Updated on Mar. 15, 2023
You might not typically clean your ear buds, but after hearing these stories from two MDs...you'll probably want to start! Here's a safe, simple, step-by-step guide.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.
Your earbuds go a lot of places—including in your ears; occasionally on the floor—and it makes sense to clean them regularly. “It’s very important to clean your AirPods,” says Carmen Castilla, MD, a New York City-based, board-certified dermatologist.
Confirmed: What Doctors Think About the 5-Second Rule
Safe to say Dr. Castilla is referring not just to AirPods, but any brand of in-ear headphones. She makes a point worth listening up about: We learned a lot about cleaning during the pandemic, yet you still see individuals pop out their ear buds and place them on an airport restaurant table, or touch the bars on the subway and then touch their AirPods. At the gym? We shudder. There’s no denying that ear buds pick up a lot of germs.
“This bacteria can lead to infections,” Dr. Castilla says. “Usually in the area on the outside of the ear where the AirPod rests—I’ve had patients with infections caused by dirty AirPods that need to be drained in the office.”
Dr. Castilla doesn’t recommend having earbuds in your ears for an extended time period because that leads to oil buildup and, eventually, blackheads. In addition, wax can also build up on your buds, which can affect their function.
Renita Ahluwalia, MD, FRCPC, DABD, a dermatologist in Toronto, backs up Dr. Castilla’s observations: “It is possible to develop a painful outer ear infection, known as Ottis Externa or swimmer’s ear, that has to be treated with antibiotics.” She adds: “One could also develop folliculitis, which can be irritating and recurrent.”
Dr. Ahluwalia says it’s common for dermatologists to see contact dermatitis in the ear from the AirPods themselves from the nickel and acrylate contained in the product. In addition, some people get contact dermatitis as a reaction to products used for cleaning the AirPods.
“Generally speaking, if AirPods are cared for appropriately, the risk from the dermatological point of view is very low,” Dr. Ahluwalia says.
Like our iPhones, a good pair of ear buds is an investment. You protect your iPhone from extreme hot and cold and protect your phone from water damage, and you should take the same care with your ear buds. Keeping your ear buds away from overheating and safe from water damage is only part of it—here’s how to clear your AirPods so that your ears stay healthy and the sound stays crisp.
Do Wireless Earbuds Harm Your Brain? A Brain Cancer Doctor Sounds Off
AirPods are sweat and water-resistant—but not sweat and waterproof—so be aware of this when cleaning them and read up on the sweat and water-resistance guidelines, carefully noting what not to do. According to Apple, you should not:
The One Thing You’re NOT Doing with Your Paper Towels (But Should Be)
Joseph Marini, cleaning expert with At Home with Joseph, says we only need four items to properly clean and disinfect your AirPods:
For those who like an all-in-one tool to get the job done, Hagibis has an AirPod Cleaning Pen to help you keep your AirPods clean.
Marini says AirPods should be cleaned weekly and gives us step-by-step instructions on how to do it.
For cleaning your AirPods (and other devices!) on-the-go, keep a few alcohol prep pads in your purse, backpack or briefcase for quick wipe-downs when you’re out and about.
For Apple products, more of the brand’s recommendations include:
