be removed, gently remove it with a toothpick or a small, soft-bristled brush. Be careful not to damage the delicate components.