Headphones collect sweat, skin oil and dust every time you wear them. Dirty pads feel sticky, smell, and can even irritate your skin. A quick clean every few weeks keeps them comfortable and sounding their best.
What you need
| Item | Use |
|---|---|
| Microfiber cloth | Outer shell, headband |
| Mild soap and water | Fabric pads and headband |
| 70% isopropyl alcohol | Leather or protein-leather pads, sparingly |
| Soft dry toothbrush | Speaker mesh |
| Cotton swabs | Edges and seams, nearly dry |
Step by step
1. Unplug and power off
Disconnect the cable and turn off wireless models.
2. Remove the ear pads if you can
Most over-ear pads twist or pull off. Check the maker’s guide first so you do not break the clips.
3. Clean the pads
For leather or faux leather, wipe with a cloth lightly dampened with soapy water, then a clean damp cloth, then dry. For fabric or velour, dab with soapy water and let them air dry fully. Never soak pads.
4. Brush the speaker mesh
Hold the ear cup facing down and brush the mesh gently so dust falls out. Do not use liquid on the mesh.
5. Wipe the headband and cups
Use a slightly damp cloth, then dry. A little alcohol on the cloth removes oily marks on hard plastic.
6. Clean the cable and plug
Wipe the cable with a damp cloth. Clean the plug with a dry cloth; if it is dirty, a cotton swab with a drop of alcohol works.
7. Reassemble and test
When everything is completely dry, put the pads back and run our Headphone Test to check both sides and the bass.
How often to clean
| Use | Clean pads | Deep clean |
|---|---|---|
| Daily at the gym | Weekly | Monthly |
| Daily at a desk | Every 2 weeks | Every 2 months |
| Occasional | Monthly | Twice a year |
What to avoid
- Spraying anything directly on the headphones
- Bleach or strong cleaners on leather pads
- Putting pads in a washing machine
- Using headphones before pads are fully dry
Earbuds too?
In-ear buds need a different method. Read how to clean AirPods and earbuds and finish with the Earbuds Cleaner.
Common questions
When should I replace ear pads?
When the material is cracked or flaking, or the foam is flat. New pads also improve bass because they seal better.
Can I share headphones safely?
Wipe the pads with an alcohol wipe on the hard parts and a damp cloth on the pads between users.
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