Dirty earphones? Clean them easily, following these steps
Nowadays, we all use earphones to listen to music or make phone calls. Whether they have wires - a bit "old-fashioned" now - or are wireless, they are very handy and have revolutionized the way we listen to audio.
Of course, earphones get dirty with continued use. Dirt, ear wax and other pollutants can make them become very grimy. So, how can you clean them without causing damage? Let's examine some methods:
What to use to clean earphones?
Pixahive
The first thing to ensure is that the earphones do not get wet. Technology doesn't get along very well with water (although some models are water-proof).
Get a soft microfibre cloth - ones used to clean glass/glasses are fine. To get into the small nooks and crannies, however, you will need a cotton bud and a few drops of isopropyl alcohol or a neutral detergent.
Procedure
Creativo
The few steps to follow for cleaning earphones are very simple:
- First of all, make sure that the earphones are not connected to any device. Completely unplug wired models from any device.
- If the earphones have silicone rubbers, take these off and wash them under running water with a little soap; then leave to air dry thoroughly before putting back on.
- Now, wipe down the entire surface of the earbuds with the delicate cloth, and if necessary, moisten it slightly to facilitate dirt removal. A little alcohol at this stage could be useful for disinfecting purposes, but be careful not to overdo it.
- If you cannot get into small gaps, use a cotton bud or a toothpick to do this. Be gentle to avoid causing damage to the earphones.
- If you have an earphones case, clean this too. The connectors inside - especially for rechargeable models - may not work properly if covered in a film of dirt.
- Once all these steps have been completed, ensure your earphones are thorougly dry before using them again.
Cleaning frequency
The next question is how often should earphones be cleaned? There is no precise answer, as this depends on several factors (like how often you use them and for what). If you use them rarely, then once a month or so may be enough. If, on the other hand, you are active, then cleaning should be done every time we use them. Sweat is the number one enemy of earphones, so it is better to clean earphones immediately after a "sweaty workout".
The important thing is to be consistent: if the cleaning is done regularly as needed, you won't have to deal with stubborn dirt build-ups.
Have you ever cleaned your earphones?
