Whether you're at work, hitting the gym or commuting on public transport, having a trusty pair of earphones to dive into your favourite tunes or podcasts is essential. They are the perfect companions for motivation and making time fly by, and chances are, if you have them at home, they're in use almost every single day. However, frequent use means they can accumulate a lot of grime, and it's all too easy to forget that they need a regular clean.
Experts are now issuing a grim warning about the nasty concoction of bacteria, wax, and dirt that may be lurking in your earbuds, warning that dirty headphones could cause ear infections or even pimples around the ears. But there's good news from the experts at Controller Skins, who say that you can clean your earphones safely and with ease. 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.".
According to Controller Skins, their budget-friendly cleaning method works out to merely 2p per use, a stark saving compared to the £10-£15 price tag of standard commercial earbud cleaning kits. A 500ml bottle of white vinegar, which can be bought for as little as £2 from Ocado, mixed with distilled water provides enough solution for 50 cleans. Combine this with a 2L bottle of distilled water - costing 45p from Aldi - which lasts for 200 cleans, and the total cost per clean plummets to just 2p, reports the Express.
This easy, budget-friendly method offers substantial savings without sacrificing quality, making it a clever alternative to more expensive store-bought kits. To clean your earbuds, first, carefully remove any rubber or silicone tips. These parts trap sweat and wax, so clean them separately to avoid missing hidden debris. Then, create a cleaning solution by mixing equal parts white vinegar and distilled water.
White vinegar naturally disinfects, 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, as 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. Only reattach the tips when fully dry to prevent bacterial growth. This cleaning hack works so well because vinegar's acidity kills bacteria, while distilled water prevents mineral buildup. Just don't skip the drying time, as damp earbuds could crackle or die. Controller Skins commented: "Think of it like flossing for your ears. Five minutes weekly keeps your playlists, and ears, fresh.".
