Let’s be honest—Bluetooth speakers take a beating. They go to the beach, get left outside, survive pool parties, endure garage workshops, and sometimes end up living at the bottom of gym bags next to sweaty socks. If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance your once-pristine speaker is now crusty, dusty, or just kind of gross.
But before you grab the Windex or stick it under the faucet—stop. Bluetooth speakers are tougher than they look, but they’re not indestructible. And cleaning them the wrong way can kill them faster than a spilled cocktail on karaoke night.
So here’s your no-nonsense, speaker-saving guide on how to clean your Bluetooth speaker the right way, whether it’s waterproof, fabric-covered, or full of crevices that seem designed to trap every speck of grime.
What to Know Before You Start
Not All Speakers Are Built the Same
Some speakers can survive a dunk in the pool. Others freak out if you breathe on them too hard. The first thing you need to do is figure out what you’re working with.
- IPX Rating? That’s your water and dust resistance level. If your speaker is rated IP67 or higher, it can handle being rinsed under a gentle stream of water. Anything below IPX5? Be way more careful—those speakers might resist a few splashes but aren’t waterproof.
- Material? Fabric grills trap lint and dust like nobody’s business. Rubber surfaces pick up fingerprints and grime. Metal grills dent easily but are more forgiving to scrubbing. Know your materials before you attack.
Always check your speaker’s manual or the manufacturer’s website if you’re unsure what it can handle.
Related: How the Rescue a Bluetooth Speaker That Got Wet
Step-by-Step: How to Clean Your Bluetooth Speaker Safely
1. Turn It Off and Unplug Everything
Obvious, but important: always power the speaker down before you clean it. If it’s charging, unplug it. If it’s got removable batteries, pop them out.
Cleaning a speaker while it’s powered on is asking for trouble—not to mention it’s way easier to get into the nooks and crannies when it’s not playing music or glowing like a UFO.
2. Dust It First (You’ll Be Shocked)
Start dry. Always.
- Use a can of compressed air or a soft brush to blow or brush away any loose dust, crumbs, or sand. Get into the ports, around the buttons, and under any ridges.
- If you don’t have compressed air, a clean makeup brush or soft-bristled paintbrush works well too. Avoid hard brushes—they’ll scratch surfaces or jam debris further in.
Dry cleaning first prevents you from creating a muddy mess when moisture gets involved.
3. Wipe the Exterior With a Damp Cloth
Once it’s dust-free, grab a lint-free microfiber cloth and slightly dampen it with clean water. You don’t want it wet—just barely damp.
- Gently wipe down the body, buttons, handles, and any exposed rubber or plastic.
- If the speaker has a fabric cover, avoid soaking it. Just press the cloth gently against it and wipe in circular motions.
Important: Don’t get moisture near any open ports (charging, AUX, etc.) unless they’re sealed with flaps—and even then, tread carefully.
4. For Stubborn Grime: Use a Tiny Bit of Dish Soap
If your speaker is straight-up filthy—grease, sunscreen residue, or sticky fingerprints—you can use a drop of mild dish soap in a cup of warm water.
- Dip your microfiber cloth into the soapy water, wring it out thoroughly, and wipe.
- Follow with a second wipe using clean water (no soap) to remove residue.
- Dry it immediately with a clean cloth.
Don’t use harsh cleaners, bleach, alcohol wipes, or window spray—they can damage the finish or even seep into seams and mess with the electronics.
5. Clean the Ports With Care
USB-C, AUX, micro-USB, charging bases—whatever your speaker uses, keep these areas dry.
If you see dirt or lint in the port:
- Use a dry wooden toothpick or anti-static brush to gently dislodge debris.
- Never stick anything metal into the port. Not even a paperclip.
- If you’ve got cotton swabs, tear off a bit of cotton to make a smaller tip and gently clean around the edges.
Some people use a bit of isopropyl alcohol on the swab, but that’s risky unless you know the port isn’t rubber-lined. When in doubt, stick to dry.
6. For Waterproof Speakers Only: A Gentle Rinse
If your speaker is IP67 or IP68 rated, it should survive a rinse under running water—but do not scrub it like a plate.
- Use lukewarm water.
- Don’t aim the stream directly at charging ports.
- Don’t use high-pressure sprayers.
- Let it dry thoroughly before powering on again—overnight if possible.
Even waterproof speakers need their seals to stay tight. If the port flaps are worn, the speaker might no longer be truly waterproof.
7. Let It Dry Completely
This is where most people mess up. Don’t use your speaker until it’s totally dry.
- Open up any flaps and let air get inside.
- Place it grill-side down on a towel to let trapped moisture drain.
- If you’re in a rush, aim a fan at it (but skip the hairdryer—it might warp delicate parts).
If you hear muffled sound after cleaning, chances are the fabric or speaker cone is still damp. Let it sit for a few more hours.
Special Cases and Pro Tips
Fabric Grills: Don’t Soak Them
Got a speaker like the JBL Flip series or a UE Boom wrapped in cloth? Here’s the trick:
- Mix warm water and a few drops of dish soap in a bowl.
- Dip a soft toothbrush in the mixture and gently scrub the fabric in circular motions.
- Wipe with a damp cloth to remove soap.
- Let it air dry, fabric side up.
This technique gets rid of stains, sunscreen buildup, and that mystery grime from your last camping trip.
Speakers That Smell Weird
Yes, your speaker can stink. Blame mold, old food, or that time it fell into a drink.
Try this:
- Clean the surface normally.
- Sprinkle baking soda inside a clean sock and place it in a sealed container with the speaker (not touching it).
- Let it sit for 24–48 hours.
Baking soda pulls odors without adding moisture. Just don’t scrub it directly onto the speaker—it’s too abrasive.
When NOT to Clean
- Don’t clean if it’s still wet inside from a recent spill. Let it dry first, or you risk pushing water deeper.
- Don’t clean while it’s charging.
- Don’t use the dishwasher or submerge it completely unless the manual explicitly says you can. (Spoiler: It probably doesn’t.)
Maintenance Tips So You Clean Less Often
- Store it properly. Don’t leave your speaker in direct sun, near salt water, or in damp bags.
- Use a case or pouch when tossing it in your backpack.
- Wipe it down regularly. A quick dry cloth wipe after each use will prevent grime buildup.
If you make cleaning part of your routine—once every month or so—it’ll be way easier to keep it looking (and sounding) fresh.
Final Thoughts
Bluetooth speakers aren’t delicate flowers, but they’re not immune to abuse either. A little routine care goes a long way—cleaning them safely can extend their life, keep the sound crisp, and preserve resale value if you ever upgrade.
So go ahead: show your speaker some love. Clean it like a pro, and it’ll keep the good times rolling, grime-free and sounding great.
