Headphones, especially the ones we wear when working out, can get really gross really fast. But like many electronics, knowing how to clean headphones can feel a bit mysterious and fraught with potential to create irreversible damage.
Cleaning headphones is very easy, which is good because it’s important to do. In addition to ear wax, buildup from dead skin, sebum, sweat and personal care products can leave a nasty —?and sometimes smelly —?mess on your personal listening devices. When buildup is transferred to your skin, it can cause breakouts and other skin irritation, and headphones can be a conduit for all sorts of bacteria and viruses. Buildup can also affect the sound quality of headphones.
Ahead, this guide will explain how (and how often) to clean your headphones, as well as what to avoid to ensure your cleaning efforts don’t turn into a costly mistake. Looking for a guide on how to clean your AirPods? We have that too.
How often to clean headphones
Win Cramer, the CEO of JLab, says, “How often you clean your headphones depends on how often you wear them, what you’re doing and where they’re being used.” He recommends weekly cleaning when headphones are worn at home or in the office. However, there are times when daily cleaning is called for. “If I’m working out with them or traveling,” Cramer says, “I’ll wipe [the earcups] down each day.”
Tuomas Lonka, a brand and marketing director for Urbanista, agrees that headphones should be cleaned after a workout. “After workouts, clean and dry the headphones with a dry cloth. If there’s visible dirt, wipe the headphones clean with a damp cloth.” Before undertaking any type of cleaning, Lonka says to check the product manual or warranty information for device-specific cleaning instructions.
If you notice stains or residue on the earcups, they are signs that it’s time to clean your headphones. “Headphones should be cleaned when there’s visible dirt or after exposure to liquids such as sweat, oils or sunscreen,” Lonka says.
However, you can avoid the buildup of body soils, skin care products, dust and lint by regularly wiping your headphones using a soft, lint-free cloth. Doing so will also help to prevent malodor from developing, making headphones unpleasant to wear. “A basic rule with cleaning them,” Cramer says, “is if in doubt, clean them out!”
What you need to clean headphones
Microfiber cloths are ideal for cleaning electronics, including headphones. Use them dry to quickly wipe smudges and buildup, or spray them with a tech-safe cleaning agent for deeper cleaning and to eliminate bacteria and viruses.
Instead of an old toothbrush, you can use this small, soft-bristled brush to dislodge and sweep away dust and debris from small electronics. It can be used to clean headphones as well as keyboards and cell phones, and the bristles retract when not in use, making it perfect for use on the go.
Isopropyl alcohol can disinfect and eliminate any viruses or bacteria that may be present, as well as lift stubborn buildup. Always apply liquid cleaning products to a cloth rather than directly on electronics.
Cotton swabs, either dry or dampened with a small amount of rubbing alcohol, are excellent tools for cleaning over-the-ear headphones. You can use Q-tips to remove buildup and residue from body soils and personal care products.
For more regular cleaning, premoistened cleaning wipes like Windex Electronic Wipes are a handy way to give headphones a once-over, and the flat pack makes them ideal for stashing in a purse or backpack.
Need to clean and disinfect your headphones in a pinch? Reach for Lysol Wipes or other similar multipurpose cleaning wipes. However, before using a premoistened wipe, wring it out to ensure that excess liquid doesn’t seep into delicate components.
Alcohol wipes are a convenient option, especially for cleaning workout headphones, because they’re small and individually wrapped. Toss them in a gym bag or running belt for easy cleaning on the go.
How to clean headphones
Cramer recommends using a disinfectant wipe or a damp towel to wipe the earcups of over-the-ear headphones. “It will allow the fabric on your headphones to last much longer,” he says.
In addition to regularly wiping the earcups, there are times when deeper cleaning may be called for. Here’s what to do:
- Remove the earcups and clean them with a premoistened cleaning wipe or apply a small amount of isopropyl alcohol to a microfiber cloth. Cotton swabs or an electronic cleaning brush can also help remove dirt, dust and lint that can get trapped in the crevices of earpads.
- With the earcups detached, wipe the exterior of the headphones with a slightly damp microfiber cloth or premoistened cleaning wipe.
- Dry the earcups and exterior with a soft cloth or allow them to air-dry. Then reassemble the parts.
While these basic instructions will be safe for most over-ear headphones, Cramer and Lonka both stress the importance of consulting the user manual before cleaning any electronics, including headphones. “Not all headphones are built the same, so double-check your manufacturer’s website,” Cramer says.
What to avoid when cleaning headphones
Caring for and maintaining workout headphones and other over-the-ear headphones is as simple as wiping them clean. However, it’s important to know what not to do to avoid causing irreversible damage.
- Do not get moisture in openings, do not submerge headphones in water or liquid cleaning agents, and do not run them under water.
- Avoid using bleach, hydrogen peroxide or abrasive cleaning agents.
- Avoid the use of sharp objects.
- Do not use abrasive materials like scrub sponges.
