Reliable and simple ways to clean iPhone headphones (AirPods) at home

With regular use of headphones, dirt accumulates on the surface of the headset and the case, which affects the appearance and sound of the device. How to clean Airpods at home correctly so as not to break them is a problem for many users.

In this article, we will study in detail the issue of cleaning headphones from an iPhone, consider various ways to get rid of dirt, and learn tips for caring for headphones.

Why do iPhone headphones get clogged and what does it affect?

One way or another, wax accumulates in the human ear. No matter how you clean your ears or how often you use your headphones, wax will still end up on the mesh. In addition, dust particles periodically fall on the film.

Important! The habit of putting headphones in a jacket or bag pocket can also lead to unexpected clogging of the speaker. Earwax and foreign contaminants clog the headset, preventing the owner of the device from fully enjoying listening to music.

The sound becomes quieter by several orders of magnitude, the bass disappears, and detail decreases. These factors force many people to go to the store to spend money on new headphones. Luckily, however, there are effective ways to clean your headset and restore its sound to its original level.

In most cases, the biggest challenge in cleaning Airdos is the mesh on the membrane. But if you do not promptly clean your headphones from minor dirt, then after a while they will become completely clogged, the wax will dry completely, and then you will only have to take the device for repair!

Have you ever cleaned your iPhone headphones (AirPods)?

Not really

Tips from experienced users

Tips from experienced users who do not regularly clean or repair the connector themselves include the following:

1. Under no circumstances should you use water to clean the connector. This will not only void the device's warranty, but will also significantly damage the gadget itself. It is better to give preference to technical alcohol.
2. If you experience problems with sound while listening to music or audio messages, the reason may not always lie in a broken or clogged socket. Sometimes the problem is found in the headphones themselves. This point is also worth taking into account.

If you can remove the blockage in the connector with your own hands, it is still not recommended to repair it yourself. It is better to seek help from the nearest service center, where specialists will conduct a full diagnosis of the device and help solve the problem.

Time flew by and it was time for me to clean my Apple EarPods. They have served me faithfully for almost a year and I need to start servicing them. Moreover, the sound in one earphone became quieter than in the other due to earwax accumulated there, to which particles of dirt and wax stick. It’s also not a good idea to not clean your headphones at all—they may even break down. If they are cheap, you don’t have to worry about throwing out the old ones and buying new ones. But in the case of Apple Airpods, this is already quite an expensive pleasure, and therefore it is still easier and cheaper to do preventive maintenance for them.

When should you clean?

To keep any headphones (including AirPods) in good working order, experts recommend cleaning them at least once a month.
A sufficient preventive measure for cleaning, carried out once a week, is to wipe the surface of the lid with a soft cloth and remove wax on the mesh using a cotton swab. Every two or three weeks, it is imperative to clean all surfaces of the device from dirt and earwax. It is also recommended to blow off any dust that settles in the microphone hole.

Reference! According to Apple, if AirPods are exposed to soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, perfume, solvent, detergent, food, bug repellent, sunscreen, oil, or hair dye, you should clean them immediately.

These products may have a negative impact on the acoustic film and water resistance of your iPhone headphones.

We clean non-original types of headphones

The original typeface is less common. Users continue to try new models. The goal is to achieve higher sound quality. Regardless of the acoustic preferences of the ear, the device is cleaned regularly.

Hydrogen peroxide will help you quickly remove wax from your headset. It has a less negative impact on delicate elements of the system.

What is needed for the procedure?

To clean the headphones themselves and the case (depending on the method) you will need:

• hydrogen peroxide;
• vinegar;
• insulating tape;
• scissors;
• wipes made of microfiber (they are required to remove dirt from the surface of the case);
• cotton swabs (ordinary swabs that do not have dense cotton wool are most suitable for the task at hand);
• cotton pads;
• toothpicks;
• Toothbrush.

These tools can restore your headphones and case to their original appearance.

Instructions

The presence of wax in the mesh can affect the appearance of the headphones and even the sound quality. To clean, use a cotton swab soaked in hydrogen peroxide. You can also use a soft toothbrush and toothpicks.

To clean your headphones, you need to:

1. Make sure the device is disconnected from the phone.
2. Clean the microphone hole and speaker grill with a dry cotton swab or cotton pad. For best results, the speaker grille can also be cleaned with a dry toothbrush or brush. Please note that the toothbrush must be soft.

It is important to know! If the sulfur is clogged very deeply, and even dried out, then you will have to remove the screens and clean underneath them. If you have no experience in such work, then to avoid damage, it is better to contact a service center for this.

Dirt that accumulates on the edges of plastic seams and grilles can be cleaned with toothpicks. For minor contamination this may be sufficient. If the speaker grill is very dirty, then we move on to the next step.

To clean the device from serious external contaminants, the following is usually used:

• hydrogen peroxide,
• formic alcohol,
• chlorhexidine,
• detergent.

Hydrogen peroxide works well to remove all contaminants that have become ingrained into the body. Formic alcohol can also be used externally, but it is more aggressive than peroxide. Chlorhexidine has an antimicrobial effect, perfectly fights germs and removes dirt.

Using hydrogen peroxide, alcohol and washing powder

Once you have decided on the choice of liquid to clean your device, you can proceed directly to the process itself.

Good to know! If you decide to use detergent to clean your white headphones, you should mix it with water in the following proportions: 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) of liquid detergent to 1 cup (250 milliliters) of water.

The cleaning process requires maximum precision of movements. Apple Earpods do not come with detachable accessories. The speaker has a very small output hole. It is covered with a tiny mesh, firmly mounted in a plastic casing.

Recommendations for carrying out such work at home are as follows:

1. The cotton swabs used should not be wet. A large amount of liquid, if ingested, can cause structural destruction.
2. Each earphone should be wiped with the grille facing down. Likewise, the likelihood of moisture getting inside the structure is reduced.

It is worth considering that the device cannot be disassembled; the headphones are not repairable. Therefore, it is impossible to clean the inside of Airpods. This is due to the fact that the individual parts are attached using special glue.

How to fix a 3.5mm jack

Headphones are a popular type of gadget. They are necessary for players, mobile phones, tablets and even computers. Long-term use leads to breakage of the socket.

Of course, to repair the connector, you can contact a specialized workshop, where professionals will take care of the problem. However, if necessary, you can repair the hole yourself. The procedure is simple and does not require much time.

Preparatory work

First you need to inspect the electronic device to which the headphones are connected. Perhaps the reason for the lack of sound is its pollution. Then you can use one of the methods discussed earlier, using a cotton pad or toothpick.

If this doesn't help, it's worth checking if the device works with other headphones. It is possible that the reason lies precisely in the model of the gadget being used, and it will have to be replaced. If there is no sound in other headphones, then you can start repairing your mobile device.

Main process

To repair the socket of a mobile phone, tablet or other gadget, you will need:

1. Disassemble the device. To do this, you need to unfasten the case and unscrew all the fasteners.
2. Inspect the nest. It is also recommended to check how securely the electrical contacts are fastened. If a broken connection is detected, you can restore it using a soldering iron.
3. If the socket is working, conclude that the problem is in the plug and begin repairing it. The design of the element may be different, but its design is always the same. It is necessary to disassemble the connector and inspect the site. The surface must be cleaned and tinned using a soldering iron.
4. Strip the wires. It is recommended to shorten the wire formed by the screen cores, otherwise a short circuit will occur.
5. Solder the main wire to the connector.
6. Insert the cable back into the mount.
7. Check the functionality of the plug by inserting it inside. To do this, you also need to connect headphones to the player.

If everything was done correctly, then sound will appear in them.

How to clean the case?

In the case of wireless headphones, the Charging Case is not just a convenient accessory for storing the headset, but also a charger. Therefore, you should also clean the airpods case from dust, dirt and wax. The cleaning process is almost the same as with the headset itself.

The manufacturer recommends using a microfiber cloth to clean the charging case, which can be moistened with isopropyl alcohol. After cleaning, it is very important to ensure that no liquid gets into the charging port.

The inner surface of the case is cleaned using ear swabs and cotton pads. However, if the dirt is really strong, you can use a soft toothbrush. In some hard-to-reach places, for example, under the edge of the lid, use a toothpick.

Here are some more recommendations.

• Remove dirt from the Lightning connector with a clean, dry, soft brush.
• Do not use abrasive materials when cleaning the charger.
• To avoid damaging the metal contacts, do not place anything on the charging port.

There are also other proven methods, let’s look at them in more detail.

Vinegar solution

It is necessary to mix vinegar with water in a ratio of one to one, moisten a cotton swab with the resulting solution and wipe the contaminated area. It is very important to wring out the tampon first; under no circumstances should liquid penetrate the cover.

Instead of a stick, you can soak a soft toothbrush in the vinegar solution and brush with it, also remembering to wring it out first. It is necessary to remove dust and lint from the contacts as thoroughly as possible so that the headset charges faster and also prevents short circuits.

Vinegar will help not only when cleaning the headphone case, but also when cleaning the microwave, washing machine, and washing the refrigerator.

Using electrical tape

This method is good for getting rid of accumulated dust, dirt and lint. It is necessary to cut the tape into pieces (2-3 centimeters) and stick them to the contaminated area.

Advice! Where there are grooves and indentations (for example, along the contour where the lid is connected to the body), you need to press the tape as tightly as possible with a toothpick. Now the tape can be removed, and most of the dirt will fall off with it.

Afterwards, you should go over it with a cotton pad or swab, not forgetting to clean the contacts. This method is especially effective for accessing hard-to-reach places.

You will find 13 effective recipes on how to clean dirt from a silicone phone case in this article.

Cleaning the connector contacts

The contacts located inside the connector can accumulate dirt over time. This will worsen the sound or completely eliminate the possibility of effectively connecting the headset to the gadget. You can clean them with a piece of cloth soaked in alcohol. After cleaning, carefully wipe the contacts with a cloth dampened with clean water and dry.

Important! Don't forget to clean the headphone jack on your phone. The gadget socket can also be carefully cleaned with alcohol.

How to avoid skin irritation?

Some tips on how to avoid skin irritation, especially if you have allergies or sensitivities:

1. Use the correct size AirPods Pro.
2. After exercising with AirPods, or after exposing your device to liquids that may irritate your skin (such as sweat, soap, shampoo, cosmetics, sunscreen, or lotion), you should clean and dry your device.
3. If you have allergies or hypersensitivity to certain substances, you should clean the device with a liquid that does not contain components that are harmful to you.

Do you experience irritation from headphones?

Not really

How to clean different models?

The cleaning process depends on the type of headphones, and will look different for each model. Let's look at the main options.

Vacuum

These headphones are also called in-ear headphones. They are completely inserted into the ear, blocking extraneous sounds. As a rule, any such model has vacuum linings.

How to clean:

• remove the pads, wash with a light soapy solution and place on a paper towel until completely dry;
• lightly moisten a cotton pad with alcohol, and then wipe the surface and wire of the device;
• These are non-separable headphones, so you can’t remove the mesh, which means we proceed like this: pour a small amount of peroxide into a small container (you can use a lid) and immerse the headphones so that the liquid touches the meshes, but does not go further;
• The duration of the procedure is a quarter of an hour, while you can hold the headphones with your hands or secure them with a clothespin (adhesive tape);
• Remove the device from the peroxide and dry it on a towel.

Earbuds

These are one of the simplest headphones. They may or may not be collapsible. If the headphones are collapsible, proceed as follows:

• wipe all external surfaces with alcohol or peroxide;
• There is a cover on top that needs to be unscrewed by turning it a couple of times (most often clockwise);
• the pad also needs to be wiped with any disinfectant solution;
• pour disinfectant into a small container and place the nets there, carefully removing them from the device;
• remove the mesh, dry it and reinsert it into the product;
• screw the plastic cover back on.

Invoices

Large over-ear headphones, which, although they are not inserted directly into the ear canal, also tend to get dirty. Clean them like this:

• remove the covers, wipe them with a soft cloth or treat them with a mini vacuum cleaner;
• moisten a stiff brush a little with alcohol diluted with water and wipe the surfaces and speakers;
• place the headphones on a towel and wait until they dry;
• put on the pads.

Apple EarPods

iPhone headphones are positioned as collapsible, but this process is complicated and can, in some cases, end in disaster. It is better not to disassemble the device unless absolutely necessary. If you still want to do this, use the following instructions:

• take a thin knife and pry off the speaker cover;
• use a toothpick to remove wax and dirt;
• soak a cotton swab in a disinfectant solution, squeeze it out and wipe the inside of the device;
• return the cover to its place by gluing it (it will not be possible to do without gluing, this is provided by the manufacturer).

Apple EarPods are white headphones, so of course they get dirty quickly. If yellow spots appear on the product, they can be bleached quite easily with peroxide

By the way, nail polish remover (without acetone) may also be suitable for this purpose, but you must act carefully so that the composition does not get into the headphones themselves. As for the wires of any models, they can be quickly cleaned with ordinary damp wipes or a cloth

If the dirt is ingrained, you can use alcohol or peroxide. The liquid is applied to the stain and then wiped with light force with a sponge.

Shake the product well to allow the water to drain out, and then dry it with a cotton pad. After this, you need to put the headphones in a warm place, and if you don’t have time to wait, you can simply blow them out with a hairdryer.

To learn how to clean Apple EarPods, watch the following video.

Is it possible to break headphones during the procedure?

The headphones should be cleaned very carefully, as incorrect actions can lead to damage. Firstly, although the model is considered foldable, it is quite difficult to put it back together.

The manufacturer decided to protect the device from liquids by depriving the headset of an open latch. If necessary, the speaker head can be opened, but only with a knife or scalpel.

Reassembly will only be of high quality when you glue the removed cover back on. Therefore, do not disassemble your in-ear headphones unless absolutely necessary.

Secondly, the mesh on the speaker is easily damaged, so you need to act correctly and carefully.

Just remember to never use water and be very careful with other liquids. Additionally, you should be very careful with the items you use for cleaning.

For example, never use any sharp or metal objects. Thus, you can not only damage the protective mesh, but also damage the membrane.

Important! If you don’t want to go to a service center, but want to do everything yourself, you can buy a special headphone cleaning kit. It will allow you to thoroughly and safely get rid of contaminants, and its cost usually does not exceed 100 rubles.

What to do if the model does not understand

Having studied the existing model, we came to the conclusion that it was impossible to disassemble it without completely ruining it. Then all that remains is to clarify how to clean such headphones, collect the necessary accessories and get to work.

The order is:

• disinfect all parts of the headset (heads, wires, plug, switch) with peroxide or alcohol;
• Use a toothpick to clean the headphone nets from wax and other dirt;
• immerse the cleaned heads in a container with H2O2 for a quarter of an hour, securing them with tape so that only the mesh gets into the liquid;
• When removing parts from the container, do not turn the parts over, otherwise liquid may get into the speakers;
• then, soak the sticks in peroxide and squeeze out excess moisture, thoroughly wipe the mesh;
• Use a toothpick to clean the grooves around;
• Finally, wipe all components with peroxide and place the headphones, mesh side down, on a napkin for 3 hours;
• check the result by connecting them to your phone or tablet.

Additionally or as an independent method of cleaning non-removable headphones, use a regular vacuum cleaner. It is more convenient to use a manual one. Provided that it requires a special nozzle. Homemade. This is when using plasticine and a small tube with a diameter equal to the size of the mesh, a structure is created, which is then inserted into the vacuum cleaner pipe.

By adjusting the suction power, you can clean the headset mesh quickly, reliably, and without exposing the speaker to possible liquids.

Can the headphones be washed or washed?

AirPods are water-resistant, but not waterproof. The wireless charging case for the headphones is not waterproof, so be careful not to let liquids get into the opening. If liquid gets in, turn the case upside down and open the lid to dry it out.

AirPods (first or second generation), charging cases, AirPods Max, and Smart Protective Cases are not waterproof, so be careful not to let liquids get into any openings.

Important! If the headphones get wet (including sweat during exercise), wipe them with a dry microfiber cloth.

How to get rid of heavy dirt?

In-ear headphones that are very dirty will be difficult to clean using the standard method described earlier. The use of cotton swabs is only suitable in cases where the speaker mesh is only slightly dirty. If there is too much dirt on the surface, you will have to turn to another option.

In this case, we will need hydrogen peroxide, which is sold in any pharmacy. This liquid can quickly break down earwax and other types of dirt. But you should remember that in-ear headphones are not protected from moisture, so you need to perform the process very carefully and carefully.

To clean a heavily soiled device, follow the algorithm:

1. Pour a little peroxide (4-5 mm) into the cap of a plastic bottle.
2. Place one or two headphones into the cork so that the speaker mesh is immersed in the liquid.
3. Wait 10-15 minutes.
4. Carefully remove the EarPods and wipe the mesh with a dry cotton swab.

Practice shows that following these recommendations can eliminate 90-100% of contamination.

Quick cleaning of headphones

Let's start with how to clean earwax from headphones quickly and without unnecessary hassle. This method should be used if the contamination is minor or your headphones are non-separable.

For a quick clean, you will need a toothpick, a cotton swab and hydrogen peroxide. Use a stick dipped in peroxide to clean the headphone heads. Be careful not to press too hard or you may damage the speaker mesh. You can use a toothpick to clean out the small grooves and mesh, again being careful. You can also use a needle or pin for this purpose.

You can also quickly clean your headphones using an old toothbrush. It will be enough to moisten it a little with peroxide, and then lightly walk along the head and grooves.

How to disinfect?

To disinfect your headphones, use the same substance that you use to clean heavy dirt. In this case we are talking about hydrogen peroxide. Soak a cotton pad in the liquid and then gently apply it to the wire components and headphone housing.

Attention! Make sure that peroxide does not penetrate the EarPods control. In this case, the accessory may fail. Chlorhexidine can also be an excellent alternative to peroxide.

How to clean your headphone case

If you use wireless Apple AirPods or EarPods with a case, then it is important for you to also clean the earphone case. This will avoid contamination and subsequent contamination when the accessory is outside the human ear.

It happens that a dirty earphone left in its case for a long time begins to oxidize due to high humidity levels. Everyone, of course, would like to avoid this.

If we are talking about AirPods, then start cleaning from the Lightning connector. You should go over it with a dry soft brush or cotton swab. All elements must be dry.

Next you need to start cleaning the inside of the case. Gently go over the entire case with a cotton swab and pay special attention to the charging contacts. Once oxidized, they may turn green due to accumulated sulfur. Subsequently, such carelessness of the owner leads to complete failure of the headset.

In the case of the case for wired EarPods, you may not be so careful, since the case does not have charging contacts. You have the right to rinse the case under running water or thoroughly clean it with alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. But take your time putting the headphones away, as the case needs to be 100% dry before the headset is inside.

Care Tips

To ensure that your headphones work flawlessly for as long as possible, you need to follow these simple tips:

• regularly clean the meshes on the speakers;
• store the earbuds in a closed case to prevent them from collecting dust;
• Avoid contact of the gadget with water and other liquids.

Before you begin preventive procedures, you must ensure that the device is disconnected from the gadget. For wired headphones, disconnect the plug from the connector.

We looked at popular methods for cleaning your headset and case, answered frequently asked questions, and gave recommendations for caring for your iPhone headphones. No matter how often you wash your ears, it will not help, and your Apple Airpods wireless headphones will still get dirty.

The main rule is regular, proper and high-quality cleaning of the device. If you follow this, the headphones will serve you for a long time, and the clear sound will allow you to enjoy.

Ways to clean the headphone jack on your phone

There are two ways to clean the headphone jack and repair it.

First option

Before you begin cleaning, you will need to prepare your materials and tools. These include:

• toothpick or sharp small piece of wood;
• cotton wool;
• alcohol in small quantities.

The procedure contains several steps. The device owner needs:

1. 
   Soak a piece of cotton wool in an alcohol solution and attach it to a toothpick.

2. Insert the structure into the connector.
3. Make a few rotational movements and pull out the toothpick. Change the fleece.
4. Repeat step two until completely clean. It is important to change the toothpick and cotton wool. The action should be stopped when the material remains white after the next repetition.

If desired, you can use a toothpick without cotton wool. A small sharp stick perfectly removes small dirt in the form of fibers or lint. Typically, such debris gets there when the phone is in your pocket.

Second option

This method is called budgetary. To carry out the cleaning procedure, you will need a cotton pad. You will need:

1. Divide the disk into several parts.
2. Moisten one piece in an alcohol solution and wrap the headphone plug with cotton wool.
3. Insert the plug inside and clean it in a circular motion until the cotton wool turns white. It is logical that it will need to be changed several times.

As you can see, there is nothing complicated. Now it’s clear how you can clean the nest of dirt without turning to specialists.