When you leave your phone or any other electronic device in your purse or pocket without a case, dirt and lint accumulate inside the headphone jack. If you don't clean, you will end up unable to connect the earphones. However, these sockets can be cleaned quickly and safely. You can use compressed air to remove the smallest particles, but you can also use a cotton swab for stubborn dirt and a paper clip covered with masking tape to remove lint.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Using Compressed Air
Step 1. Buy a can of compressed air
You can find it in electronics stores, such as MediaWorld or Unieuro. Compressed air is used to clean computer parts, so you can also find it in stores that sell this type of item. If you use this method, the jack is less likely to get damaged, since you are not going to put anything into the hole but the air itself.
Step 2. Point the nozzle in the direction of the outlet
Move the canister opening to the jack. Some cans are sold with tubes to be applied to the nozzle. In this case, everything will be easier, because you can point it directly at the jack and direct the air flow in the slot.
Step 3. Let the air out
Press the button on the top of the can to expel the air. A couple of sprays will be enough to get rid of most of the dirt nestled in the jack. Make sure there is no residue inside the jack.
Part 2 of 3: Clean with Cotton Swabs
Step 1. Buy some cotton buds
You can find them in supermarkets or stores that sell body care products. Try to get sticks that are not too soft, so that they do not leave residue inside the jack. Those with thinner ends are more effective because they enter more easily.
Step 2. Remove the cotton from the tip of the swab
Start tearing or cutting the cotton away from one end. Make the tip of the stick the same thickness as the center portion. At that point you should be able to insert it into the jack without any problems.
Step 3. Gently brush the jack
Do not press hard on the stick inside the socket. Push it gently until it reaches the bottom. Rotate the stick on itself to clean the entire interior of the jack. When you go to remove it, most of the dirt will come out.
Step 4. Clean with ethyl alcohol
If the jack is very dirty, you can dip the cotton swab in alcohol. Make sure the stick is only slightly wet, not soaked. First, squeeze it to get rid of excess liquid. Insert the stick into the jack and make it turn on itself.
Ethyl alcohol can corrode metal, so use it sparingly
Step 5. Blot the jack with a clean swab
The alcohol should dry quickly on its own. However, you can remove excess liquid to minimize contact with the jack. Insert a clean stick into the socket. Leave it in for a moment and rotate it on itself to absorb the alcohol.
Part 3 of 3: Use a paperclip covered with masking tape
Step 1. Open a paperclip
Open the paper clip so that one end is straight. Now you can use it to pull the dirt out. However, the metal can scratch the inside of the jack.
- You can also use a toothpick, but the pointed end can still scratch the inside of the socket.
- Needles are effective at catching lint and larger dirt particles, but they are very likely to scratch the surface of the jack; for this reason they should only be used as a last resort.
Step 2. Wrap duct tape around the end of the paper clip
Use standard tape (such as Scotch or Tesa branded tape). Wrap it tightly around the straightened end of the paper clip, with the sticky side facing out. Before use, check that the tape has adhered well to the paper clip and does not come off.
Step 3. Gently insert the tape-covered paperclip into the jack
Slowly move the tape to the desired position. Don't press it too hard. Remove all visible dirt particles. The tape will act as a lint remover, removing the dirt and lint nestled in the jack.
