Say Goodbye to Germs: The Ultimate Guide to Properly Cleaning Your Earbuds

Have you ever taken a good look at your earbuds? I recently did, and I was shocked by how dirty they were. My Apple AirPods, once pristine, were now covered in a thick layer of earwax. Honestly, I felt embarrassed and hesitant to put them back in my ears.

But are these grimy earbuds actually bad for my health? I spoke to Dr. Jonathan Webster, a general practitioner, who shared that while earwax is a natural protector, “issues happen when you use earbuds for a long time. They prevent earwax from escaping, which can trap moisture and lead to infections.”

Plus, using earbuds can push wax deeper into the ear canal, causing blockages and discomfort. There’s a saying among ENT surgeons: “Don’t put anything smaller than your elbow in your ear.” Dr. Webster noted there’s been a notable increase in ear-related problems from using earbuds, like infections and hearing loss.

While my earbuds’ uncleanliness isn’t tied directly to hearing loss, it’s a reminder that loud sounds can harm the sensitive hair cells in our inner ears. With in-ear headphones, the sound is focused, increasing the risk of damage.

The UK’s National Health Service recommends keeping the volume below 60% and limiting listening time to one hour at a stretch.

Chris Haslam

Can Dirty Earbuds Really Cause Infections?

Research on headphone cleanliness is limited, but a study from ABC 11 showed concerning results. Microbiologist Dr. Michael Taveirne found harmful bacteria, like staphylococcus, on various headphones.

An ENT specialist reported that earbuds potentially host around 2,700 times more bacteria than a regular cutting board—which is pretty alarming. But don’t panic; not everyone will face an infection.

While bacteria doesn’t always pose a threat, a poor earbud fit can lead to irritation in the ear canal, allowing germs to thrive. If you’ve been sweating or using them extensively, this can increase your risk.

How to Clean Your Earbuds

If your earbuds are grimy, don’t worry! Cleaning them is easy and only requires a few common items.

• Disinfectant spray or wipes: Look for alcohol-free options that won’t damage the materials of your earbuds.
• Earbud cleaning tool: Many tools are designed to reach those tiny spaces. If you don’t want to buy one yet, an old toothbrush or Q-tip can do the trick.
• A microfiber cloth: Use this to avoid scratches. If you have a lens cleaner, it will work well too.
• Soapy water: A little mild soap can clean the surfaces but check your earbuds’ water resistance ratings before using water.
• Silica gel pack: Placing one in your gym bag can keep unwanted moisture away.