When people use headphones every day, they do not realize how much dirt, grime and other residue gathers on and in them due to being so close to the ear.  If you use inner ear headphones, the build up that occurs can actually distort sound quality and eventually destroy a pair of headphones.  Since folks do not realize they can clean headphones, they just let them go bad, buy another set and move on.

In order to clean your headphones, you want to have Q – Tips available. This is the easiest and safest way to clean them. You can use rubbing alcohol but only sparingly if they are particularly dirty. The rubbing alcohol will help break up residue and make it easier to clean off. If your headphones utilize any sort of inner ear add-on, you can take them off the headphones themselves to clean separately. This will make it easier to reach areas you may not be able to clean regularly.

Take your time, gently rub circles in the grime to get it off. If anything will not come off, do not force it. Work the rubbing alcohol gently into it until it does come off; it may take some time and some effort, but by taking your time you are protecting your headphones from any unnecessary damage. One you are sure the headphones are as clean as possible; you want to dry them off with a paper towel and then try to use them to see the difference between a clean set of headphones and a dirty one.

However, if you opt not to clean your headphones and have found the perfect pair of headphones, it is possible that by the time you purchase a new set, they may not be available anymore.  From there, you would have to find another set which can be a pain.  So, by taking care of your headphones from the start, you save yourself the hassle of losing out on a good pair of headphones you enjoy and feel comfortable wearing.