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Clean workout earbuds according to the instructions for their exact make and model: wipe away sweat, clear earwax only with the method approved for the tips and speaker mesh, and let every part dry before charging or storing it. Cleaning methods are not interchangeable—some manufacturers warn against alcohol or water, while a JBL guide permits a small amount of alcohol for a specific product.

Before you clean: identify the earbuds and separate the parts

Find the model name or number and open its manufacturer’s care instructions. Apple, Samsung, Sony, and JBL give different directions for liquids, mesh, and drying, so do not assume a method approved for one brand is safe for another.

If the earbuds have removable silicone tips, take them off only if the manufacturer’s instructions allow it. Clean the tips and the earbud body as separate parts, using the directions for each. Keep liquid away from charging ports and contacts, and do not push debris farther into the speaker mesh.

How to remove sweat after a workout

  1. Take the earbuds out and inspect them. Look for moisture around the body, charging contacts, and ports. Do not charge or put damp earbuds in their case.
  2. Wipe them using the model’s approved method. Apple recommends cleaning and drying certain AirPods after workouts or exposure to sweat. Sony advises wiping sweat or moisture from charging ports and letting them dry at room temperature. Follow the exact care page for your product.
  3. Dry them thoroughly. Samsung says to dry charging contacts thoroughly if sweat or liquid is present. Apple’s instructions specify at least two hours of drying for the cleaning procedures described on its page; that timing should not be applied to other products unless their instructions say so.

Apple cautions: “Don’t place your AirPods under running water – and don’t use sharp objects or abrasive materials to clean your AirPods.” It also says to keep liquid out of charging ports. These directions apply to the AirPods procedures on Apple’s page, not automatically to other earbuds or every AirPods part. Apple’s AirPods cleaning instructions list the applicable models and methods.

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How to remove earwax from tips and speaker mesh

Removable ear tips

Remove a tip only if the product’s instructions permit it. Clean the tip using the manufacturer’s method, then make sure it is fully dry before reattaching it. Do not let cleaning liquid run into the earbud opening or charging contacts.

Speaker mesh

Use only the tool and motion specified for your model. Avoid sharp objects, abrasive materials, and forceful brushing; these can damage the mesh or push wax into the earbud. Samsung’s guidance also says not to hold Galaxy Buds upright while cleaning, to help prevent debris or liquid from falling inside. Its support page warns against alcohol and soapy water on the earbuds. Samsung’s Galaxy Buds cleaning instructions cover the ear tip and speaker mesh.

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Sony’s general guidance for covered products permits a cloth dampened with water and wrung tightly for the sound-output mesh. Sony specifically warns users to avoid pushing debris into the earbud and says not to use solvents such as alcohol on the products covered by its care guidance. Confirm the directions for your exact model on Sony’s headphone care page.

A soft-bristled electronics cleaning brush can be useful only where the maker permits brushing. Apple and Samsung describe brush use in specified contexts; that does not make brushing suitable for every earbud mesh. Apple also names the Belkin AirPods Cleaning Kit for certain mesh procedures, but it is not a general-purpose recommendation for other models.

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Why alcohol advice depends on the model

Do not use alcohol simply because it appears in another brand’s cleaning guide. Samsung cautions against alcohol and soapy water when cleaning Galaxy Buds, and Sony advises against solvents such as alcohol for the products covered by its care page. By contrast, JBL’s guide for its covered product describes using a clean cotton swab slightly moistened with alcohol to remove dirt and earwax from ear tips. That exception is limited to the product covered by the guide; check that your model matches before following it.

JBL’s earbud cleaning guide describes its product-specific method. If your model is not covered, do not transfer that alcohol instruction to it.

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Drying, charging, and storage

  • Keep liquid out of charging ports and contacts.
  • If sweat or liquid reaches Samsung Galaxy Buds’ contacts, dry them thoroughly before charging.
  • Allow earbuds, removable tips, and any cleaned parts to dry completely before use or storage. Follow the precise timing given for your model; Apple’s at-least-two-hour direction applies to the procedures on its page.
  • If moisture may have entered the earbud or case, do not charge it until it is dry. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for further steps.

Quick manufacturer comparison

Manufacturer guidance Mesh and debris Liquid and solvent cautions Drying or contacts
Apple AirPods Methods vary by model and mesh procedure; some procedures name a Belkin cleaning kit. Do not use running water, sharp objects, or abrasives; keep liquid out of charging ports. For procedures described on its page, dry completely for at least two hours before use or placing in the case. Apple Support
Samsung Galaxy Buds Instructions cover the ear tip and speaker mesh; do not hold earbuds upright while cleaning. Do not use alcohol or soapy water on the earbuds. Thoroughly dry charging contacts if sweat or liquid is present. Samsung Support
Sony headphones covered by the care page A tightly wrung, water-dampened cloth may be used on the sound-output mesh; avoid pushing debris inward. Do not use solvents such as alcohol on the covered products. Wipe moisture from charging ports and let dry at room temperature. Confirm the exact product’s care page. Sony Support
JBL product covered by the cited guide The guide describes cleaning ear tips with a cotton swab. It permits a clean cotton swab slightly moistened with alcohol for the covered product only. Not stated in the cited guide. JBL Support

Cleaning mistakes to avoid

  • Using running water or soaking an earbud when its instructions do not allow it.
  • Applying alcohol, soapy water, or another solvent based on advice for a different make or model.
  • Using pins, toothpicks, or other sharp objects on mesh, or pushing wax deeper into the opening.
  • Getting liquid into charging ports or contacts, or charging before the earbuds are dry.
  • Assuming a brush, cleaning kit, or drying time applies to every earbud.

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