For many of us, in-ear headphones have become a key part of daily life, whether we're using them in the office or at the gym to listen to podcasts and audiobooks or to take calls. But when did you last clean yours?
Because we use them so much, in-ear headphones can get dirty, so each time you put them in, you're probably also inserting bacteria into your ear. They can also trap earwax, moisture and fluid in the ears, which creates the kind of warm, moist environment bacteria thrive in.
By cleaning in-ear headphones such as Airpods regularly, though, you can reduce the chance of getting an ear infection. And the good news is that cleaning Airpods and other in-ear headphones is a doddle. Here's how...
How to clean AirPods and in-ear headphones
Step 1 If you have a pair of AirPods Pro, or any other in-ear headphones with silicone ear tips, start by gently removing them.
Step 2 Clean the silicone ear tips with warm soapy water and a microfibre cloth or cotton bud. Leave them to dry naturally and ensure they're totally dry before replacing them.
Step 3 Next, lightly dampen a clean microfibre cloth with plain water and wipe it over the whole earphone. We like the e-cloth general purpose cloths. Don’t use soapy water for this part.
Step 4 If you can see dirt caught in the metal mesh or in the microphone opening, use a cotton bud or dry toothbrush to dislodge it.
Step 5 Make sure the earbuds are completely dry before putting them back in the case or using them again.
To clean your AirPods case, use a dry microfibre cloth to wipe down the outside of the case. If there are stubborn stains, dampen the cloth with a small amount of water. To clean the inside of the case, use a dry cotton bud to remove grime and dirt from the grooves.
How to clean AirPods Max and over-ear headphones
Step 1 Use a dry, lint-free cloth to wipe the headband and case. To shift stubborn dirt, dampen the cloth with a little water and use this to gently wipe it away.
Step 2 To clean the ear cushions, remove them from the headphones and wipe them clean using a microfibre cloth dampened with soapy water. You can make this by mixing one teaspoon of liquid detergent and one cup of water.
Step 3 Use a clean, dry cloth to dry them.
Step 4 Leave the ear cushions of over-hear headphones to dry out completely before putting them back onto the headphones.
TIP: Switch to regular headphones for hot, sweaty exercise sessions, and avoid using earbuds if you suspect you might have an ear infection. Wait until you’re pain-free before you start using in-ear headphones again.
