Something so obvious that’s often overlooked, properly cleaning earbuds. You know we always pop them in our ears at every opportunity. We never think that they actually should to be cleaned often. Yes, they should. By not properly cleaning our buds we invite into our ears dirt and nasty germs from our pockets, desks, cars, bags, fingertips, etc. Our earbuds come in contact with various pathogens (a bacterium, virus, or other microorganism that can cause disease). When we use earbuds we trap ear wax in our ears causing ear wax build up that may result in ear infections and reduce hearing.

I don’t share earbuds with anyone primarily because of hygiene conscientious. There always someone that takes their earbuds out their ears and motions for me to place them in my ears to “listen to this song” I stand there emotionless, not wanting to offend them by responding, “Keep your ear germs to yourself. Gross me out why don’t you.” I’m not the sharing type but I am guilty of not cleaning them regularly.

So a girl has to get with the program and get to cleaning.
Cleaning earbuds is as simple as using a clean cloth or tissue and a toothbrush. 
If there’s a lot of dirt or dust in the metal part of earbuds, brush with a dry toothbrush to remove the dust.
Keeping my earbuds clean will reduce the risk of bacteria, viruses and other pathogens from being introduced into my ears and will prevent excess ear wax buildup, ear infections and impacted ear wax.
Not to mention I want to get the best audio performance from my earbuds because a small amount of debris causes the sound to fade or altogether cut out. I also keep my earbuds clean to reduce risk of impaired hearing.
I’m just being real about the ‘obvious’ that is not so obvious.