3 Foolproof Ways to Clean iPhone Speakers

You've just receivedyour new phone case. Excitedly, you grab your phone and begin the Herculean task of removing the old case. Once you've finally removed it, you look down at your phone.

It's disgusting.

Months of grime and buildup and dirt, particularly around your speakers (exposed but neglected because of how secure they are in the case), have made your phone appear as though it was temporarily housed in a pile of potting soil.

You vow that you will never again let your phone get this gross. And the speakers? They're the first line of attack, but you have no idea how to clean them.

No worries—PhoneSoap's got your back. From disinfecting your phone to cleaning your phone speakers, we're experts.

Why is it important to clean and disinfect your iPhone speakers? 

Here's a fun fact (or, you know, more of an un-fun fact): The average smartphone is 18x dirtier than a public restroom. 

And yes, that includes your speakers. Dust, food, skin, and dirt particles make their way into those tiny little speaker holes on the bottom of your phone as well as the ear speaker at the top. Unless you clean them, the dirt's not comin' out. In fact, if you don't make time to clean and disinfect your phone's speakers, they can become jammed with those yucky particles, resulting in poor sound quality and making the grime extremely difficult to remove.

Basically, your phone—speakers included—is a breeding ground for germs. Left unchecked, it can even make you and others sick.

So, if you're wondering if you really need to clean and disinfect your phone, the answer is a solid yes.

Cleaning method #1: Use a toothpick

Call yourself MacGyver because you're about to fix this sitch with nothin' but a toothpick. 

A toothpick is the perfect utensil for cleaning those tiny iPhone speakers because it can fit right in and scrape out the gunk. The trick, though, is doing it right so that you're gentle and don't push dirt in even further or push too hard and damage the speaker.

Using very slight pressure, insert the tip of the toothpick into the speaker, then gently maneuver it sideways and upward (never downward) until any dirt pops out. You can also use toothpick floss, but it does require more patience since the plastic is more flimsy.

After you've cleaned out the gunk, it's time to disinfect, because even after you've got out all of the dirt and grime, germs are still lingering. Hands down, the most effective and easiest way to do that is with PhoneSoap. 

Simply place your smartphone in the disinfection bay of your PhoneSoap 3 and close the lid. After 10 minutes (or 5 if you've got the PhoneSoap Pro), your PhoneSoap device has killed 99.99% of germs.* It's basically amazing, science-y magic.

Cleaning method #2: Use a toothbrush

Another tried and true method for cleaning iPhone speakers is using a clean, soft-bristled toothbrush. (You could even use an old, soft eyeshadow brush that's been disinfected in your PhoneSoap 3.) As you brush the bristles back and forth across the speakers, it should clear out much of the dirt that has accumulated there over time.

For extra oomph, dip the very ends of the toothbrush bristles in rubbing alcohol before brushing the speakers. Just be sure not to use water; it doesn't dry as quickly, or disinfect as well, as alcohol, so there is a greater likelihood for water damage.

Cleaning method #3: Use painter's tape

Painter's tape is a great tool for cleaning your iPhone speakers since it contains a pressure-sensitive adhesive—a fancy way of saying it can stick to any surface. It won't leave residue and snatches up all of those pesky little dirt particles clinging to your speakers.

Start by tearing off a small bit of tape and roll it into a tight cylinder with the sticky side facing out. Hold the cylinder tightly and press it into each speaker. Check the tape each time; if it has dirt on it, discard it and repeat the process with new tape on the next speaker.

Contact Apple support

If all else fails, remember that you can always contact Apple customer support. You can do this by visiting the closest Apple store, scheduling an appointment with a Genius Bar technician, or messaging Apple through their website.

A disinfected phone is a healthier-for-you phone

Remember, cleaning your phone is important to your health. Phones harbor dirt, grime, and all kinds of germs, so clean and disinfect it regularly. PhoneSoap kills 99.99% of germs*, making it the safest and most surefire way to disinfect your phone.

Related articles

• How to clean a shower head
• How to clean your room
• How to clean Velcro
• 3 foolproof ways to clean Iphone speakers
• The complete bathroom cleaning guide

*Testing was conducted in a laboratory setting on actual phones, Apple watch, headphones, credit cards, and keys with a variety of pathogens, including Salmonella, Staphylococcus, and Coronavirus 229E. Real-world results may vary depending on size, shape, and material of phone or phone case. For more information, click here.