In this article, you’ll learn how to clean and take care of the different types of headphones, including in-ear, over-ear and on-ear headphones.
Headphones – whether in-ears, over-ears or on-ears – have become an indispensable part of our everyday lives. No wonder, because only they allow us to listen to music, audio books and podcasts without disturbing others. Of course, many also use their headphones for phone calls and online meetings, making them a valuable communication tool.
However, with regular use, dirt, sweat residue, and therefore bacteria can accumulate in and on headphones, which can lead not only to poorer sound, but also to inflammation in the ear. Therefore, it is important to know how to properly care for and clean your headphones to maintain their good condition and prolong their life.
Proper care for in-ear headphones – the Dos and Don’ts.
Do you own in-ears or ear buds from Apple, Beats, Bose, Sennheiser or headphones from another brand? Then you should clean them regularly:
Here’s what you should do:
- Use a soft-bristled brush to remove dirt and debris from the earbuds and grilles. You can also use a toothbrush or cotton swab.
- Use a damp cloth or a cleaning cloth specifically designed for electronic devices.
- Use cleaning alcohol (isopropanol) only diluted on a damp cloth and check beforehand in an unobtrusive place whether the material becomes dull.
- As an alternative, you can also use so-called “cleaning clay”. Simply press it carefully onto the dirty areas, then slowly pull off the plasticine. Earwax, lint and other dirt will stick to it.
- Remove silicone attachments (eartips) and soak them in warm soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry before reattaching them to the earphones.
- Carefully wipe foam attachments (e.g. from Comply) with a soft, damp cloth and allow to air dry first before using again. Do not use soap, detergents or alcohol-based cleaning agents for cleaning, as these may damage the foam. Since foam is absorbent, your hands should be dry, clean and free of grease.
- For the very comfortable among you, a headphone cleaning kit might also be worthwhile: Here you will find everything in it that you need to clean the small earbuds: Plasticine, wipes and tools in the form of small brushes and scrapers.
You shouldn’t do this:
- Do not use water to clean the earphones, as this can damage the electronics.
- Do not put the in-ears in water either, as this will break them.
- Do not press too hard or too roughly, as this can easily dent the small protective grids above the drivers.
Proper care for over-ear and on-ear headphones – the Dos and Don’ts.
Over-ears and on-ears are larger and more comfortable than in-ears, both as circumaural and over-the-ear headphones. They are often used for long listening sessions in studios and living rooms, but this also makes them more prone to dirt and sweat buildup.
Here’s what you should do:
- Use a soft bristle brush to remove dirt and debris from the ear cups, suspension and headband.
- Use a microfiber cloth or a cleaning cloth specifically designed for electronic devices.
- If foam ear pads can be removed, soak them in warm soapy water. Then rinse and squeeze out the wetness with pressure between the palms of your hands. Finally, allow to dry.
- If the ear pads or headband are made of leather or imitation leather, you can use a leather care kit. This will keep the leather supple, elastic and fresh.
You shouldn’t do this:
- Do not use water to clean your headphones, as this can damage the electronics.
- Don’t put your headphones in water either, this will break them.
- Don’t press too hard or too roughly, as this can damage buttons and switches.
- Alcohol basically attacks leather, causing it to lose color, become drier and stiffer. If, then you should resort to special leather disinfectants.
