In this article, we will explain how to clean them properly in a safe manner without damaging them. As long as the headphone pads/muffs are removable, you can easily clean them.
CAN YOU WASH HEADPHONE PADS?
So far as the headphone pads are removable or replaceable you can wash them.
WHY DO YOU NEED TO CLEAN HEADPHONES?
Cleaning and maintaining your headphones on a regular basis is not only beneficial to your health, but it also extends the life of the headphones. There are several methods for cleaning your headphone pads or muffs properly so that they last longer and produce better sound. Furthermore, cleaning your headphones on a regular basis will not only make them look good, but will also make them smell good.
Cleaning your headphone pads on a regular basis in high-end headphones like Bose, Beats, or SteelSeries is the best way to make them last longer so you don’t have to replace them as often.
HOW TO CLEAN HEADPHONE PADS OR MUFFS?
There are multiple methods you could opt to clean your headphones properly. However, there are few things you would need before you start the process; which include –
- Small clean or microfiber cloth
- Q-tips or cotton buds
- Rubbing Alcohol or Hydrogen Peroxide
- Soapy water
- Leather Conditioner (like Leather Honey, or Audeze)
After you’ve gathered all of the necessary items, you can begin the cleaning process.
First, make sure your headphones are turned off and disconnected before beginning the cleaning process. Then start by removing the headphones pads/muffs.
Clean the headphones with a clean cloth (preferably microfiber, as it will not damage your headphones while removing all the dirt). Cotton buds or Q-tips can be used to clean the inside corners of the headphones.
Dip your microfiber cloth in a bowl of soapy water, making sure there is only a small amount of water on the cloth to avoid damaging your headphones. After that, you’ll need to dry your headphones.
After you’ve completed the above procedure, soak a new microfiber cloth in isopropyl alcohol. If there is any odor or bacteria, it will be removed. Apply a leather conditioner to finish your cleaning process.
And voila, you’ve got yourself a brand new pair of headphones!
WHEN SHOULD YOU CLEAN HEADPHONES?
The frequency with which you should clean your headphones varies from person to person, depending on how often you use them and how well you care for them. You’ll have to clean your headphones more frequently if you use them more frequently. If you don’t keep up with your personal hygiene and have dirty ears, dirt will quickly smear your headphones.
If you are a daily user:
A frequent headphone user should clean their headphones on a daily basis by dipping a small microfiber cloth in isopropyl alcohol and repeating the procedure as described above. Any bacteria or germs in your headphones would be killed by such a routine. Cleaning them on a daily basis can often result in better sound quality and a longer lifespan, whereas leaving them alone can result in a shorter lifespan for the headphones as well as an increased risk of ear infection.
If you use alternate days:
A user who uses their headphones on alternate days can clean them once a week. When you use your headphones on a regular basis, more ear wax accumulates in the headsets. When it comes to removing earwax on a weekly basis, make sure you use cotton buds or Q-tips to do so properly. It is critical to remove earwax to reduce the risk of bacteria/germs spreading. The main difference between cleaning them daily and weekly is that when cleaning them weekly, you must ensure that the surface you want to clean is moistened.
If you use once in a while:
Cleaning your headphones is still necessary even if you only use them occasionally. Dust and other germs collect in your headphones, which should be cleaned on a regular basis using a precise and thorough procedure. You must dampen your microfiber cloth in either warm soapy water or isopropyl alcohol solution when cleaning your headphones after a long period of time. When you’re finished, make sure it’s completely dry.
WHY LEATHER CONDITIONER IS IMPORTANT TO CLEAN PADS OR MUFFS?
When wearing headphones, one expects them to be comfortable so that they can be worn for an extended period of time without causing discomfort to the ears. To do so, you’ll need to use a leather conditioner to condition them properly. Using a leather conditioner not only extends the life of the leather, but also keeps it from becoming moldy. Furthermore, using a leather conditioner prevents any cracking or damage to the headphones, keeping them as new and fresh as when they were first purchased.
HOW DO YOU GET THE SMELL OUT OF HEADPHONE PADS?
By following the above-mentioned cleaning procedure. You will not only remove any unpleasant odors during the cleaning process, but because the process is so specific and precise, it may also aid in the elimination of unwanted bacteria and sweat. Headphone pads are soft and cushy, but due to the grime, they tend to press down over time, lowering the quality. It will be nearly impossible for your headphones to smell bad if you follow the steps carefully, and they will also last longer!
REPLACING HEADPHONE PADS OR MUFFS IF NEEDED
Headphone pads begin to wear out with the passage of time. The worn-out pads are not only unsightly, but they also degrade audio quality. Some telltale signs indicate whether or not we need to replace our headphone pads. The first and most obvious sign is leather pad cracking. Rotting and roughness of the pad are two other signs. In such cases, replacing headphone pads rather than purchasing a new headset is the best and most cost-effective option.
The need to replace the headphone pads becomes unavoidable. Leather pads absorb sweat and dirt and are sensitive to heat, humidity, and other environmental factors. As a result, you must take proper care of them. Depending on how often you use the pads and how well you clean them, they can last anywhere from 1.5 to 2 years. After you’ve finished changing the pads, you might notice a significant improvement in sound quality and comfort. The level of comfort and grip on the leather pads gradually decreases as they wear down, making them uncomfortable. A more hygienic headphone pad/muff would result from replacing them with new ones.
FINAL THOUGHTS
We’ve established that cleaning your headphones is beneficial not only to your headphones but also to your hygiene. If you ever feel like your headphones are becoming dirty or unsanitary, you can use the above cleaning method. Dust and earwax can become stuck in the headphone pads, resulting in distortion and poor sound quality. Cleaning your ears can benefit both your headphones and your personal hygiene. You can quickly clean your headphone pads by following the steps.
