Cleaning Headphones

Discussion in 'Soundgear' started by reziduchamp, Nov 4, 2018.

  1. reziduchamp

    reziduchamp Producer

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    Anybody got any tips for cleaning the fabric outside of my headphones? They're K712's if that makes a difference; they have like a velvety fabric on the ears.

    Keep picking up loads of fluff and hairs that get right into the corners. I've scraped them partly clean with fingernails. Any better ideas that are safe - like as in not vacuum cleaning them :D

     
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  3. Yuri

    Yuri Rock Star

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    Use a vacuum cleaner, but put something with a fine mesh over the nozzle first, like an old pair of tights. This is the method I use to clean the dust from the inside of my PC. Can't guarantee it'll work for a pair of headphones though...
     
  4. Baxter

    Baxter Audiosexual

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    Velour pads? I hand-wash them. Soap and hot water.
    Edit: I remove them first ofc.
     
    Last edited: Nov 4, 2018
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  5. No Avenger

    No Avenger Moderator Staff Member

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    You can remove the ears pads and either buy new ones or clean them without the danger of damaging the membranes. I'd try to wipe them with a damp cloth or even wash them by hand (carefully).
     
  6. SmokerNzt

    SmokerNzt Rock Star

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    do it for distance! or remove the pads
    [​IMG]
     
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  7. reziduchamp

    reziduchamp Producer

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    Yeah that's kind of what I was hoping to avoid. Seem a bit flimsy to me to be using a vac. Would probably tear the fabric right off.
     
  8. reziduchamp

    reziduchamp Producer

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    Didn't realise they are removable. Thanks. Yeah that seems a decent idea but I'd rather not wet them ideally. I'm wondering now if there's something like isopropyl alcohol in the world of fabric that can clean cloth by just wiping. I'll have to research that. Also wondering if screen wipes might work. Don't really wanna damage them and have to wait a week for new ones to arrive.
     
  9. First, clean your toilet. Then squirt dish soap into the bowl, lots if it, like half a bottle. Then very, very gently put your headphones in the soapy water making sure that where you are holding onto the cable isn't slippery from the soap and water. This is the tricky part; flush the toilet but don't let the cable twist too much otherwise it will not work any more and they'll need to be replaced. Kind of go around and around with the headphones in the direction they are swirling, kind of guiding them like a purebreed in a dog show ...clockwise in the northern hemisphere and counterclockwise in the southern. Let them drip dry away from heat and direct sunlight. DO NOT PUT THEM IN A CLOTHING DRYER OR USE A BLOW DRYER. If you have followed the directions precisely you will now have clean ear pads and an almost factory fresh set of like-new cans.

    This is a picture of my own pair of AKG 712' that are 10 years old. They look great, eh?

    [​IMG]

    Your welcome.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Nov 4, 2018
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  10. reziduchamp

    reziduchamp Producer

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    Do I unplug them first?
     
  11. From your interface, yes, but leave the cable on else they may become damaged from banging excessively against the side of the toilet. Areas with hard water are a bit rougher on the headphones, so if you live in an area as this as I do, fill the tank of the toilet with distilled water. It might cost a little bit more but it worth it to ensure the safety of your precious studio tool.
     
  12. phloopy

    phloopy Audiosexual

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  13. Magic Mango

    Magic Mango Producer

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    I know not a thing about this, thus would rely on a door to door service or warranty.

    ^ Jackpot comment.
     
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  14. Those are all Japanese machines, they know how to do it clean.
     
  15. Andrew

    Andrew AudioSEX Maestro Staff Member

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    No soap or detergents. Just pure, even distilled water. Remove them by twisting motion, then prepare a warm (not boiling) bath. Let it soak up - this'll remove the sweat buildup.
     
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  16. beatletown

    beatletown Guest

    You dont need to wash the AKG style velour pads. Unscrew the pads, use a small brush to clean the hard to reach parts and just use your fingers, that are moist or a bit wet and roll/collect the dust with your fingers.
    Its easier and faster.
     
  17. wasgedn

    wasgedn Banned

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    distilled water is better when having hard water....much better
     
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