How to Clean and Care for In-Ear Monitors on Tour
In-ear monitors pick up wax and sweat in use. Ultimate Ears says a quick clean after each use goes a long way to avoid potentially damaging build-up that can affect the sound and balance of the monitors. This guide sets out the routine Ultimate Ears gives for its UE Pro monitors, what to use and what to avoid, how to look after cables, and when to stop and send a pair away. Check your manufacturer's own instructions if you use another brand. Checked against the sources listed at the end on 11 November 2026.
The routine after every use
- Wipe the shells. Ultimate Ears says to wipe the monitors with Tech-Care Clean wipes, covering the ear canals so no liquid gets in. Do not use water.
- Clear the sound bore. Use the cleaning tool that comes with the monitors, or a dry toothbrush, to lift wax from the nozzle.
- Hold the nozzle down. Ultimate Ears says to hold the IEM with the canal facing downward, so wax falls out and away from the monitor rather than into it.
- Brush the outside. A dry toothbrush clears debris from the outside of the shell.
- Dry them before they go in the case. Ultimate Ears notes that sweat and earwax are slightly acidic, so avoid trapping them in the case with the IEMs between uses.
What to use, and what to avoid
- Use: a cleaning tool with a brush and a wax loop, a dry soft cloth or a dry toothbrush, and Tech-Care Clean wipes. Ultimate Ears describes Tech-Care Clean wipes as alcohol-free, pre-moistened wipes for the exterior surfaces of IEMs, and says to use the wipes for surface cleaning and a wax tool for wax build-up.
- Avoid: water. Ultimate Ears' support centre says never to use water or cleaning solutions directly on the monitors.
- Do not open or repair the monitors yourself. Ultimate Ears says attempting to repair the monitors may void the warranty; send them for service instead.
Wipes and cleaning tools are for the earpieces, not for use in the ear.
Cables and connectors
- Wipe cables gently with a clean, dry soft cloth or a tech wipe, avoid liquid cleaners, and never submerge them (Ultimate Ears).
- Do not wrap a cable tightly around the IEMs. Ultimate Ears recommends loosely wrapping it around four fingers, or the over-under method, to prevent kinks.
- If the cable detaches, the connection points benefit from an occasional careful brushing to keep the contacts clean.
- Ultimate Ears recommends touring musicians keep a backup cable and a cleaning kit in the gig bag.
Storage and travel
- Keep the monitors in the case they came in whenever they are not in your ears, and give them a final brush before closing it.
- Avoid extreme temperatures and humidity. For moisture, Ultimate Ears points to a dehumidifier such as the Tech-Care Sta-Dri.
- Keep the cleaning tool in the case with the monitors so that it travels with them.
Wax that the brush does not shift
A brush and loop deal with surface wax. A bench IEM vacuum draws wax, oils and debris out of the sound bore. Ultimate Ears says wax build-up can affect the sound and balance of the monitors. If a clean does not restore the sound, do not open them: have them checked.
What we stock
- IEM Cleaning Stick: a pen-style tool with a brush at one end and a wire wax loop at the other, for the nozzles of Ultimate Ears custom (UE Pro) and Universal Series IEMs.
- Tech-Care IEM Cleaning Wipes: a tub of 160 alcohol-free, pre-moistened wipes for IEMs, earpieces and headphones.
- Jodi-Vac Consumer IEM vacuum cleaner: the at-home model for routine clearing of sound bores.
- IEM replacement cables and IEM cleaning and maintenance.
Starting with custom IEMs? Read our guide to ear impressions for custom IEMs, and see the Ultimate Ears custom IEM page. You can collect from our London shop at 60 Weir Road, SW19 8UG.
FAQs
How often should I clean in-ear monitors?
Ultimate Ears recommends a quick clean after every use: brush wax from the nozzle, wipe the shell, and dry the monitors before they go in the case. It says a quick clean after each use helps avoid build-up that can affect the sound and balance of the monitors.
Can I use water or cleaning solutions on my IEMs?
Ultimate Ears' help page says not to use water while cleaning, and its support centre says never to use water or cleaning solutions directly on the monitors. The wipe it names is the alcohol-free Tech-Care Clean wipe, used on the exterior of the monitors with the ear canals covered so that no liquid gets in.
Which way should I hold IEMs when cleaning the nozzle?
Ultimate Ears says to hold the IEM with the canal facing downward, so wax particles fall out and away from the monitor rather than into it.
How should I store IEM cables?
Ultimate Ears says not to wrap cables tightly around the monitors. Loosely wrap each cable around four fingers, or use the over-under method, then place it in the case followed by the IEMs, to prevent kinks, bends and breaks.
Can I repair or open my custom IEMs myself?
No. Ultimate Ears says not to attempt to open or repair the monitors yourself, and that attempting to repair the monitors may void the warranty. If cleaning does not restore the sound, have them checked.
What cleaning kit should a touring musician carry?
Ultimate Ears recommends keeping a backup cable and a cleaning kit in the gig bag. A cleaning tool with a brush and wax loop, alcohol-free IEM wipes and a spare cable cover the routine in this guide.
Where can I buy IEM cleaning tools in London?
TourStock sells IEM cleaning sticks, Tech-Care IEM cleaning wipes and a Jodi-Vac IEM vacuum cleaner online with UK delivery, and you can collect from the shop at Ground Floor, 60 Weir Road, London SW19 8UG.
Sources
- Ultimate Ears Pro Support, How to clean your UE Pro monitors: help.ultimateears.com
- Ultimate Ears Pro, Caring for your UE Pro in-ear monitors: pro.ultimateears.com
- Ultimate Ears Pro Support Center, care and maintenance: pro.ultimateears.com/pages/pro-support-center
- Ultimate Ears Pro, Tech-Care Clean Wipes: pro.ultimateears.com