Except for a handful of models marketed specifically for swimming, headphones should never be submerged in water. (Electronics and water don’t mix well.) Even “water-resistant” models—which are designed to stand up to sweat or rain, not a dunking—should never get more than slightly damp.
Don’t apply any liquid directly to the headphones, and when you do wipe them down, be sure to keep any moisture on the surface. Don’t let any interior parts get damp.
Follow the advice below to get a deeper cleaning. These tips can apply to over-ear headphones, on-ear models, and earbuds.
Ensure you’re using the proper liquid solution for the job. According to Chen, you usually don’t need anything stronger than soap and water. “You can use a little alcohol, but on certain things you shouldn’t because the material itself will dissolve,” he says. Avoid using it on any part made of foam or wood.
Alcohol is fine for plastic, rubber, or silicone, but you’ll only want to use it occasionally, and dry it off carefully. Letting it air-dry can lead to damage. Chen recommends a dedicated leather cleaning solution for any pair made of genuine leather. Also, synthetic or protein-based leathers are used in many on-ear and over-ear headphones and are especially prone to damage, so anything more than a gentle wipe with a water-dampened cloth may be problematic.
Remove dried earwax and other debris. Bose, a prominent audio brand, recommends hydrogen peroxide to remove stubborn earwax. Look for a solution of no more than 3 percent. Apply it with a cotton swab, and merely dampen the surface, taking care not to allow excess liquid to come in contact with the drivers or any electronics. Wipe the solution off quickly and carefully when you’re done. Even at that low concentration, hydrogen peroxide can sometimes cause bleaching and discoloration.
Thoroughly dry your headphones with a towel. No matter what you use on the headphones, you’ll want to remove any excess moisture after cleaning them. Let them sit for a period of time to ensure they are completely dry before using them again.
