How Do You Clean your Headset to be Safe from COVID-19?

Whether you are using GN NETCOM headsets for working out at the gym, listening to music, or just for the ambient house while cleaning your house, it is essential to keep these devices clean for protecting yourself from the spread of COVID-19. Maybe you are rendering with the question - how will this virus affect the headphones?

Well, viruses like SARA-Cov-2, which causes COVID-19, have been shown to set for up to 3 days on plastic and other hard surfaces. In case, if you touch contaminated headsets, then you could become a victim of the virus. And you get infected when you touch your mouth, nose, or eyes. 

According to some studies, headphones can increase bacterial growth inside the ear and it can be passed from one person to another when you share such devices. Dust and other debris can affect the function of your headphones and lead to their early demise. Additionally, debris can deaden the sound coming from a headphone's driver and lead to lasting damage as well. Oil produced from your skin can also cause plastic and rubber components to become discolored and even disintegrate after longer periods of experience. 

So, where everything is happening with the COVID-19, you need to know a lot about cleaning and disinfecting your headphones. Let's have a look at the following to keep your headset clean and safe from COVID-19.

Table of Content

Tips for Keep your Headset Clean and Safe from COVID-19

• Wipe Down Headphones’ Earpads Regularly
• Clean the Earbuds from Inside with Soft Brush
• Wipe Headphones Down After Workout
• Store Your Headphones and Earbuds in Case
• Avoid Storage of Headphones in Hot/Cold Environments
• Do not Leave the Port Compartment Open And Unplug your Headphone
• Do not Kink/Bunch the Cable or Wrap it Around your Device

Bottom Line

Tips for Keep your Headset Clean and Safe from COVID-19

• Wipe Down Headphones’ Earpads Regularly

You should wipe down your headphones regularly with a mixture of soap and warm water on a lightly damp cloth. Make sure the headphones are off and disconnected from your device. You should have to dry fully with a soft cloth immediately. Do not use alcohol, as it can remove color or break down leather or fabric faster. Using soap and water will clean off any nasties. You can just use the hem of your shirt but it would be better to use a soft, microfiber cloth so that you have a gentle fabric to wipe it off with. Wiping them with a dry cloth right after using will help remove any sweat and dirt buildup before it has time to absorb into the cushions.  

• Clean the Earbuds from Inside with Soft Brush

Wax buildup in the ear can decrease the sound of your earbuds. So, it is recommended that you buy a cleaning tool designed for clearing out the wax. First, remove the ear tips off from the earbuds. You have to use the tool's metal loop side to gently scoop out any ear wax. Do not jam the loop earbuds and destroy the driver. Then use a small soft brush to gently clean off anything stuck to the earbuds. It would be better to clean the ear tips with a soapy wet cloth and dry thoroughly before reattaching to the earbuds.   

• Wipe Headphones Down After Workout

Water and sweat can damage your headphones even if they are sweat resistant. So, do not keep your headphones wet for long periods because water can slowly flow into the battery compartments or the earbuds themselves and sort them out or damage drivers. If you want to completely dry out your headphones after the gym, then shake them out gently for removing the excess moisture, turn them off, and store into a little zip-close case. But, avoid keeping your headphones in your gym-sports pocket without a water-resistant case. Because each of it will collect sweat and can damage the headphones from inside. So, wipe the headphones properly and put them in a dry state. 

• Store Your Headphones and Earbuds in Case

A headphones case will protect it from dirt, debris, scratches, and impacts. So, use the case and prevent your expensive headset from any damage. As you know, sharing headphones can introduce new bacteria into ears and upset their natural balance. An overgrowth of a certain type of bacteria can cause a painful ear infection. Therefore, it is recommended that wipe the outside of your ear canal with a clean damp cloth and then store it into a closed-zipped case. 

• Avoid Storage of Headphones in Hot/Cold Environments

Saunas and car trunks are not good for headphones. When heat is produced from the car trunks, they can damage the device from inside due to high temperature. In addition, storing them for a long-term into wet or in humid environments can destroy them completely and will not work out anymore. It may directly damage the headphone sound quality and leave it as worthless. Therefore, it is a good idea to provide extra protection for keeping them safe. Buy a Westone Monitor Saver or a silica gel pack in the bag for preventing them from collapsing.

• Do not Leave the Port Compartment Open And Unplug your Headphone 

If you keep the port open, it will let in dirt and dust. As you know, Micro-USB port for charging does not indulge in the door. So, dust out the port regularly and check if there is water inside before plugging in. Additionally, it is also suggested that you do not unplug or remove headphones from your device by pulling the cable. It can weaken the cable over time. Plus, do not remove earbuds from your ears by pulling on the cable, especially if they are sealed. The vacuum created can cause damage to your ears. So, grab the earbud and twist slightly while pulling outward. 

• Do not Kink/Bunch the Cable or Wrap it Around your Device

Cables are the main source of inputting and outputting. Therefore, wrapping your headphones around your fingers and making a proper circle of the cable will protect the cable from damage. Follow the wire's natural curve and prevent it from tangling. You can use a twist tie or buy a little cable tie for protecting the cables. 

Bottom Line

So, follow these guidelines and your headphones will stay cleaner and in better shape. It is also recommended that you follow the instructions mentioned on the packaging. To keep your headphones in tip-top condition, clean them regularly. Do not let ear wax or other specks of dirt build-up. It is necessary to wipe down the headphones with alcohol-based disinfectant wipes after each use whether you are using SENNHEISER headsets or any other.