How to Clean Your Headphones Without Damaging Them

Dirty headphones don't just look bad; built-up earwax and oil muffle the sound and can push debris deeper into the drivers. Cleaning them the right way is quick and won't damage anything.

What you need

• A soft, dry cloth or microfiber towel
• A soft-bristled brush (a clean toothbrush works)
• A cotton swab, used dry
• Isopropyl alcohol, applied to the cloth, never the headphone

Cleaning earbuds

Remove the silicone tips and rinse them in warm water, then let them dry fully before reattaching. Brush the mesh speaker grille gently with a dry brush to lift out earwax. A tiny piece of adhesive putty pressed lightly onto the grille lifts stubborn wax without pushing it inside.

Never insert a pin or toothpick into the mesh. The grille tears easily, and once it's pierced, debris gets into the driver where you can't reach it.

Cleaning over-ear headphones

Wipe the ear pads and headband with a cloth lightly dampened with water or diluted alcohol. Brush debris from the seams, and clean the inside of the cups where sweat collects. Don't let any liquid run into the drivers.

Clean your earbuds once a month if you wear them daily. It keeps them sounding clear and stops wax from hardening into a permanent muffler.