Port and Earbud Brushes

Small brushes for small gaps

Pocket fluff and dust find their way into every gap on a phone: the charging port, the speaker and microphone grilles, and the edges of a case. Earbuds collect wax on the mesh that sits in the ear, and their charging case collects grit in the cups where the buds sit. A small, soft brush lifts it out without liquid, which is exactly what the phone makers ask for. Fluff packed into a charging port is a common reason a cable stops sitting firmly.

The kinds in this range

• Dual-head brushes with a sponge tip. One end has very fine nylon bristles for speaker openings and earbud mesh, the other slightly firmer bristles for tight corners, with a memory sponge that picks up fine dust. The heads retract for the pocket.
• Compact multi-tool brushes. Several small cleaning tools in one little plastic body, about the size of a matchbox, for earbuds, headsets, phones and laptops.

For a larger set with a cloth, spray and keyboard tools, see phone cleaning kits.

How to use a brush safely

Apple and Samsung both say to turn the phone off and unplug it first, to keep liquid out of the openings, and not to use compressed air. Apple's advice for the ports on its earbud cases is a clean, dry, soft-bristled brush, with nothing put in a port that could damage the metal contacts.

1. Look into the port with a torch. Fluff usually sits packed flat against the back.
2. Hold the phone with the port facing down, and brush gently at the opening so loose fluff falls out.
3. Brush lightly across the speaker grilles. Do not push anything through the holes, and do not blow into them.
4. For earbuds, hold each one with the mesh facing down, as Samsung suggests, and brush gently. Nothing sharp, which can tear the mesh or push wax further in.

Keep the brush dry and clean, and never use pins, paper clips or the SIM tool in a port. If a cable still will not sit, take the phone to a repair shop rather than digging further. The guide to cleaning your phone safely has the full advice.

Questions people ask about port and earbud brushes

Can I use alcohol on the brush?

Not in a port: both makers say to keep liquid out of the openings. Samsung also says not to use alcohol on its earbuds. Use the brush dry.

How often should I clean my earbuds?

Have a look every week or two, more often if you wear them for exercise. Rinse silicone ear tips in water and dry them fully before fitting them back.

How do I keep fluff out afterwards?

Fit a dust plug in the port, and a cover on the earbud case from earbud cases and covers.

More to look at

• All cleaning and care
• Phone cleaning kits
• Dust plugs
• Ear tips
• Earbud cases and covers
• Guide: Earphones and earbuds for your phone
• Guide: How to clean your phone safely