Sure, earbud headphones may not be as advanced as their full-size headphone counterparts when it comes to sound quality. But these tiny headphones, more commonly known as earphones or earbuds, are undeniably portable and affordable. That's why a lot of music player owners still can't let go of their earphones even if there are newer and better models that keep on flooding the gadgets market. If you're one of them, you can make your earphones last longer by keeping them clean.

You may not know it, but grime and dirt can make their way on your earbuds over time. Add to that the sweat and wax from your ears. Accumulated dirt not only looks disgusting, but is also detrimental to the proper functioning of your earbuds. If your earphones are white, expect them to turn grayish (or even black!) after a long period of not cleaning them. So it's important that you know how to clean your earphones.
 
Using your shirt or hanky to wipe away dirt may not completely remove it. What you need is a safe cleaning solution that can loosen hardened dirt on the plastic and rubber parts of your earbuds. Mild soap and warm water or hydrogen peroxide can effectively do the job.
 
To start with the cleaning, remove your earbud headphones from your music player. Keep your player away and unplug it from any power source to avoid short-circuiting or grounding.
 
Next, mix the soap with water until the solution is slippery enough to dissolve dirt. Dip a lint-free cloth into the soap-water solution. Squeeze any excess water that may come out after applying excessive pressure on the cloth. This is to prevent water from seeping into the wires of your earphones. Also, be sure that soap doesn't get into the holes of your earphones to avoid damage. If the mesh of your earbuds has accumulated some dirt, use an old, dry toothbrush to scrape dirt away.
 
Aside from maintaining the functionality of your earbud headphones, cleaning them is, of course, very hygienic. The earwax that has built up on your earphones may contain harmful microorganisms, which may cause skin irritation. So be cautious when sharing your earphones with other people. And don't forget to clean your earbuds regularly.