How To Clean your Headphone Pads: Ultimate Guide

Headphone pads are used to provide comfort while using headphones. They also play a crucial role in maintaining the sound quality and durability of your headphones. Over time, headphone pads can accumulate dirt, sweat, and oil from your skin which can make them look dirty, feel uncomfortable or even start to smell.

Cleaning your headphone pads is essential for hygiene purposes as well as prolonging the life of your headphones. In this guide, we will take you through the steps on how to properly clean over-ear headphones and ear cups effectively.

Why Clean Your Headphone Pads

Cleaning your headphone ear-pads is important for several reasons:

• Hygiene: As mentioned earlier, headphone velour pads can accumulate dirt, sweat, and oil from your skin. This makes them a breeding ground for bacteria which can lead to skin irritation or infection. Regularly cleaning your headphones and earphone pads will keep them free from harmful bacteria and maintain good hygiene.
• Comfort: Wearing dirty headset pads can be uncomfortable as they may feel sticky, itchy or even cause a rash or ear infections. By cleaning your pair of headphone pads, you ensure that they remain soft and comfortable for extended periods of use. 
• Sound Quality: Dirty velour earpads can affect the sound quality of your headphones. The buildup of oil, sweat, and dirt on the pads can muffle or distort the sound, reducing the overall listening experience. Cleaning your wireless headphones will help maintain the original sound quality.
• Durability: By regularly cleaning your over ear headphones, you can prevent them from deteriorating quickly. The accumulation of dirt and sweat can cause the pads to deteriorate or even tear, reducing their lifespan. 
• Save money: Lastly, cleaning your headphone ear cushion can save you money in the long run. Instead of constantly replacing your headphones due to dirty or worn-out pads, regular cleaning can help prolong their lifespan and save you from having to buy new ones.

How Often Should You Clean Your Headphone Pads

The frequency of cleaning your over ear headphones and earbuds pads depends on how often you use them and the environment they are used in. If you use your headphones regularly, it is recommended to clean them at least once a month. However, if you use them less often or in cleaner environments, cleaning them every 2-3 months should suffice.

What You Will Need

Before we dive into how to clean headphone pads, here are some essential items that you will need:

• Mild soap or detergent
• Warm water
• Microfiber cloth or soft-bristled toothbrush
• Cotton swabs

Tips for Cleaning Headphones Pads

• Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials to clean your headphone pads as this can damage the material and affect the sound quality.
• Before cleaning, make sure to remove the pads from the headphones. This will allow you to thoroughly clean them without damaging any delicate parts of the headphones.
• If your headphone pads are detachable, it is recommended to wash them separately from the headphones. This will prevent any water or soap from damaging the internal parts of the headphones and it also make them easier to clean.
• Always allow your headphone pads to completely dry before reattaching them to your headphones. This will prevent any potential damage caused by moisture.

Different Methods To Clean Headphone Pads

Using Soap and Lukewarm Water

A popular and efficient way to clean headphone earpads is by using soap and lukewarm water. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Safety first:

• Test on a small area: Before going all in, apply a small amount of your chosen soap solution to an inconspicuous area of the pad. Check for discoloration or damage before proceeding. If everything looks good, then you’re all set to continue.

Cleaning process:

• Remove the headphone pads from the headphones.
• In a bowl, mix mild soap or detergent with Lukewarm water water.
• Dip a microfiber clean cloth or soft-bristled brush into the solution and gently scrub the surface of the pads in a circular motion.
• For hard-to-reach areas, use a cotton swab dipped in the solution to clean.
• Rinse the pads thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove any soap residue.
• Squeeze out excess water from the pads and pat dry with a clean towel.
• Leave the pads to air dry completely before reattaching them to your headphones.

Consider regularly wiping down your headphone pads with a dry cloth to prevent dirt buildup and maintain cleanliness.

Using Rubbing Alcohol

Another effective method for cleaning headphone earpads is by using rubbing alcohol or isopropyl alcohol. Here’s how to do it:

Safety first:

• Test on a small area: Before using rubbing alcohol, test it on a small inconspicuous area of the pad. Check for any discoloration or damage before proceeding.
• Avoid prolonged exposure: Do not leave the pads soaking in rubbing alcohol for an extended period as it can damage the material.
• Avoid using on leather pads: Rubbing alcohol should not be used on leather headphone pads as it can dry out the material and cause cracking.

Cleaning process:

• Remove the headphone pads from the wireless headset.
• In a spray bottle, mix equal parts of rubbing alcohol and lukewarm water.
• Spray the solution onto a microfiber cloth and gently wipe the surface of the pads in a circular motion.
• For hard-to-reach areas, use a cotton swab dipped in the solution to clean.
• Rinse the pads with lukewarm water and squeeze out excess water.
• Pat dry with a clean towel and leave to air dry completely before reattaching them to your headphones.

How to Clean Leather Ear Pads?

Leather headphone pads require a different cleaning method compared to fabric or foam ones. Here’s how to clean leather ear pads:

• Remove the leather pads from the headphones.
• In a bowl, mix a few drops of mild soap with lukewarm water.
• Dip a microfiber cloth in the solution and wring out any excess water.
• Gently wipe the surface of the leather pads in a circular motion, being careful not to saturate the material.
• Rinse the cloth with clean water and gently wipe away any soap residue from the pads.
• Use a dry cloth to absorb any excess moisture on the pads.
• Leave them to air dry completely before reattaching them to your headphones.

To maintain the longevity of your leather headphone pads, it is recommended to apply a leather conditioner after they have dried completely. This will help keep the material soft and supple.

Conclusion

Regularly cleaning your headphone pads not only improves their appearance but also ensures that you are getting the best sound quality from them. By following these easy steps and using gentle cleaning methods for your headset to stay clean, you can keep your ear-pads in top condition for a longer period. Remember to always check the manufacturer’s instructions before cleaning and avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.

F.A.Q

How can you clean sweaty headphones?

If your headphones are sweaty, it is recommended to clean them after each use with a dry cloth. This will prevent the sweat from drying and building up on the pads. Additionally, you can also use a mild soap solution or rubbing alcohol to gently wipe away any accumulated dirt or sweat.

Can I machine wash my headphone pads?

It is not recommended to machine wash headphone pads as the agitation and detergents can damage the material. It is best to hand wash them with mild soap and water or use gentle cleaning methods, such as using rubbing alcohol, as mentioned above.

Is hydrogen peroxide suitable for cleaning headphones?

No, hydrogen peroxide is not recommended for cleaning headphones as it can damage the material and affect the sound quality. It is best to stick to mild soap solutions or rubbing alcohol for gentle and effective cleaning.

Can baby wipes be used to clean headphone earpads?

Baby wipes may contain chemicals that can be harmful to headphone pads, especially those made of leather. It is best to avoid using baby wipes and opt for gentle cleaning methods mentioned in this guide.