For many of us, a day without our favourite tunes is unimaginable, but cleaning our earphones often slips down the to-do list. We tend to leave our earphones in our handbags, coats or car compartments, ready for when we next need them.
However, constantly moving them from our ears to various surfaces or pockets isn’t very hygienic. Therefore, it’s crucial to regularly clean your in-ear devices to prevent bacteria and debris build-up.
But be careful; earphones can be pricey, and you certainly don’t want to drench them in water and ruin them. They require delicate handling.
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Luckily, a viral cleaning and hygiene expert known as ‘Madame Sweat’ – real name Nikitta – has revealed a simple trick to eliminate earphone grime. Madame Sweat posted a video on her Instagram page, holding a pair of Apple Airpods, she asked: “When was the last time you cleaned these…naturally?” She added: “You don’t want to put a chemical cocktail in your ears.”
She suggests two ingredients to naturally polish your earphones. The first is white vinegar and the second is distilled water – available at pharmacies or on Amazon.
She pointed out that after cleaning your earphones, distilled water can be used to clean numerous household appliances. “It’s much healthier than using plain water,” she concluded.
Mix equal parts distilled water and white vinegar to disinfect and remove grime without causing any damage to your earbuds. Before cleaning, you should remove the rubber piece from the earphone.
A post shared by Madame Sweat (@madamesweat) advises that next, using a toothbrush, gently scrub the mesh area of your earphone. Madame Sweat cautions to be careful not to push the debris through the mesh.
Then use a dry, lint-free cloth to wipe off excess moisture. Leave your headphones to dry for two hours after cleaning before using them again.
Commenting on the video, one individual said: “Your content is so useful.”
“Love her approach,” another commented. Others offered their suggestions.
One person mentioned they use dry q-tips, while others prefer alcohol wipes to clean out dirt in their earphones. In response to a query about using isopropyl alcohol, Madame Sweat replied: “There’s nothing wrong with that option. I am simply a big proponent of natural and believe in giving natural cleaning solutions to everyday situations.”