Google details how to keep your Pixel Buds Pro 2 spotless and sounding great

Google unveiled the Pixel Buds Pro 2 alongside the Pixel 9 lineup in mid-August 2024, with sales kicking off almost a month later in September. While not the best, Google’s new flagship earbuds made all the right upgrades, delivering great ANC and sound quality in a lightweight and comfortable-to-wear package. If you have been using your Pixel Buds regularly since launch day, it might be time for a little spring cleaning to ensure its audio quality is not affected. To make this easier, Google has published a detailed guide to walk you through the process.

Over time, ear wax, dust, and dirt can get lodged in the mesh of your earbuds, negatively affecting the loudness and sound quality. This is why Google recommends you clean your Pixel Buds Pro 2 once every few months, especially the rear vent mesh.

Considering its location and size, you might not think much about cleaning the rear vent. But given how important the mesh is for the Pixel Buds audio quality, you should clean it regularly.

Before you begin, the company says you’ll need micellar water (the kind used for makeup removal), an extra soft toothbrush, and a paper towel. If you follow Google’s instructions to the letter, the entire process will take a little over two hours, as it requires leaving the earbuds out in the open for 2 hours to ensure they are completely dry.

Cleaning your Pixel Buds Pro 2 thoroughly will take time

If you have the necessary items and are willing to put in the time, you can follow the below steps to clean your Pixel Buds Pro 2:

1. Pour regular water in a cup and micellar water into another.
2. Dip the toothbrush in micellar water and swish around so that the bristles are saturated. Hold your earbud in one hand and brush the mesh in deep circular motions for 15 seconds.
3. Blot the earbud on a paper towel to dry the earbud mesh. Repeat steps 2 and 3 twice.
4. Rinse your toothbrush by dipping it in micellar water and then dip it in regular water. Swirl your toothbrush in the water to make sure the bristles are clean from earwax.
5. Brush the mesh one last time with deep circular motions for 15 seconds.
6. Give your Pixel Buds Pro 2 at least 2 hours to air dry and make sure they’re completely dry before use. You can blot the earbud on a paper towel to gently, yet thoroughly, get rid of any residual water.

The guide strongly recommends against using Q-tips, alcohol, or other alternatives to clean your Pixel Buds, as they can do more harm than good and push dirt deeper into the mesh. And it goes without saying that you should not follow Google’s cleaning instructions while having your Pixel Buds on charge.

If you use your Pixel Buds Pro 2 heavily, especially in dusty environments, you should consider cleaning it once every few months.