How Do You Clean Over-Ear Headphones?

You can clean over-ear headphones by gently wiping them down with a slightly damp, soapy cloth, ensuring they air dry completely afterward.

Here's a more detailed breakdown of how to effectively and safely clean your over-ear headphones:

Cleaning Over-Ear Headphones: A Step-by-Step Guide

Gather your supplies: You'll need a clean microfiber cloth, mild dish soap, distilled water (optional), cotton swabs, and isopropyl alcohol (optional, for stubborn spots).
Disconnect your headphones: Unplug your headphones from any power source or device.
Identify the materials: Note the material of the earcups (leather, pleather, fabric, etc.) as different materials require different cleaning approaches.

Prepare a cleaning solution: Lightly dampen a clean microfiber cloth with a mixture of mild dish soap and water. Important: Wring out the cloth thoroughly! It should be damp, not wet.
Wipe down the surfaces: Gently wipe the earcups and headband in small, circular motions. Focus on areas with visible dirt, earwax, or buildup.
Address stubborn spots (optional): For tougher stains, you can lightly dampen a cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol and gently dab the affected area. Test in an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn't damage the material. Use sparingly!
Wipe with a clean, damp cloth (no soap): Use a separate clean microfiber cloth, very lightly dampened with only water, to wipe away any soap residue. Again, ensure the cloth is wrung out well.

Use a dry brush or cotton swab: Use a small, soft-bristled brush (like a toothbrush) or a dry cotton swab to gently remove dust and debris from the speaker grills and seams around the earcups.

Air dry completely: Allow your headphones to air dry completely before using them again. This is crucial to prevent moisture damage. Do not use a hairdryer or place them in direct sunlight.
Timeframe: Drying time can vary depending on the humidity and materials, but typically takes several hours.

Apply leather conditioner (if applicable): If your earcups are made of genuine leather, consider applying a leather conditioner after cleaning to keep them supple and prevent cracking. Follow the conditioner's instructions carefully.

Avoid excessive moisture: Water and electronics don't mix. Always use a damp cloth, never a wet one.
Test cleaning solutions: Before applying any cleaning solution to the entire earcup, test it on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn't damage or discolor the material.
Frequency: Clean your headphones regularly, especially if you use them frequently. A quick wipe-down once a week can prevent buildup and prolong their lifespan.