How To Clean Headphones?

A Step-by-Step Guide to Clean Headphones and Earbuds the Right Way

How To Clean Headphones

Are you wondering why you can’t hear your music as clearly as you could before? Well, you probably need to clean your headphones. In case you didn’t know, your headphones pick up a lot of dirt, dust, and grime – and not to forget, ear wax too! Don’t know how to clean headphones at home? Don’t worry; we’re here to help!

Research shows that an average person purchases 2 to 4 pairs of headphones every 4 years. Also, the most common reason behind the repeated purchases is decrease in sound quality. However, changing the device is not always the solution. Just because you noticed a slight difference in the sound quality doesn’t mean you need to get a new pair of headphones now and then.

Dirt and dust can get caught up in the ear padding and can make the sound coming out of the drivers muffled and swaddled. If the grime keeps accumulating, there are chances that your ears and headphones may get damaged. You must have noticed that at times, a few stains may come upon the ear pads. These are a result of sweat and oil from your skin, and of course, the environment.

In this post, we’ll tell you how to clean your headphones to ensure maximum sound clarity and make them squeaky clean.

Continue reading to find out more.

What Can I Use To Clean Headphones?

The first question that pops up in your mind when you think about cleaning your headphones is “What Can I Use to Clean Headphones.” No; we’re not going to talk about fancy chemicals and cleaning solutions here. All the things that you need to clean your headphones are right there on your kitchen counter.

Here’s a list of things you will need to clean your headphones:

What Can I Use To Clean Headphones
  • A small piece of cloth/ Paper towel
  • Hand Sanitizer/ Rubbing Alcohol
  • Q-tips/ cotton buds
  • Soap
  • Water
  • Paper Clips
  • Double-sided tape

Is Rubbing Alcohol Good For Cleaning Headphones? 

Rubbing alcohol is safe to use for cleaning your headphones. It is okay to clean the metal and plastic parts with rubbing alcohol; however, it may tamper with the paint a little (if that is your concern). 

We will advise you to use it cautiously as it can seep into the glued parts of the headphones or get into the speaker compartment and loosen the speaker or reshape its diaphragm. Therefore, we suggest you dip a Q-tip slightly into the rubbing alcohol and use it for cleaning only after wiping off the excess.

How To Clean Over-the-Ear Headphones?

How To Clean Over-the-Ear Headphones?

Cleaning over-the-ear headphones is an easy task; however, you should proceed with caution.

There are two types of over-the-ear headphones on the market. Some comprise ear cups that can be easily removed and cleaned, whereas the other comprise ear cups that are attached to the headphones and cannot be removed. Therefore, it can be a daunting task to clean them to perfection.

Disclaimer: If you received your headphones with special instructions on how to clean them we recommend you follow them strictly. 

You can clean your over-the-ear headphones with the supplies we have mentioned above. Also, to iterate, using rubbing alcohol is completely safe as it does not cause permanent damage to leather, faux leather, plastic, or metal. 

Once you have all the things you need to clean your headphones, follow these simple steps:

  • Firstly, remove the ear cups (if possible). It will help you clean the mesh below, properly.
  • Then, dampen a soft cloth and ensure you squeeze off all the excess water. Now start wiping the ear cups and the main headphone unit. Take your time to complete this step to remove all the dirt and bacteria on your headphones.. You can either use a paper towel or rubbing alcohol. We suggest the latter. Using any of the two things to wipe the ear cups and the rest of the body of the headphones. 
  • Next, take a Q-tip (preferably) or a cotton ball and dip it into rubbing alcohol and clean all the nooks. Again take your time to do this to clean all the folds and the headphone unit.
  • Now expand the headphones to their most and start cleaning them thoroughly with rubbing alcohol. Ensure you clean all the buttons too.
  • Finally, proceed to clean the mesh. Be extra careful while doing this. Use a Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol and wipe the mesh thoroughly. 

It’s all done now! You have a clean pair of headphones that almost feel like new. Also, don’t forget to clean all the wires with a paper towel or cloth, and rubbing alcohol.

How To Clean Headsets?

Cleaning a headset is somewhat more difficult than cleaning a pair of over-the-ear headphones as the latter does not comprise a mic attached to it. Before deep-diving into the step-by-step process of cleaning a headset, let’s look at a quick list of things you’ll need:

  • A drop or two of mild dish soap mixed with lukewarm water. Ensure you don’t make it too foamy.
  • A toothbrush (preferably a kid’s toothbrush with soft bristles)
  • Microfiber cloth
  • Q-tips 

Once you’ve collected all these things, it’s time to you kickstart the cleaning process. 

  • Before you start the cleaning process, detach the earcups and microphone if they can be removed from the headset. If not, then be careful while cleaning them. 
  • Now, dip the microfiber cloth in soap water. Ensure you squeeze off the excess soap water to avoid dripping soapy water into the headset. 
  • Use this cloth to gently clean the ear cups, headband, and microphone.
  • If your headset has an adjustable headband, you can wash it separately. Again, ensure all the water has been dried out before attaching the band to the headset. 

After following these steps, wipe your headset gently using a soft cloth. Once it’s down now we will move on to cleaning the earcups.

The method of cleaning the removable earcups depends on their material. Here’s how you can do it. 

  • If the ear cups are made of leather, you can wipe with a moist soft microfiber cloth. Check if all the water has been dried out properly before attaching it back to the headset. 
  • If the ear cups are made of velour, then all you need is tape, to clean them. Gently rub the ear cups together to remove any lint present on them. Now use the tape to pull out the remaining lint from the ear cups. 
  • If the ear cups are sweaty, you can soak them in dish soap solution we talked about earlier.
  • Lastly, if the earcups have AirWeave or mesh, you can wash them with soapy water after removing the foam. After washing, let them air dry till the water evaporates completely, and then reattach the foam. 

You’re sorted now. By following these simple steps, you can easily clean your headset, even the most expensive gaming headsets.

How To Clean Headphone Pads?

How To Clean Headphone Pads?

Spending thousands on skincare products and still having problems? The pads of your headphone can be the cause. We cannot emphasize enough the importance of cleaning your headphone pads for hygiene purposes. Headphone pads sit directly on your skin, and, if not cleaned properly, can cause skin breakouts, and other allergies. 

Therefore, it is important to clean your headphones for maintenance purposes as well. Cleaning and taking care of them will help them retain good shape, keeping their quality high, just like a new pair. Thus, saving you a few bucks. 

But, isn’t cleaning your headphone pads a hectic job? Not at all. In fact, it is easier than you think.

Here are a couple of easy ways to help you keep your headphone pads clean for a long time. 

  • The best thing would be to wipe them right after using them. This way the sweat and the bacteria won’t get the time to build up. Always use a soft cloth, if not microfiber cloth, to clean your headphones’ earpads. 
  • Another way is to clean them occasionally using a damp cloth. Make a mixture of mild dish soap and warm water, and use it to dampen the cloth. Using this gently, clean the pads with the dab-and-press motion.
  • For deep cleaning purposes, which you should do only twice a year, you will need a special leather conditioner. This process is only for pads that have a protein lather coating. 
  • Take a small amount of lather in a soft cloth and massage into the leather. Let the pads soak the conditioner completely and start using it once it has completely dried down. 

How To Clean Earbuds?

Experts say that earbuds are dirtier than your kitchen counter. They almost have 2,700 times more bacteria and honestly, that is gross. If this data doesn’t make you clean your earbuds we don’t know what will. 

How To Clean Earbuds?

Here’s how you can clean your earbuds real quick:

  • With the Covid-19 breakout, it has become really important to sanitize everything properly. You can easily clean your earbuds by wiping them with alcohol wipes that are available in the first aid section. 
  • When you are cleaning your earbuds, it is better to clean them thoroughly. Check all the nook and corners. Use a toothpick to clean any earwax that is stuck inside them. Also, use an alcohol wipe to clean them thoroughly. 

These are the two simple steps that you need to follow to clean your earbuds completely. With just two simple things that are on the counter by your couch, you can easily clean your earbuds without moving an inch.

How To Clean Ear Tips?

Cleaning the ear tips of your earbuds is equally important as cleaning the earbuds. The reason for the sudden decrease in the sound quality of your earbuds can be dirt and wax build-up on the ear tips.

Follow these steps to clean the ear tips of your earbuds easily:

  • First, detach the ear tips from the earbuds. Then wipe them gently with a soft and dry cloth. You can also use a mixture of lukewarm water and mild soap. Ensure the ear tips are completely dry before attaching them back. 
  • If you are using Q-tips, avoid using any alcohol-based cleaning solutions. Only use water to gently wipe them with a damp cloth.

How To Disinfect Earbuds? 

How to disinfect earbuds

When you are sanitizing everything to keep the deadly COVID-19 virus away, why shy away from disinfecting your earbuds? Yes, cleaning your earbuds isn’t enough anymore. Remember that they sit directly on your ear canals. Therefore, your earbuds cannot afford to be corners and places that have thousands of bacteria. You must disinfect them to protect your ears from infections.

We’ve outlined some simple steps to help you easily disinfect your earbuds. 

  • At first, wipe the earbuds properly using a damp cloth dipped in soapy water. Ensure you remove the excess water as you don’t want water to drip into the earbuds. 
  • The next step is to apply hydrogen peroxide to the earbuds using a cotton swab.
  • Wait for a few minutes for the hydrogen peroxide to bubble out and push out the dirt and wax.
  • Now, using a soft toothbrush, gently brush the earbuds to remove the left debris.
  • Finally, wipe the earbuds with a clean towel or a soft cloth and wait for them to dry down completely before using them. 

How To Clean AirPods and AirPods Pro?

We don’t need to remind you that your AirPods or AirPods Pro are expensive. Now, won’t you mind spending the same amount every two years? Well, you should. However, if you want to avoid investing in a new pair of AirPods or AirPods Pro every year, you need to take proper care of them, to enhance their durability. In fact, many AirPods and AirPods Pro users consider cleaning their AirPods and AirPods Pro to make them louder.

How To Clean AirPods and AirPods Pro?

Read Also: How to Make AirPods Louder?

While Apple has already listed the steps on how to clean AirPods and AirPods Pro on their official website, we’ve listed them below for your convenience:

  • Never use your AirPods or AirPods Pro under water.
  • Always use a soft, dry and lint-free cloth to clean them.
  • Clean your AirPods or AirPods Pro with a damp cloth dipped in fresh water if they have been exposed to something acidic or substances that can cause stains such as soaps, solvents, detergents, oil, hair dye, etc. 
  • While cleaning takes care that no liquid drips into the AirPods through the openings.
  • To clean the microphone or the speaker meshes always use a dry cotton swab.
  • Never use sharp objects to clean your AirPods or AirPods Pro.

How To Clean AirPods and AirPods Pro Case Inside?

The thing with AirPods is that cleaning them isn’t enough. To ensure they’re always clean, you should also clean the case.

How To Clean AirPods and AirPods Pro Case Inside?

Again, Apple has already provided a set of instructions that you can use to clean the AirPods case yourself, without any damage. We have listed them below for you:

  • Always clean the charging case of your AirPods or AirPods Pro with a soft, dry, and lint-free cloth. 
  • You can dampen the cloth slightly with isopropyl alcohol but make sure to squeeze off the excess.
  • Be careful so as not to allow any liquid to sip through openings in the charging ports. 
  • Use a dry toothbrush that has soft bristles to remove any dirt from the lightning connector. 
  • Refrain from using any abrasive materials to clean the case.
  • Do not put anything in the charging ports to avoid damage to the metal contacts. 

And, You’re Done!

Cleaning your headphones isn’t a tough job. In fact, we recommend you should do it regularly. It’s important to maintain good hygiene of the devices you use, especially electronics.

We hope you found our post on how to clean headphones useful. Remember; you must be gentle and avoid overdoing anything.

If you have any questions, doubts, or queries, feel free to drop a comment in our comments section below, and our experts will get back to you with an answer in no time.

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