Based on a common human practice, when you come back home after a hectic day at the gym, all drained in sweat, the first thing you want to do is get cleaned.
Similarly, after you’ve used headphones for a straight week, they expect you to clean them so they can work the best for you.
Headphones are essential for music lovers, gamers, and anyone who needs to listen to audio on the go.
However, over time, headphones can accumulate dirt, dust, and bacteria, which can affect their sound quality and hygiene. Weekly cleaning is necessary to keep your headphones in good condition and ensure they last longer.
Ways to clean headphones include cleaning them with a microfiber cloth, cotton swabs, and a toothbrush.
In this article, we will explore the best ways to clean your headphones and keep them in good condition.
Why Should You Clean Your Headphones?
Cleaning your headphones regularly is essential for many reasons, including:
Better Sound Quality:
Over time, dust and dirt can accumulate in the tiny crevices of your headphones, affecting their sound quality. Cleaning your headphones can help remove these contaminants, resulting in better sound quality.
Hygiene:
Your headphones can also accumulate bacteria and other germs, which can pose a health risk. Regular cleaning can help prevent the buildup of these harmful microorganisms and keep your headphones hygienic.
Durability:
Cleaning your headphones regularly can help prevent damage caused by dirt, dust, and moisture, thus prolonging their lifespan.
Now that we know why it’s essential to clean our headphones let’s move on to the different methods of cleaning them.
Headphones Cleaning Methods
Method 1: Cleaning with a Microfiber Cloth
One of the easiest ways to clean your headphones is by using a microfiber cloth. A microfiber cloth is a soft, lint-free cloth that can trap dirt, dust, and other contaminants.
Follow these steps to clean your headphones using a microfiber cloth:
Step 1: Unplug your headphones from your device and remove any detachable parts such as earpads and the mesh away.
Step 2: Gently wipe the surface of your headphones with a dry microfiber cloth to remove any visible dust or dirt. Be careful not to use too much pressure to avoid damaging any delicate parts.
Step 3: If the surface is still dirty, dampen the microfiber cloth slightly with water or rubbing alcohol and gently wipe the surface again. Avoid getting moisture in any openings or sensitive parts of the headphones.
Step 4: Make sure the headphones are completely dry before you use them again. Leave them on a clean surface to air-dry for a few minutes before attaching the parts again.
Method 2: Cleaning with a Toothbrush
If your headphones have hard-to-reach crevices, a toothbrush can come in handy. Here’s how to clean your headphones using a toothbrush:
Step 1: Unplug your headphones from your device and remove any detachable parts such as earpads or earbuds.
Step 2: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush the surface of your headphones, paying attention to the crevices and hard-to-reach areas.
Step 3: If there is any visible dirt or grime, dip the toothbrush in a mixture of water and mild soap or rubbing alcohol and gently scrub the affected areas.
Step 4: Wipe the headphones with a dry microfiber cloth to remove any excess moisture.
Method 3: Cleaning with Earbud Tips
If you use in-ear headphones or earbuds, you can clean them using earbud tips.
Earbud tips are small silicone or foam attachments that fit over the earbuds, providing a barrier against dirt and moisture.
Here’s how to clean your earbuds using earbud tips:
Step 1: Remove the earbud tips from your headphones and wash them with mild soap and water.
Step 2: Let the earbud tips dry completely before reattaching them to your headphones.
Step 3: Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe the surface of your headphones and remove any visible dust or dirt.
Step 4: Reattach the earbud tips to your headphones and ensure they fit snugly.
Method 4: Cleaning with Isopropyl Alcohol
Isopropyl alcohol is a common household cleaning agent that can be used to clean headphones.
Follow these steps to clean your headphones using isopropyl alcohol:
Step 1: Unplug your headphones from your device and remove any detachable parts such as earpads or earbuds.
Step 2: Dampen a cotton swab or a soft cloth with isopropyl alcohol.
Step 3: Gently wipe the surface of your headphones with a damp cloth, paying special attention to the hard-to-reach areas and any visible dirt or grime.
Step 4: Let the headphones dry completely before using them again.
Note: It’s essential to use isopropyl alcohol with caution, as it can damage the headphones’ surface if used excessively.
Method 5: Cleaning with Compressed Air
Compressed air is a popular cleaning tool that can be used to remove dust and debris from headphones’ hard-to-reach areas.
Here’s how to clean your headphones using compressed air:
| Step 1 | Unplug your headphones from your device and remove any detachable parts such as earpads or earbuds. |
| Step 2 | Hold the compressed air canister a few inches away from the headphones and spray short bursts of air into the hard-to-reach areas. |
| Step 3 | Wipe the surface of the headphones with a dry microfiber cloth to remove any remaining dust or debris. |
| Step 4 | Reattach any detachable parts to the headphones before using them again. |
Do Headphones Melt Earwax?
No, headphones don’t melt earwax.
However, earwax buildup can cause blockages that can affect the sound quality of your headphones.
How Do You Clean Sweaty Headphones?
To clean sweaty headphones, follow these steps:
- Wipe the surface of your headphones with a dry microfiber cloth to remove any visible sweat or moisture.
- Dampen a soft cloth with a mixture of warm water and mild soap.
- Gently wipe the surface of your headphones with a damp cloth, making sure not to get any moisture in the openings or sensitive parts.
- Let the headphones dry completely before using them again.
Note: It’s important not to use harsh chemicals or excessive water when cleaning your headphones, as this can damage them.
Does Earwax Destroy Earphones?
Earwax buildup can affect the sound quality of your earphones and cause blockages, but it’s unlikely to cause any significant damage.
However, if you notice a significant buildup of earwax in your earphones, it’s best to clean them to prevent hearing damage or the chances of an ear infection.
How Do You Clean Earwax From Headphones?
To clean earwax out of your headphones, follow these steps:
- Remove any detachable parts such as earpads or earbuds from your headphones.
- Dampen a soft cloth with warm water or isopropyl alcohol.
- Gently wipe the surface of your headphones and the detachable parts with a damp cloth, making sure not to get any moisture in the openings or sensitive parts.
- If there is earwax buildup in the openings or crevices, use a soft-bristled brush to remove it.
- Let the headphones and detachable parts dry completely before using them again.
Note: It’s important not to use excessive force or sharp objects when cleaning earwax out of your headphones, as this can damage them.
Can I Use Water To Clean My Headphones?
Yes, you can use water to clean your headphones, but you need to be cautious not to get moisture in any openings or sensitive parts of the headphones.
Use mild soapy water and it’s also advisable to use a dry microfiber cloth to remove any excess moisture after cleaning.
How Often Should I Clean My Headphones?
It’s recommended to clean your headphones at least once a week to keep them in good condition.
This way you’re promoting good ear health as well as preventing hearing problems while using headphones.
You can use disinfectants such as rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to clean your headphones, but it’s essential to dilute them properly and use them with caution.
Conclusion
- Keeping your headphones clean is essential for better sound quality, hygiene, and durability.
- Regular cleaning using any of the methods described above can help prolong the lifespan of your headphones and prevent the buildup of dirt, dust, and harmful microorganisms.
- By following these simple steps, you can enjoy clean and hygienic headphones for years to come.
- Cleaning of headphones should be done on weekly basis to keep them in good condition.
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