Most earbuds that sound quiet or dull are not broken. They are blocked by earwax, skin oil and pocket lint sitting on a fine mesh only a few millimetres wide. Five minutes of careful cleaning usually brings the sound back.
Quick answer
Wipe the outside with a dry microfiber cloth, brush the mesh gently with a soft dry toothbrush, lift leftover wax with a bit of putty, and clean the case contacts. Then play a short tone with our Earbuds Cleaner with the buds out of your ears.
What you need
| Tool | Use it for |
|---|---|
| Microfiber cloth | Outer shell and stem |
| Soft, dry toothbrush | Speaker mesh and case contacts |
| Reusable putty or painter’s tape | Lifting wax from the mesh |
| Wooden toothpick | Edges of the charging case only |
| Isopropyl alcohol (70%) | A little on the cloth, never on the mesh |
Step by step
1. Take the earbuds out of the case
Work on a clean, dry surface. Keep the lid open so you can clean the case after.
2. Wipe the outside
Use the dry cloth on the shell and stem. For grime, dampen one corner with a little isopropyl alcohol and wipe again. Keep liquid away from the mesh and openings.
3. Brush the mesh
Hold the earbud with the mesh facing down. Brush in small circles so loosened wax falls out instead of being pushed in.
4. Lift stubborn wax
Press a small piece of putty or tape onto the mesh and peel it away. Repeat with a fresh piece until nothing comes off.
5. Clean the ear tips
Silicone tips can usually be removed. Rinse them in plain water, then let them dry completely before you put them back. Foam tips should only be wiped.
6. Clean the case
Run a dry toothpick gently around the charging wells and brush the metal contacts. Dirty contacts are a common reason one earbud stops charging.
7. Finish with sound
Brushing clears the surface. Loose flakes and moisture often sit just behind the mesh. Connect the buds, lay them mesh-down on a cloth, and run a 30-second cycle with the Earbuds Cleaner. Pick only the side that sounds dull.
Never run cleaning tones while wearing your earbuds. They are made for the speaker, not your ears.
What not to use
- Pins, needles or paper clips, which can tear the mesh
- Compressed air held close, which can push debris deeper
- Running water on the earbuds themselves
- Cotton swabs pushed into the mesh
How often should you clean them?
A quick brush once a week keeps most buds sounding new. If you wear them for workouts, wipe them after each session, because sweat and wax build up faster.
Still quiet after cleaning?
Check which side is weaker with the Left & Right Speaker Test. If one side is still dull, read our guide on one earbud being quieter than the other.
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