Headphones, earphones, cans, earbuds, IEMs — no matter what you call yours, every style of headphone can benefit from routine cleaning and responsible storage. While most modern headphones come with charging cases, interchangeable ear tips, and other accessories for basic care, there are plenty of additional steps you can take to prolong the performance of your gear. These include thoroughly cleaning your headphones, replacing worn or missing peripherals, and, of course, storing your gear in a safe, undisturbed environment. But enough talk — let’s get into the nitty-gritty and lock in the potential of your phones for good!
- Storing & Cleaning Your Headphones: What Are the Benefits?
- How Do I Clean My Headphones?
- How & Where Do I Store My Headphones?
- Routine Maintenance
Storing & Cleaning Your Headphones: What Are the Benefits?
Headphones, earbuds, and IEMs, as with most audio equipment, are prone to wear and tear over time. However, they typically rest on or in your ears, making them much more susceptible to sweat, oily skin, and, in the case of in-ear headphones, cerumen (earwax). Not only can this get gross if left unattended — sweat and oil can deteriorate your headphones’ contact points over time while excess cerumen in your earbuds’ drivers can significantly reduce sound quality, dampen volume, and create audio balance issues. Routinely and effectively cleaning the gunk from your gear is the first step toward ensuring optimal, consistent audio output.
By the same token, when you aren’t using your headphones, leaving them out in the open can increase the risk of dust and dirt buildup, unwanted moisture, and accidental damage. That’s where a suitable headphone case comes into play. As mentioned above, many contemporary headphones and earbuds come with proprietary charging cases or travel bags. That said, if you purchase a pair of headphones that does not include a case or yours goes missing, then a new case may be your best course of action altogether. With a dedicated case on hand, your headphones are more likely to resist debris and moisture, and you decrease the risk of physical damage — not to mention, it makes them a breeze to transport for musicians and music lovers who can’t do without their favorite set of cans when they’re away from home.
How Do I Clean My Headphones?
Over-ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones may not rest directly inside your ear, but points of contact around your ears and face make them particularly susceptible to sweat and oily skin. If unattended, sweat and oils can break down your earpads. Thankfully, your average consumer–grade cans, studio monitoring headphones, and even audiophile-level headphones can be cleaned easilywith a few simple tools at home. All it takes is water, a small amount of dish soap, and a dry, lint-free cloth. Mild, unscented dish soaps work bestas scented soaps are more likely to damage your equipment (or leave behind an unwanted odor). Likewise, avoid using tap water if possible; particularly hard tap water that may contain minerals can streak or even disrupt the performance of your gear. So, grab a microfiber cloth (or asimilar nonabrasive cloth), lightly dampen it with your soap solution, and give your gear a good once–over — enough to remove any visible dirt, oil, or grime.
Pay particular attention to any problematic areas such as your headphones’ contact areas (where they touch your head) as these are more prone to wear and debris buildup. Once you finish, dry your gear with a separate cloth and admire your refreshed set of ’phones.
NOTE: When using water to clean your equipment, please ensure your device is powered off and/or unplugged. Cleaning while your device is powered on may cause unnecessary damage.
Earbuds/IEMs
Due to their size, earbuds and IEMs may require a little more patience when cleaning. For exterior surfaces, you can stick with the aforementioned soap-and-cloth cleaning method. However, like earpads, your earbud tips are especially prone to collecting excess debris — in the case of earbuds, in particular, excess cerumen is often the culprit. If this is the case, then gently remove the eartips and wash them carefully with mild soap solution — just make certain the tips are dry before reattaching them. While you’re at it, check the state of your earbuds mesh grille, located under both eartips. Excess cerumen in the grille can result in deteriorated performance, so it’s imperative to keep this area clean. An earwax removal tool such as the Westone Audio Wax Loop cerumen removal tool can help remove hard-to-reach grime that may be affecting your sound. If you have wireless earbuds, then you may also have a wireless charging case. The case can be cleaned easily with the same soap-and-cloth method. From there, just wipe off any extra debris, dry off all your equipment, and you’re good to go.
How & Where Do I Store My Headphones?
Over-ear Headphones
When not using your headphones, they are best kept in a compatible carrying case — not only because they are better protected from physical damage and dust buildup but also because it makes them infinitely easier to transport, which is a must for traveling musicians and audio enthusiasts. While plenty of modern headphones come with an included case, there are some that don’t. Likewise, a broken or misplaced case may find you in need of a new storage solution. Thankfully, Sweetwater stocks several options, from the AIAIAI A04 hard case for TMA-2 modular headphones to the Bose wireless charging case for QuietComfort earbuds and beyond. If your headphones do not have a proprietary case, then we offer several universal carrying cases, including the Headphone Savior, ensuring you can find the perfect place to store your beloved cans while protecting them against the elements. Whatever compatible case you choose, make sure you keep it somewhere safe, whether that’s in your gig bag, on an intended headphone display, or in the studio closet. Use your best judgement; however, when in doubt, simply keep them somewhere they won’t be disturbed until the next time you use them.
Earbuds/IEMs
Whether wired or wireless, earbuds and IEMs are just as important to keep covered when not in use. Today, most wireless earbuds, such as Apple’s AirPods Pro and JBL’s Live Pro 2, will come with a case. Likewise, many modern IEMs come with an included case to seamlessly tote your equipment from studio to stage. However, in the case of traditional wired earbuds, options are limited. That said, any universal case or cover is going to be better than leaving your earbuds out in the open. Once you find a case, consider using a desiccant, such as Westone Audio’s Monitor Saver, to help keep your equipment safe from moisture damage while you’re away.
Routine Maintenance
Along with thorough cleaning and safe storage methods, routine maintenance is vital to retain the best performance from your headphones. Making it a habit to be careful and observant of your gear with every use can both prolong its lifespan and ensure every jam session goes off without a hitch. That said, here are a couple of practices that we regularly follow at Sweetwater to ensure an optimal listening experience for years to come.
Replacing Earphone Pads & Tips
Of all the parts of your headphones that need to be cleaned, your eartips or earpads will likely need the most attention. Sometimes, built-up debris or visible damage can affect performance. In such case, consider getting some replacements. Most eartips and earpads are intentionally designed by the manufacturer to be interchangeable, so this is usually an easy fix. Conveniently, several replacement earpads and eartips are offered at Sweetwater! Just make sure they are compatible with your device model before you buy — if you need help, call your Sweetwater Sales Engineer at (800) 222-4700.
How to Wrap a Headphone Cable
In the case of a wired device, properly wrapping your headphone cable ensures fewer tangles and improves the longevity of your gear. While there are multiple ways to wrap cables, the over/under coiling method is considered the gold standard. To do this, simply coil the cable in a loop as normal and then coil it in the opposite direction — due to the alternating directions, the loops will cancel each other out when you go to grab your gear in the future. It takes some practice, but your gear will thank you. If you have any trouble, then watch this video tutorial!
Clean Up Your Act with Sweetwater!
Now that you’ve learned the ropes, it’s time to start protecting your headphones! From wax removal tools to replacement eartips and cables, Sweetwater has the equipment you need to maximize the longevity of your headphones, earbuds, IEMs, and other listening gear. If you have any questions regarding compatibility, need recommendations on supplies, or simply want to talk audio, then give your Sweetwater Sales Engineer a call at (800) 222-4700 — they’re always ready to help! Keep it clean!