Being equipped with a reliable set of earphones is essential, whether you’re powering through your workday, hitting the gym or commuting.
They’re not just great companions for enjoying tunes or podcasts, but they can be real motivators and make time fly.
With daily use at home almost inevitable, however, it’s easy to overlook that our earbuds can quickly become a breeding ground for dirt. In fact, we’ve been put on alert about the unsavoury mix of bacteria, wax and debris accumulating in our earphones.
Experts caution that this build-up doesn’t just look “gross”. It can actually lead to ear infections or prompt breakouts of acne around the ears.
Fortunately, the specialists at Controller Skins have shared a straightforward method for keeping your earbuds pristine without causing any damage.
A company spokesperson mentioned: “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.”
The best part? The cleaning procedure suggested by Controller Skins is cost-effective, averaging merely 2p per clean.
This is in stark contrast to the costly commercial earbud cleaning kits on the market that often set you back between £10 and £15, reports the Express.
A 500ml bottle of white vinegar, available for a mere £2 from Ocado, when combined with distilled water, can provide enough solution for up to 50 cleans. Pair this with a two-litre bottle of distilled water, which costs just 45p from Aldi and lasts for 200 cleans, and the total cost per clean plummets to a mere 2p.
This economical method offers substantial savings without sacrificing quality, making it a savvy alternative to more expensive store-bought kits.
How to clean earbuds
Start by gently removing any rubber or silicone tips from your earbuds. These components tend to trap sweat and wax, so it’s best to clean them separately to ensure no hidden debris is missed.
Next, prepare a cleaning solution by mixing equal parts white vinegar and distilled water. The white vinegar acts as a natural disinfectant, while the distilled water prevents mineral deposits from tap water from damaging the electronics.
Dip a soft-bristled toothbrush into the solution and delicately scrub the mesh and crevices of the earbuds. Be careful not to drench them, as excess liquid could seep inside and cause irreversible damage.
Finally, thoroughly wipe the earbuds with a dry, lint-free cloth and allow them to air-dry for at least two hours. Avoid using a hairdryer or any heat source, as this could warp components or trap moisture.
Only reattach the tips when they are completely dry to prevent bacterial growth.
This cleaning trick works wonders because the acidity of the vinegar eliminates bacteria, while the distilled water prevents mineral build-up. Just remember not to skip the drying time, as damp earbuds could end up crackling or failing altogether.
Controller Skins commented: “Think of it like flossing for your ears. Five minutes weekly keeps your playlists, and ears, fresh.”