In this day and age, using headphones and earbuds every day is pretty common. Whether you’re using them for work, for talking on the phone, or for listing to music, they are used a lot outside and inside the workplace. These devices will get dirty because of their constant use, so we’re going to go over the best ways to go about headphone cleaning.
It Can Be Unsettling to Think What Headphones Go Through
We have to admit, headphones get pretty gross. Sorry in advance. Ears can sweat and if your headphones are in your ears for a big part if the day, your headphones are probably covered in sweat too. Ears also generate wax, which can wind up on or in your headphones. It’s also been found that headphones promote bacteria growth in the ear.
Nasty, right?
You’ll want to be sure your headphones are clean. Depending on the type of headphones you are wearing, these can be cleaned differently.
Cleaning Over-Ear Headphones
These are the cleaning supplies you will need:
- Isopropyl alcohol (70 percent alcohol or higher)
- A clean, soft, dampened cloth
- A clean, dry cloth
- Cotton balls
- Optionally, electronic dust-cleaning gel
You should check to see if the earpieces can be removed before you begin cleaning. If they can, take them off. If not, that’s OK too, just be extra careful.
Follow these steps:
- If possible, remove the earpieces.
- Wipe away grime from the earpieces and headphones using a damp cloth.
- Using a clean cloth and alcohol, wipe everything down again.
- To get to small areas, use a cotton ball and alcohol.
- Clean the frame by fully extending it. Focus on where you usually grab them and touch buttons on them.
- Wipe the speaker mesh with a cotton ball and alcohol, along with the microphone if there is one.
- Using rubbing alcohol, wipe down all of the cables.
- Wait for the headphone sot completely drying before reassembling and using them.
Cleaning In-Ear Headphones and Earbuds
These are the cleaning supplies you’ll need:
- Isopropyl alcohol (70 percent alcohol or higher)
- A clean, soft, dampened cloth
- A clean dry cloth
- Cotton balls
- A toothpick
- Optionally, electronic dust-cleaning gel
Hygiene is even more important because earbuds travel deep inside your ear. Check if your headphones have a removable silicone piece before cleaning. If they do, clean these first and let them dry while you clean the rest of them.
After that, follow these steps:
- Wipe everything down with a damp cloth.
- Remove any gunk from the speaker mesh with a toothpick
- If you can, heat up the electronic dust-cleaning gel in your hands and use it on the speaker mesh.
- Use the isopropyl alcohol and the clean cloth to wipe everything down again.
- Use a cotton ball and alcohol to wipe the speaker mesh.
- Wipe down cables (if there are any) with a cloth and let air dry.Â
Hopefully, this will help with your headphone cleaning. MyTek can also help with other operational equipment. Call us today at 623-312-2444.