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.
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!”
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.
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.
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