Clean open-ear earbuds according to the exact model’s care guide: the approved method can differ even between brands. Use only the materials the manufacturer permits, avoid pushing debris into sound openings, keep charging contacts and the case dry, and let wet earbuds dry fully before charging or storing them.
How to clean open-ear earbuds safely
- Identify the exact model. Find its current manufacturer care guide before choosing a wipe, swab, brush, or liquid. Cleaning instructions are not universal.
- Remove surface dust gently. Use only a cloth or tool allowed by that guide. Do not force debris into sound openings or damage their protective mesh.
- Clean openings using the model’s specified method. Do not insert sharp tools, use canned air, or apply liquid unless the manufacturer explicitly permits it.
- Clean charging contacts only as directed. Use a dry cotton swab or soft cloth when the guide allows it; keep moisture out of the case and charging area.
- Dry completely before charging or storing. Wipe droplets away and follow any model-specific instructions for water in openings. Leave the earbuds to dry thoroughly at room temperature before placing them in the case.
For example, Sony’s LinkBuds Open care guide permits 99% water-based wipes for specified openings and exterior surfaces, while Bose’s Sport Open owner’s guide specifies a dry, soft cotton swab. Follow your own model’s instructions rather than applying either example to other earbuds.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
How to remove earwax or dust from the speaker opening
Debris at a sound output opening can reduce or block sound, but scraping at the mesh can damage it or push debris farther inside. Sony warns LinkBuds Open users not to use sharp tools or brushes on the sound output hole and not to push debris inward. Its guide also warns against canned air. These are Sony’s instructions for that model; check the guide for yours.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
For LinkBuds Open specifically, Sony recommends wiping debris at the sound output hole with a 99% water-based wipe, taking care not to push it inside. The same guide recommends such wipes for exterior dust and dirt, then wiping droplets with a dry, soft cloth. Do not substitute alcohol or another solvent: Sony warns against solvents such as thinner, benzene, and alcohol.
#1 Best Overall
- Professional & Powerful: Say goodbye to dirt, grime, and earwax with our 20-in-1 keyboard cleaner Kit. The metal tip cleans small crevices, sound holes, and charging ports, while the soft brush with high-density bristles gently cleans speaker mesh. The flocking sponge is perfect for earpods charging cases. Airpods cleaning kit also includes a 15ml screen cleaner spray, microfiber cloth, and Airpod cleaning putty for thorough maintenance, preventing build-up and ensuring peak performance
- Safe for All AirPod Models & Other Brands: The earbud cleaning kit works with all AirPod models (AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max) and other tech devices like Beats, Sony, jbl, and Bose headphones. Made from ABS plastic, soft velvet, and non-abrasive metals, our keyboard cleaner kit offers a gentle, thorough clean without scratches. Durable and reliable, it's great for regular maintenance without damaging delicate components
- Multi-Function & Thoughtful Cleaning Tool: The electronics cleaning kit cleans more than just AirPods—it's perfect for headphones, iPhones, iPads, tablets, computer screens, keyboards, camera lenses, and more. Featuring a retractable large brush and two polishing cloths, this all-in-one phone screen cleaner keeps your devices in pristine condition. A refined choice for tech enthusiasts, students, and professionals alike
- Compact & Easy to Use: The 20-in-1 keyboard cleaner kit features easy tool switching and a pen-like design for lightweight, compact portability with case. The retractable components keep the cleaning tips safe when not in use. This thoughtfully designed air pod cleaner makes cleaning your AirPods, wireless earbuds, bluetooth headphones, wired ear buds, in-ear earphones, headset and other tech devices quick, electronics for college students
- Portable Design for On-the-Go: The phone cleaning kit features a compact design for easy portability. All airpod cleaning tool are neatly organized in one case, ensuring quick access and secure storage. Our portable ear bud cleaning kit fits easily in your pocket or bag, making it ideal for travel or daily cleaning. Our laptop cleaning kit lets you keep your AirPods and other devices in top condition, whether you're at home, the office, or on the go
Can you wash open-ear earbuds with water?
Do not assume a water-resistance rating means an earbud can be washed, submerged, or exposed to any liquid. Ratings and permitted use vary by model, and a charging case may have less protection than the earbuds.
Sony LinkBuds Open
Sony’s LinkBuds Open Help Guide describes the headset as equivalent to IPX4 under IEC 60529, meaning protection against splashing water from any direction. It says the headset cannot be used in water and the case is not water-resistant. Sony lists fresh water, tap water, and perspiration as applicable liquids, but excludes examples including soapy water, detergent water, shampoo, hot water, pool water, and seawater.
Rank #2
- DEEP CLEANING FOR AIRPODS & EARBUDS: Designed to help remove dust, earwax, and buildup from earbuds, charging cases, speaker meshes, and hard-to-reach gaps. Ideal for AirPods Pro, AirPods, wireless earbuds, and daily electronics cleaning.
- 3-IN-1 MULTI-FUNCTION CLEANING TOOL: Features a precision metal tip for stubborn dirt, a soft high-density brush for mesh and speaker areas, and a flocking sponge for charging cases and interior corners. One compact tool for complete cleaning care.
- SAFE FOR DAILY ELECTRONICS CLEANING: Soft-touch materials help clean delicate surfaces without scratching. Suitable for earbuds, Bluetooth headphones, phones, tablets, keyboards, cameras, smartwatches, and other small electronic devices.
- PORTABLE & EASY TO STORE: Compact pen-style design fits easily into bags, desk drawers, travel cases, or pockets. Great for office, travel, gym, commuting, and everyday use.
- CLEANER SOUND & BETTER LISTENING EXPERIENCE: Regular cleaning helps keep earbuds looking clean and supports a more comfortable listening experience. A practical accessory for AirPods users, students, commuters, travelers, and tech lovers.
Sony also gives model-specific directions for water remaining in openings: point the sound output or microphone opening downward toward a dry cloth, then shake or gently tap about 10 times and dry thoroughly. Do not treat this as a universal procedure for other earbuds.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Shokz OpenFit
Shokz describes OpenFit earbuds as IP54 water-resistant, but says the charging case is not waterproof. Its OpenFit support page advises against submerging the earbuds, wearing them in heavy rain, or washing them with running water.
Rank #3
- DEEP ALL-AROUND CLEANING TECHNOLOGY FOR EARBUDS: Tired of grimy ear tips and hard-to-reach charging case gaps? Our Airpod cleaner kit delivers full coverage deep cleaning, clearing dust, wax and debris from tiny crevices, earplug meshes and charging compartments without dead zones. Keep your wireless earbuds spotless longer and extend their service life effectively.
- SKIN-FRIENDLY & SCRATCH-PROOF ECO MATERIALS: This earbud cleaning pen is built with premium soft eco-friendly components, which won’t scratch delicate earbud metal meshes, sound holes or charging case surfaces. Safe for frequent daily cleaning with zero damage risk to your expensive Bluetooth ear devices.
- UPGRADED 3-IN-1 HIDDEN DUAL-HEAD DESIGN: Our multi-function Airpod cleaning tool adopts an integrated hidden triple-purpose structure to meet all digital cleaning demands. The precision metal tip digs out deep gunk from micro gaps; ultra-fine microfiber brush wipes tiny mesh holes; soft fluffy brush thoroughly cleans charging case interiors.
- ULTRA PORTABLE PEN-SHAPE FOR MULTIPLE DIGITAL DEVICES: Compact lightweight pen-style design fits pockets, purses and backpacks for travel, office and daily carry. This earbud cleaner kit works universally for Airpods, all wireless Bluetooth earbuds, smartphones, cameras and other small digital gadgets for all headphone users.
- IDEAL DAILY & GIFT CHOICE WITH RELIABLE AFTER-SALES SUPPORT: Practical daily essential for anyone who wears wireless earbuds, it also serves as a thoughtful small gift for family and friends. We provide complete after-sales service for every Airpod cleaning kit you purchase, eliminating all your shopping worries.
Why the rating is not a washing instruction
IP54 and IPX4 are product protection ratings, not evidence that a cleaning method is safe or that a device can be immersed. Check the exact product guide for the liquids and exposure it permits, and keep the case dry unless its documentation says otherwise.
How to clean charging contacts and the case
Charging contacts can be affected by sweat, moisture, and debris. Sony advises LinkBuds Open owners to promptly wipe away foreign matter, sweat, or moisture and let the parts dry at room temperature. For contact points, Sony recommends a cotton swab or dry, soft cloth. Bose likewise specifies a dry, soft cotton swab for Sport Open earbuds, the charging base, and charging contacts and pins.
Rank #4
- 【NEW TECHNOLOGY】 Are you still using dirty headphones? Are you still using those bulky cleaning tools? Our cleaner kit is a pen to clean the entire set of Bluetooth earplugs, from the small hole of the earplug to the charging compartment, 360-degree cleaning without dead ends, making your earplugs more durable.
- 【SAFETY MATERIALS】Made of soft materials, cleaner will not damage the earplug components and holes.
- 【3-IN-1 DESIGN】The cleaning kit adopts a separate double-head hidden design to meet a variety of cleaning needs. The metal tip of the cleaning pen is like a pen tip, which can clean the small parts and holes of the earplugs for deep cleaning of crevices and stubborn dirt. There is a soft microfiber brush above the pen tip, which can deeply clean the tiny parts and holes of the earplugs. At the other end of the pen is a soft and lightweight brush that can clean the charging compartment.
- 【WIDE APPLICATION】Pen-shaped design, cleaning kit is lightweight and easy to carry. It can be used anytime and anywhere. Suitable for Bluetooth earbuds, headsets, mobile phone, computer, tablet, camera and other digital products.
- 【EXCELLENT GIFT IDEA】For anyone wearing headphones, this is the best accessory and gift. Help clean hard-to-reach areas or any other corners.
Keep liquid out of charging openings and the case. Sony says its LinkBuds Open case is not water-resistant and warns that charging with moisture attached can cause malfunction or corrosion. Do not place damp earbuds in the case.
Which cleaners and tools should you avoid?
- Alcohol and solvents: Sony warns against solvents for LinkBuds Open. Bose warns against solvents and chemical cleaning solutions, including alcohol and ammonia, for Sport Open.
- Abrasive products and unapproved chemicals: Bose cautions against abrasives and cleaning solutions; do not assume a disinfecting wipe or household cleaner is safe.
- Sprays and excess liquid: Bose says not to spray near the earbuds or let liquids spill into openings.
- Sharp picks, brushes, and canned air: Sony’s LinkBuds Open instructions warn against sharp tools or brushes on the sound output hole and against canned air. Do not use them unless your model’s guide specifically permits them.
A cotton swab is not automatically safe for every task or product. Use one only where the exact manufacturer guide allows it, and keep it dry when cleaning contacts unless that guide says otherwise.
Best Value
- ALL-IN-ONE EARBUDS CLEANING KIT - Compact metal tin with reusable cleaning clay + pro detailing tool. Deep-cleans earbuds and phone ports; minimal size, maximum effect.
- DEEP CLEAN - Specialized clay lifts dust, lint, and earwax from speakers, microphones, and charging ports to restore clear sound and reliable charging an effective phone port cleaner.
- SAFE FOR SENSITIVE TECH - Gentle on earbuds, phones, and tablets when used as directed, no liquids or abrasives needed.
- PRO DETAILING TOOL INCLUDED - Sturdy precision tool reaches edges, grilles, and tight corners the clay can’t. Ideal for stubborn buildup in mics, speaker grilles, and cases.
- TESTED & TRUSTED - Tested in Germany and verified. Backed by the tagplus satisfaction promise.
What to check in your model’s care guide
- Approved cleaning material for the sound openings and outer surfaces.
- Whether wipes, alcohol, solvents, brushes, or compressed air are allowed or prohibited.
- What the water-resistance rating means in practice, including excluded liquids and uses.
- Whether the charging case has its own water-resistance rating.
- How to dry the earbuds and contacts before charging or storage.
Those details determine the safe method: Sony’s LinkBuds Open guide permits specific water-based wipes for certain surfaces, while Bose’s Sport Open guide calls for dry swabs. When the instructions are unclear, do not introduce liquid or tools into openings; consult the manufacturer’s support guidance for the exact model.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
