Many of us use our earphones every day, so taking care of them is crucial (Image: Getty)
When you’re at work, at the or travelling on public transport, having a good pair of earphones to listen to music or podcasts is a must.
It’s an excellent way to get motivated and pass the time easier, and if you’ve got them at home, it’s likely that you’ll use them at least once every day.
But because they’re used so frequently, they can also become pretty dirty over time – and it’s easy to forget to give them a good every now and again.
People have now been warned that there could be a ‘gross’ cocktail of bacteria, wax, and grime festering in their earbuds, with experts warning filthy headphones could lead to ear infections or even acne around the ears.
Thankfully, according to the pros at you can easily your earphones without damaging them – and it’s so easy to do.
Cleaning your earbuds is essential for banishing nasty germs and bacteria (Image: Getty)
A spokesperson from the company said: “People don’t realise their earphones collect sweat, dead skin, and germs just like a computer keyboard. Cleaning them weekly stops you basically pressing bacteria into your ears every time you jam to Taylor Swift.”
Controller Skins’ cost-effective cleaning solution comes in at just 2p per use – a stark contrast to commercial earbud cleaning kits, which often retail for £10-£15.
A 500ml bottle of white vinegar, which costs as little as £2 from , mixed with distilled water provides enough solution for 50 cleans. Pair this with a 2L bottle of distilled water – 45p fom – which lasts for 200 cleans, and the total cost per clean drops to a mere 2p.
This simple, affordable method offers significant savings without compromising on quality, making it a smart alternative to pricier store-bought kits.
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How to clean earbuds
First, carefully remove any rubber or silicone tips from your earbuds. These parts trap sweat and wax, so clean them separately to avoid missing hidden debris.
Next, create a cleaning solution by mixing equal parts white vinegar and distilled water. White vinegar disinfects naturally, while distilled water prevents mineral deposits from tap water damaging the electronics.
Dip a soft-bristled toothbrush into the solution and gently scrub the mesh and crevices of the earbuds. Avoid soaking them, excess liquid can seep inside and cause permanent damage.
Finally, wipe the earbuds thoroughly with a dry, lint-free cloth and let them air-dry for at least two hours. Never use a hairdryer or heat source, as this can warp components or trap moisture. Reattach the tips only when fully dry to prevent bacterial growth.
This cleaning hack works so well as vinegar’s acidity zaps bacteria, while distilled water prevents mineral buildup. Just don’t skip the drying time, soggy earbuds could crackle or die.
Controller Skins added: “Think of it like flossing for your ears. Five minutes weekly keeps your playlists, and ears, fresh.”