How to Clean Xiaomi Headphones: From Sulfur to Microbes

Xiaomi headphones — whether it’s budget Redmi AirDots or premium FlipBuds Pro — accumulate dirt, earwax and bacteria over time. This not only spoils the sound, but can cause skin irritation or even infection. 80% of users clean the headphones incorrectly: someone uses alcohol in its pure form (which destroys the coating), someone is limited to wiping a wet wipe (without removing sulfur from the speaker grills).

In this article, we have 7 proven cleaning methods based on the materials and design of specific Xiaomi models, and we will discuss how to remove sulfur from the speakers without risking damage to the membrane, than disinfect silicone embroideries, and why compressed air cannot be used for active noise reduction (ANC) models, and you will also find a table of compatibility of cleaning methods with the popular series of headphones of the brand.

If you notice that the sound has become quieter, wheezing has appeared, or headphones have begun to hold worse in the ears - these are sure signs of contamination. Don't delay cleaning: earwax freezes over time and can damage the speaker when you try to remove. And in wireless models, dirt often causes poor contact in the charging case.

1.Preparation: What will be needed for cleaning

Before you start, gather the tools and materials you need, and don't use tools like toothpicks or cotton swabs, which can push the sulfur deeper or scratch the coating, and here's a full list of safe tools:

• 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol 70% (not higher! 90%+ alcohol destroys adhesive bases and rubber seals).
• 🧻 Microfiber wipe (without pile so that there are no fibers left).
• 🔦 A backlit earloop or magnifying glass for accurate inspection of speaker grilles.
• 🧼 Soap solution (only for silicone embushures, not for the case!).
• 💨 Compressed air container (only for models without air) ANC, For example, Redmi Buds 3 Lite).
• 🧷 Plastic spatula (comes complete with some Xiaomi smartphones for extraction) SIM-map).

⚠️ Warning: Never use acetone, bleach or vinegar, which corrodes plastic and rubber. Also avoid cotton swabs, which can remain inside the headphones and make the sound worse.

If you have an active noise cancelling (ANC) model, such as the Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro or Buds 4 Pro, eliminate compressed air - it can damage ANC microphones. For such headphones, it is better to use special gel cleaning sticks (sold in electronics stores).

2.Bleaning speakers: how to remove earwax

The most common problem is the gray-filled speaker grille, which causes muffled sound, wheezing at high frequencies, or the bass completely disappears, so don't try to pick the grille with a needle or a toothpick, so you'll damage the membrane.

Here is a step-by-step guide to safely remove sulfur:

1. Remove the hoods (if they are removable, like the Xiaomi Hybrid Pro). To do this, carefully pull them aside without putting too much effort.
2. Light the speaker grille with a flashlight or an earloop. Estimate the level of contamination.
3. Apply 1-2 drops of isopropyl alcohol 70% on a microfibre wipe and gently wipe the grille with circular motions (don’t press!).
4. For persistent contaminants, use a plastic spatula wrapped in a napkin dipped in alcohol, and move from center to edge.
5. Allow the headphones to dry for 10-15 minutes before use.

For models with open speakers (such as Redmi AirDots 3), you can use a soft toothbrush (new!) with medium stiff bristles. Dip it in alcohol and carefully "mix" the dirt from the grille.

⚠️ Warning: If the sound didn't recover after cleaning, it might have been sulfur that got inside the speaker, which would require ultrasonic cleaning (which is done at service centers), and don't try to disassemble the headphones yourself, which will lead to a loss of warranty.

Disinfection of the bottles and shells

Silicone earbuds and plastic headphones are a breeding ground for bacteria. According to a study by the University of Manchester Metropolitan, headphones can have 10 times more microbes than toilet seats. Disinfection should be carried out at least 1 time a week.

For different materials, use different methods:

For silicone embushures:

1. Take them off your headphones.
2. Wash in warm water with soap (no aggressive detergents!).
3. Rub 70% with alcohol and let it dry in air (do not use a hair dryer!).

For a plastic case, just wipe with an alcohol napkin, paying attention to the joints and buttons. Do not pour alcohol into the headphones - this can damage the electronics.

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If the earbuds are out of shape, immerse them for 5 minutes in warm water (not boiling water!), then put them on the headphones and let them dry. They will restore the original elasticity.

4.Cleaning the charging case

Xiaomi’s charge case of headphones is often overlooked, even though it is where dust, pile and even particles of earwax accumulate. A contaminated case can cause poor contact and slow charging of the headphones.

How to clean the case correctly:

• 🔋 Make sure the case is discharged (do not connect to charging while cleaning!).
• 🧹 Remove visible dirt with a dry toothbrush or compressed air (hold the balloon vertically!).
• 🧴 Charging contacts wipe with alcohol 70% with a cotton disc soaked in alcohol.
• 🔍 Check the magnetic holders – if they have accumulated dirt, the headphones may not fix well.

⚠️ Attention: If the case stopped charging the headphones after cleaning, check the polarity of the contacts. Sometimes after aggressive cleaning, they may shift).

For models with wireless charging (for example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro) additionally wipe the back panel of the case with alcohol - dirt on it can interfere with induction charging.

5. Features of cleaning models with ANC

Xiaomi’s Active Noise Canceling (ANC) headphones — such as the FlipBuds Pro or Buds 4 Pro — require a special approach, and their design includes additional microphones and electronic components that are easily damaged if properly cleaned.

What can and cannot be done:

• ✅ Use special gel sticks to clean microphone grilles.
• ✅ Wash the body with alcohol wipes without pile.
• ❌ Apply compressed air - it can damage membranes ANC-microphone.
• ❌ Immerse the headphones in liquid (even partially!).

To clean the ANC's microphone grilles, use a soft brush (like a paint brush) or a special gel sold in electronics stores. Put the gel on the grille, let it dry (it hardens and pulls out the dirt), then remove the residues with a dry wipe.

6. How to clean open-construction headphones (e.g. Redmi AirDots)

Headphones like Redmi AirDots or Redmi Buds 3 Lite have an open design without silicone embroideries. This makes cleaning easier, but requires regular maintenance - dirt and sulfur get on the speaker faster.

Step-by-step:

1. Wipe the body with a dry microfiber.
2. For the speaker grille, use a soft toothbrush soaked in alcohol 70%.
3. If sulfur has frozen, apply for 2-3 minutes hydrogen peroxide 3%, then remove the softened dirt with a cotton swab (carefully!).
4. Check the infrared sensor (if any) – it often gets contaminated and stops correctly detecting the wearing of headphones.

For touch-controlled models (such as Redmi AirDots 3), avoid getting liquid on the touch panels. Rub them with a dry wipe slightly moistened with alcohol.

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Open headphones (for example, Redmi AirDots) are cleaned dry methods - a minimum of liquid, maximum mechanical cleaning with a brush or napkin.

7. Prevention: how to prolong the cleanliness of headphones

Cleaning regularly is good, but it’s even better to prevent heavy pollution, and here are some tips to keep Xiaomi headphones clean for longer:

• 🧴 Wash your headphones after each use with a dry wipe (especially if you are exercising).
• 🎧 Keep your headphones in your case – this protects against dust and mechanical damage.
• 🔄 Change the bulges every 3-6 months (they wear out and accumulate bacteria).
• 🚫 Don’t share headphones – this is a common way to transmit bacteria and fungi.
• 💧 Avoid moisture – even sweat can speed up contact corrosion.

If you use headphones while exercising, consider buying a hydrophobic coating (like Nano-Coating) that repels sweat and moisture, which is applied in service centers and extends the life of the headphones by 30-40%.

It is also useful to ventilate the case once a month - leave it open for 1-2 hours to evaporate moisture, which will prevent mold from appearing on the contacts.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning Xiaomi headphones