Cleaning headphones is an easy process that is not given nearly enough value. Your headphones are likely an accessory that you use every single day – and you’d be wrong if you thought they don’t accumulate some gross stuff over time.
Don’t let your headphones feel neglected after all they do for you on a daily basis by livening up your exercise routine, long walks, and any dull moments in between.
Cleaning your headphones is simple if you know how, and it even poses health benefits; but finding the procedure on the web – or anywhere else, for that matter – is no simple task.
Don’t worry. We’ve got your back.
Why Should I Clean My Headphones?
Because they’re probably pretty gross.
With how much you take your headphones out of your bag and put them back on a daily basis, they are going to pick up some dust and dirt. It’s just unavoidable.
With that in mind (and considering how much time they spend in your ears) you’re going to want to make sure they’re clean, as it just sounds like a health concern waiting to happen.
We’re not the only ones saying it, either. Mayo Clinic claims wearing headphones can increase your risk of swimmer’s ear, which is why it’s so essential to keep them clean by regularly disinfecting them.
The biggest problem with cleaning headphones is knowing how, as there are many tutorials online on how to clean earbuds. Of course, however, what we’re talking about here is how to clean your trusty over-the-ear headphones.
So let’s get started on the process of cleansing your headphones of the dirt, grime, and earwax that they’ve accumulated in their time of rocking your life!
Cleaning Your Headphones
Start by gathering all the things you’ll use in the process of getting your headphones squeaky clean. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Warm water
- Gentle dish soap
- Rubbing alcohol
- Spray bottle
- Soft cloth
Once you’ve gathered your materials, it’s time to actually start cleaning. In a matter of minutes, your headphones will be sparkling fresh and good as new.
Step 1. First, make sure that your headphones aren’t plugged in to your phone, iPod, computer, or anything else. This presents the risk of breaking your headphones or causing electrical shock, so you’ll want to make sure it’s completely disconnected.
Step 2. Next, mix one drop of dish soap into the warm water and stir thoroughly. You want the soap to become thoroughly mixed into the water to create those soapy spuds.
Step 3. Now, it is time to pour the mixture into your spray bottle and spray some of the soapy liquid into your soft cloth so it’s damp – not wet. Remove the ear pads from your headphones and gently rub the surface of them, applying slightly more pressure on visible dirty spots.
This will help remove the majority of the grime from your headphones easily. If any tough spots remain, a little rubbing alcohol will do the trick and works miracles when it comes to dissolving earwax.
Step 4. Finally, use a paper towel or clean cloth to wipe away any residue and the liquid from your headphones. It’s important to do this quickly to prevent the liquid from forming a film or causing any water damage to your headphones.
Rock On
If you’re anything like us, your headphones are a staple in your life. With everything they contribute to your daily routine and the considerable investment we are certain they were, keeping them clean is a no brainer.
With accidents, forgetfulness, and wiring issues, there are enough elements that could ruin your headphones. Fortunately, as you’ve seen, this is not a particularly long process, nor does it take a lot of effort. Not to mention, the benefits are simply worth it. Don’t sabotage yourself with bad hygiene, and begin cleaning your headphones today.