How to clean headphones Xiaomi Redmi: from sulfur to speakers

Xiaomi Redmi headphones are a popular accessory that is used daily but rarely properly maintained, and over time they accumulate earwax, dust, sweat and bacteria, which not only spoil the sound, but can cause skin irritation or even infection, and models with silicone suits (Redmi AirDots, Redmi Buds), where moisture and dirt accumulate in hard-to-reach places, are especially vulnerable.

In this article, you will find 7 proven ways to clean, from basic (cotton sticks, alcohol) to advanced (ultrasonic bath, disassembly of speakers). We will discuss how to clean the internal headphone grilles without damaging the membranes, what products are safe for plastic and silicone, and also give recommendations for prevention.

1.Preparation: What will be needed for cleaning

Before you start the procedure, gather the necessary tools and materials, most of which will be at home, but some will have to buy more (for example, isopropyl alcohol 70% or special brushes).

• 🧻 Cotton swabs (better with a plastic rod, not wooden - it does not crumble).
• 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol 70-90% Or medical alcohol (vodka is not suitable - leaves divorces).
• 🧽 Soft toothbrush (new or well-washed) or makeup brush.
• 💧 Distilled water (if you plan to wash the bulges).
• 🧴 Soap solution (neutral liquid soap) + warm-water).
• 🔧 Plastic tweezers (to remove large contaminants).
• 📦 Container with a lid (if you soak silicone nozzles).

For wireless headphones (Redmi Buds) 3/4, AirDots) Prepare additionally:

• 🔋 Toothpicking (to clean the charging case contacts).
• 🧲 Magnetic screwdriver (if necessary disassembly).
• 📱 Lupu (to see small contaminants in the microphone).

Safety warning: Never use acetone, vinegar or abrasives (such as tooth powder) to clean your headphones, which can damage your earphones, and avoid cotton discs, which remain inside the grilles.

2. Cleaning of silicone embushures and linings

Silicone ear tips are the main dirt collector, and can and should be cleaned separately from the headphone case.

1. Remove the earbuds from the headphones. Most Xiaomi Redmi models have them mounted on a plastic "fungus" - pull by the edge of the nozzle, slightly twisting.
2. Soak in soap solution for 15-20 minutes. Use warm water (not hot!) and neutral soap (such as baby soap).
3. Clean with a brush. With a soft toothbrush, remove any remaining sulfur and plaque from the inside of the nozzle.
4. Rinse and dry. Rinse under running water, then put on a paper towel for 2-3 hours (do not use a hair dryer!).

For deep disinfection after washing, wipe the hoods with a cotton disc dipped in isopropyl alcohol. This will kill bacteria and accelerate drying.

Attention: ⚠️ Don't boil silicone nozzles, it warps the material and shortens its lifespan, and don't microwave or battery dry them.

Cleaning of the housing and speaker grilles

The headphone case and especially the protective grille of the speakers require delicate cleaning, where you can not use water or aggressive means, only dry or semi-dry methods.

For wired headphones (Redmi Earphones):

1. Remove major contaminants with plastic tweezers or dry cotton swab.
2. Moisten the cotton swab in isopropyl alcohol (don't drip directly on the headphones!) and gently wipe the speaker grilles with rotational movements.
3. For hard-to-reach places, use a toothpick wrapped in a thin cloth (such as a microfiber).

For wireless headphones (Redmi Buds):

• 🎧 Wash the case with a wet wipe for electronics (without alcohol!).
• 🔊 Grille speakers clean dry brush or compressed air (a canister for cleaning the keyboard).
• 🔋 Contacts of the charging case wipe with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.

If sulfur is trapped deep in the grille, you can use an ultrasonic bath (if you have one at home), place the headphones in a container of distilled water for 1-2 minutes at minimum power. IPX4 and above (e.g. Redmi Buds 4 Pro).

4. Disinfection of headphones: remove bacteria and smell

Even after visual cleaning, the earbuds still have microbes on them.

• 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol 70% - wipe the case and embusheries (do not pour inside!).
• 💡 Ultraviolet lamp (if any) – place your headphones for 5-10 minutes.
• ☀️ Sunlight – Leave your headphones on the windowsill for 1-2 hours (UV rays kill bacteria).

To remove unpleasant odors (such as sweat), put the headphones in a sealed container of baking soda for 12 hours.

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If the headphones smell of mold, wipe them with a solution of vinegar (1:1 with water), then rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly. This method is only suitable for silicone embusheries, not for the case!

Attention: ⚠️ Do not disinfect chlorhexidine or hydrogen peroxide, which can damage plastic and rubber, and avoid aromatic sprays (such as air fresheners) as they leave a sticky plaque.

5. Disassembly of headphones: when and how to do it

If surface cleaning didn't help, it might have accumulated dirt inside the case, and disassembling headphones is a last resort, as it can lead to loss of warranty or breakage, and we recommend doing this only for wired models (Redmi Earphones), where the design is simpler.

You'll need:

• 🔧 Screwdriver (cross or flat, depending on the screws).
• 🧲 Tweezers and magnets (to avoid losing small details).
• 📸 Smartphone for photographing the process (useful when assembling).

Step-by-step:

1. Carefully put the speaker's protective grille on a plastic card or a mediator, which is usually held on the latches.
2. Unscrew the screws (if any) and unplug the case, and inside you'll see a speaker, wires, and possibly a board.
3. Remove dirt from internal surfaces with a dry brush or compressed air.
4. Collect the headphones in reverse order, making sure that all the wires are in place.

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Disassembly of wireless headphones (for example, Redmi Buds) at home is highly recommended - their body is glued together, and after opening you will not be able to restore tightness.

Attention: ⚠️ If you're not sure about your skills, you'd better take the headphones to the service center. Incorrect disassembly can lead to wires breaking or damage to the speaker membrane.

6.Typical mistakes when cleaning headphones

Many users are spoiling Xiaomi Redmi headphones because of the wrong actions, and here are the most common mistakes and their consequences:

Another common problem is the loss of sound after cleaning, which happens when the speaker gets moisture or dirt particles block the membrane.

1. Blow the headphones with compressed air (keyboard balloon).
2. Put them in a silica gel container (shoe box bags) for 12 hours.
3. If the sound is not restored, contact the service.

7. Prevention: how to prolong the life of headphones

To avoid general cleaning, follow these tips:

• 🧼 Wash your headphones after each use with a dry microfiber wipe.
• 🎧 Store in a case (even wired models are better kept in a case or bag).
• 🚫 Don’t share your headphones with others – this reduces the risk of transmitting bacteria.
• 🔋 Do not leave your headphones in the sun or in a hot place (such as in a car in the summer).
• 💧 For sports models (Redmi Buds 4 Active), wash the slacks after training.

If you use wireless headphones, regularly clean the contacts of the charging case with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. This will prevent oxidation and charging problems.

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For models with active noise cancellation (Redmi Buds 4 Pro), clean the microphones (they are located on the headphone leg) once a month - they quickly clog with dust, which worsens the quality. ANC.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning headphones Xiaomi Redmi