Caring for your earplugs: tips for hygiene and longevity

By:Allison Willis

Earplugs are a great tool for reducing noise levels and helping you to find your focus, whether you’re at work, traveling or trying to sleep. But to keep them working effectively and comfortably, proper care is key. Whether you’re using disposable foam earplugs or long-lasting silicone ones, these tips will help you extend their lifespan while keeping your ears protected.

Why earplug care matters

Earplugs sit inside your ears – and just like earphones and earbuds, that can mean bacteria, earwax and dirt may build up if you don’t keep them clean. It may also mean that they don’t work as effectively when it comes to reducing noise levels.

Keeping your earplugs clean and well-maintained helps ensure they remain comfortable, effective, and long-lasting. Regular cleaning prevents everyday buildup, while proper storage and handling help preserve their shape and performance, meaning you can keep using them as effective ear protection for a long time to come. 

Cleaning your earplugs: a step-by-step guide

How to clean earplugs depends on whether you use foam or silicone earplugs. If you use foam earplugs or ear tips, we recommend just giving them a gentle wipe. Avoid water and detergents, as they can damage the material and reduce their effectiveness.

If you have silicone earplugs:

  1. Either submerge them in water for a quick rinse, or use a damp cloth with a little soapy water.
  2. For a deeper clean, detach the ear tips and clean them separately.
  3. Leave them to air dry thoroughly.

If you use earplugs with a special filter like Loop Engage, Loop Experience, and Loop Switch™ 2, we don’t recommend submerging them, as this can damage the internal components. Instead, remove the silicone ear tips and clean them separately in water. To clean the earplugs themselves, gently wipe the outer part with a damp cloth.

And if you use Loop Dream™, they’re made from durable silicone and foam, so they’re easy to clean. Here’s your step-by-step guide to cleaning earplugs like Loop Dream:

  1. Remove the ear tips from your earplugs before cleaning.
  2. Gently wipe down the ear tips and the body with a damp cloth and soapy water.
  3. Make sure everything is completely dry before refitting the ear tips.
  4. Avoid submerging your earplugs in water and keep them away from harsh chemicals and sharp objects.

No matter which type of earplugs you use, make sure to keep them away from harsh chemicals and sharp objects, and if you do use soap for cleaning earplugs, be sure to use non-irritating, skin-safe solutions.

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When to clean your earplugs

Proper care and cleaning will help with extending earplug lifespan. But it depends how often you use your earplugs as to how often you should clean them.

  • If you use your earplugs daily, you should clean them every day or every second day to prevent the build up of wax and oils.
  • If you use them for exercise, be sure to clean them straight after to remove sweat and moisture.
  • If you only use them occasionally (such as for concerts, flights or study sessions), you only need to clean them occasionally – after each use is ideal.
  • If you use disposable earplugs, they should be replaced regularly rather than washing them.

Sometimes your earplugs might need a little extra attention. Here’s how to know if you need to clean your earplugs:

  • They have visible dirt or earwax on them
  • They look discoloured
  • The texture changes or they feel sticky
  • They have a musty or unpleasant smell, which could indicate bacteria or sweat has built up.

Storing your earplugs properly

Proper storage is just as important as regular cleaning when it comes to keeping your earplugs in good condition. A clean, dry, and protective case like the Loop Carry Case helps prevent dirt buildup, maintains the earplugs' shape, and extends the lifespan of your reusable earplugs.

Ensure that your earplugs are dry and clean before putting them into their storage case, and always avoid tossing them loose into a pocket or bag where they could easily pick up dirt.

If you’re taking your earplugs out and about with you, the carry case makes sure that they stay clean and protected in your bag or pocket. You can even attach the Loop Carry Case to your keychain for even easier access. 

Additionally, you should keep them out of direct sunlight, which can damage the materials, and avoid exposure to heat or moisture.

Extending the life of your earplugs

Taking care of your earplugs not only keeps them hygienic but also helps them last longer. By following a few simple habits, you can prevent unnecessary wear and tear, get the most out of your earplugs, and save money in the long run. Here are our top tips for extending your earplug lifespan.

Do:

  • Regularly clean your earplugs, depending on how often you wear them
  • Always store them properly, in a dry, protective case
  • Handle them gently
  • Use clean hands when inserting or removing them to avoid transferring dirt and oils.

Don’t:

  • Store earplugs loose in pockets or bags, where they can collect dirt, dust and lint
  • Expose them to extreme heat or humidity, which can degrade the material
  • Twist or stretch earplugs too much, as it can weaken the material.

As well as cleaning and storing your earplugs properly, it’s also a good idea to rotate between multiple pairs. Using the same pair every day can cause them to wear out faster – but switching between different pairs of earplugs can help to extend their lifespan and prevent overuse.

When to replace your earplugs

It depends on the type of earplugs you use, as well as how often you wear them. But here are some signs it's time to replace your earplugs:

Disposable earplugs: The typical lifespan of disposable foam earplugs is just one to five uses. You should replace them when dirty, misshapen, or after a few wears.

Silicone earplugs: We recommend changing your silicone earplugs every three to six months, or if they show signs of wear, discoloration, or lose their flexibility. Here at Loop, we have replacement ear tips so you can simply swap out older ear tips for new ones whenever they need to be replaced.

Take care of your earplugs to take care of your ears

Your earplugs play an important role in protecting your hearing, improving sleep, and reducing noise distractions—but only if they’re well cared for. By following a simple maintenance routine, you can keep them clean, effective, and long-lasting, ensuring both comfort and long-lasting performance.

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