Calling all music and podcast devotees, let’s have some real talk. You know those adorable, little earbuds you wear all day, every day? Whether you’re vibing to Lizzo during your morning walk, laughing at a podcast episode while getting in your daily jog, or gossiping with your bestie en route to the supermarket, they’re your constant companions. But, when was the last time you gave them a thorough cleaning?
I know what you’re thinking: “Um, never?” After getting clued up on earbud hygiene, I’m here to change your mind and probably make you a tad squeamish in the process. Let’s dive in.
Fun (or not so fun) fact: Your earbuds are a literal germ-fest. Cory Portnuff, an esteemed audiologist, spills that our darling earbuds are incredibly beloved by bacteria. Your ears are a warm, moist haven for bacterial growth and your earbuds simply pick up extra germs from the numerous surfaces they touch.
The shocking reality? Your much-loved earbuds could be plastered with not-so-lovely germs. Don’t panic yet – your chances of landing up with an ear infection are pretty low. But on the off-chance, maintaining good hygiene with your earbuds is a great idea.
Let’s talk about what microscopic tenants might be living on your earbuds. The findings may give you the shivers: Streptococci, Staphylococci, Aspergillus (a type of fungus), and E. coli, among others. Don’t be too alarmed, though, not all of these will cause an infection. However, in certain conditions, the balance could tilt towards the less pleasant side.
Add a layer of sticky earwax to the picture, and the chance of germs and dirt sticking around rises. Dr. Portnuff explains that using your earbuds for prolonged periods can lead to increased humidity and temperature in your ear canals. Picture this: A sweaty workout plus shared earbuds equals a germ party! These conditions raise the chances of an ear infection, including otitis media (infection behind the eardrum) or otitis externa (infection in the outer ear canal).
If you think cleaning your earbuds is looking like a good idea now, let’s move to how you can make those little buddies of yours squeaky clean.
Step 1: Wax Off
Start by tackling any earwax or other gunk, like dust and dirt, on your buds. Pro tip: Don’t use a sharp object to clear out the grime, instead, opt for a dry, soft-bristled brush or an earbud-specific cleaning tool to sweep away any visible debris.
Step 2: Alcohol Wipe-Down
After de-gunking your earbuds, give them a rub down with a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe or a 75% ethyl alcohol wipe. These wipes are ace at knocking out most viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Avoid harsh disinfectants that can irritate your skin and stick to skin-safe options.
Step 3: Case Cleanse
Remember, the case needs some TLC too. Use a dry brush to remove gunk from the inside of the case, then use a cloth or swab dampened with rubbing alcohol to wipe away any remaining germs.
Don’t be tempted to dunk them in water. Your earbuds may be water-resistant, but they aren’t waterproof, and we wouldn’t want to bid them an early goodbye!
A final tip: keep your earbuds in their case when not in use (your desk isn’t as clean as you think!) and please, no licking. Dr. Portnuff warns against this bizarre trend – it’s a straight-up germ transfer portal from your mouth to your ear.
This whole routine takes just a couple of minutes, and trust me, the peace of mind of knowing your earbuds are clean is a joyous feeling. So, ladies, let’s keep our earbuds pristine and our tunes bacteria-free!
