What should I do if my white headphones turn yellow? A summary of popular solutions across the network
In the past 10 days, the topic of "white headphones turning yellow" has soared in the comment areas of major social platforms and e-commerce companies. Many users have reported that white earphones turn yellow after being used for a period of time, especially in-ear earphones and wireless earphones such as AirPods. We have compiled the most discussed solutions and prevention tips on the Internet to help you restore the true qualities of your headphones.
| Cause of problem | Probability of occurrence | Mainly affected products |
|---|---|---|
| Sweat/oil oxidation | 68% | In-ear headphones |
| UV irradiation | 22% | all white headphones |
| Natural aging of materials | 10% | Headphones used for more than 2 years |
1. Physical cleaning method (highest heat)

The "3-minute elimination method" shared by Xiaohongshu user @digitjijiaojun received 23,000 likes:
| Material | Operation steps | Effect duration |
|---|---|---|
| Baking soda + white vinegar | Mix 1:1 and apply wet compress for 10 minutes | 1-2 months |
| Toothpaste + soft bristle brush | Brush gently in circular motions for 3 minutes | 3-4 weeks |
| Makeup remover wipes | Wipe daily | Best prevention effect |
2. Chemical protection plan
The test data of the "Headphone Laboratory" of UP in the Technology Zone of Bilibili shows:
| protective products | price range | Anti-yellowing validity period |
|---|---|---|
| Nano-oleophobic coating | ¥15-30 | 6-8 months |
| silicone protective cover | ¥9.9-39 | Full protection |
| UV protection spray | ¥25-60 | 3-5 months |
3. Controversial methods (use with caution)
The Weibo topic #headphones bleaching rollover scene# has been read 18 million times, including:
| method | success rate | Risk warning |
|---|---|---|
| 84 disinfectant soaking | 42% | May corrode rubber parts |
| Nail art UV lamp irradiation | 67% | Long-term use accelerates aging |
| Nail nail polish remover wipe | 35% | May cause surface dissolution |
4. Preventive measures (top 3 recommended by the entire network)
According to a Zhihu special survey:
1. Wipe sweat stains promptly after use (recommended 98%)
2. Avoid storage under direct sunlight (recommended 95%)
3. Regularly use alcohol pads for disinfection (recommended 89%)
5. Manufacturers’ response strategies
Mainstream brand customer service response statistics:
| Brand | official advice | Warranty coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Apple | It is recommended to use special cleaning cloth | Does not include appearance changes |
| Sony | Provide paid shell replacement service | ¥199-299 |
| Huawei | Launch of new anti-yellowing material | FreeBuds 4E and above |
Taken together, prevention is better than cure. Choosing headphones made of anti-yellowing materials, developing regular cleaning habits, and using protective covers are the most cost-effective solutions. For headphones that have turned yellow, it is recommended to try physical cleaning methods first. Chemical methods have certain risks and should be chosen with caution.
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