Xiaomi headphones are a popular accessory that accompanies us on trips, training, and even while sleeping, but over time, the sound quality deteriorates and the inserts become covered with sticky plaque, due to the accumulation of earwax, dust and sweat. Wrong cleaning can spoil the speakers or microphone, so it is important to know how to act safely.
In this article, we will discuss how to clean Xiaomi AirDots, Redmi Buds, Mi True Wireless and other models from budget to premium, you will learn what tools to use and what to refuse to damage equipment, and we will reveal the secrets of professional disinfection and tell you how to return the headphones to their original appearance.
Why Xiaomi Headphones Need Cleaning
Even if you use headphones carefully, earwax accumulates inside them, which mixes with dust and sweat, and this leads to:
- 🔊 Sound deterioration - sulfur clogs the speaker's grid, distorting bass frequencies.
- 🦠 Bacteria Reproduction – a humid environment is ideal for fungi and microbes.
- 🔋 Problems with charging (for TWS) — dirt on the contacts interferes with normal connection.
- 🎤 Noise in the microphone – dust hits the membrane, creating interference.
Xiaomi recommends cleaning the headphones at least 1 time every 2 weeks when used actively, especially sports models (Redmi Buds 3 Pro, Xiaomi Buds 4), which come in contact with sweat.
⚠️ Warning: Never use rubber liners for cleaning - they destroy silicone! Only isopropyl alcohol 70% is suitable for disinfection (and then - carefully).
What you need to clean the headphones Xiaomi
Before you start, prepare the tools. Some of them will be at home, others will have to buy:
| Tool. | What do you need? | Where to find it. |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton swabs (with plastic rod) | Removal of sulphur from hard-to-reach areas | Pharmacy, supermarket |
| Toothpicking (wooden or plastic) | Careful removal of dried dirt | Home kit |
| Soft toothbrush. | Cleaning the speaker grid and microphone | Household goods store |
| Isopropyl alcohol (70%) | Disinfection of the body and contacts | Pharmacy, radio shop |
| Scotch or sticky tape | Removal of dust from grilles | Office |
What NOT to use:
- 🚫 Water and soap - getting moisture inside the case will disable the headphones.
- 🚫 Sharp objects (needles, knives) - the risk of damaging the membrane of the speaker.
- 🚫 Hair dryer or heating – plastic can deform.
- 🚫 Acetone and solvents - corrode the coating.
Step-by-step instructions: how to clean the liners and the body
So let's start with the dirtiest place, the silicone liners, which are in contact with the skin and collect as much pollution as possible.
- Unplug the inserts. Most Xiaomi models have easy detachment (e.g. Redmi Buds 3 Lite or Xiaomi Buds 3T). If you're not sure, look at the instructions - some of the inserts are glued and not intended for removal.
- Wash them with warm water and soap. Use baby soap or dishwashing. Don't rub them too hard, the silicone can break.
- Put the inserts on a napkin and leave them for 2-3 hours. Don't dry with a hair dryer!
- You can use alcohol to soak the cotton-coated disc in isopropyl alcohol (70%) and wipe the inside of the liner, and it will kill the bacteria.
If the liners aren't removed (like the Xiaomi Air 2 SE), wipe them with a wet eyeglass wipe, then dry. Use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to remove sulfur from the grooves.
☑️ Cleaning the Xiaomi liners
How to Clean Your Speakers and Microphone Without Damage
The speaker grid is the most vulnerable place, and if you get moisture or a sharp object, you can throw the headphones away.
- Use tape. Cut a small piece and press it gently against the net with the sticky side. Dust and sulfur stick. Repeat 2 to 3 times.
- Take a soft brush. Take a new toothbrush (or makeup brush) and lightly clean the grille with circular motions. Don't press!
- If the sulfur is not removed, wet the cotton swab in alcohol, squeeze the excess and spot the dirt.
To clean the microphone (it is usually located on the leg of the earpiece), use a dry cotton swab or compressed air (a canister to clean the keyboard).
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If the sound is quieter after cleaning, check if the speaker's grid is clogged with gray, gently blow it with compressed air, or use the sticky tape again.
Cleaning Xiaomi wireless headphones (TWS): contacts and case
Xiaomi AirDots, Redmi Buds 4 Pro and other TWS models have two critical areas: charging contacts and the inside of the case, and their contamination leads to poor charging and spontaneous shutdowns.
Clearing contacts:
- Take a cotton swab soaked in alcohol (not wet!).
- Carefully wipe the gold contacts on the headphones and inside the case.
- Let it dry for 10-15 minutes before connecting.
Case cleaning:
- 🧹 Remove dust from the grooves with a toothpick (wrapped with a wet wipe).
- 🔋 Wipe the inside of the case with a dry cloth (microfibre will do).
- 🚫 Do not use liquids – they can damage the battery.
⚠️ Attention: If the headphones don't charge after cleaning, check if the contacts are bent. In Xiaomi Air 2 and Redmi Buds 3, they often shift when cleaning sloppy. You can fix this with a flat screwdriver, but you'd better take them to the service.
How to disinfect Xiaomi headphones without harm
Normal cleaning is not enough, and the earbuds are left with bacteria and fungi.
- 🧴 Special wipes for electronics (with antibacterial coating).
- 💧 Isopropyl alcohol 70% – only for plastic surfaces!
- 🌿 Ultraviolet lamp (e.g. Xiaomi Sterilization Box).
How to disinfect correctly:
- Wipe the headphones with a napkin dipped in alcohol. Avoid hitting the speaker grilles.
- Put the headphones in the UV box for 5-10 minutes (if you have one).
- For the case, use dry treatment - alcohol can damage the adhesive elements.
Some people suggest putting headphones in a bag of rice to absorb moisture. It's inefficient -- rice doesn't kill bacteria or remove sulfur. Better buy silica gel balls (they're put in shoe boxes) and store the headphones with them.
What happens if you don't disinfect your headphones?
Frequent mistakes when cleaning headphones Xiaomi
Many people ruin their headphones when they try to clean them, and here are the most common mistakes:
| Mistake. | Effects of consequences | How to do it right |
|---|---|---|
| Using water to wash the body | Short circuit, failure. | Dry or alcohol treatment only |
| Cleaning with a needle or pin | Puncture of the dynamics membrane | Use a toothpick or scotch |
| Drying by a hairdryer | Deformation of plastic, detachment of glue | Dry at room temperature |
| Use of acetone or gasoline | Coat erosion, loss of color | Only isopropyl alcohol |
Another common problem is cleaning the headphones when assembled. Always remove the liners and accessories before cleaning. In the Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro, for example, dirt accumulates under the rotary mechanism - it must be removed separately.
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If after cleaning the headphones began to sound worse, check if moisture has not got into the speaker. In this case, only drying for 24 hours in a dry place (for example, next to the battery, but not on it!).