How to clean headphones properly? See tips!

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One of the most used accessories in everyday life can be a real source of bacteria, earwax debris, dirt and fabric fibers. But despite this, many people neglect to care for the object or don't know how to properly clean their headphones.

Above all, cleaning this accessory is essential to avoid ear infections and other health problems. However, cleaning is different for each type of phone, depending on the model. Check out our tips below and find out how to clean yours.

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Why should you clean your headphones?

Research conducted by biomedical faculty Devry Metrocamp showed that headphones can contain up to 10,000 types of bacteria. The study also revealed high contamination in 87% of the objects analyzed, with the presence of the bacteria Staphylococcus aureuswhich can cause skin and upper respiratory infections, such as ear infections.

Furthermore, the researchers warned of the danger of fungi from the group Candida ssp found in accessories. According to experts, these fungi are difficult to treat and can affect some ear organs, causing illnesses in people with low immunity.

Environment conducive to bacteria

Above all, people should know how to clean their headphones correctly, as constant use can reduce the protection that the wax itself offers. Furthermore, models that are located inside the ear canal are even more worrying, as they can come into contact with earwax and, if they are not cleaned properly, end up accumulating various microorganisms.

This happens because when people use the accessory without cleaning, the headphones gain a closed and heated environment, perfect for the proliferation of bacteria. Consequently, depending on the person's immunity and the amount of wax, infections and health problems may appear.

To clean your wired in-ear headphones you need to disconnect them from any device before starting. Check the wire for dirt and wipe it with a damp cloth and isopropyl alcohol. Next, you can clean the tips and the sound output location in the same way as suggested for the Bluetooth model, below:

• First remove the silicone tips and clean carefully, washing under running water. You don't need to use any product for washing.
• For the place where the sound exits the headphones, you must remove excess dirt with a cotton swab.
• On the rods and charging case, use isopropyl alcohol (a product recommended for sanitizing electronic devices).

It is worth noting that you need to wait until the accessory is completely dry before using it again.

Over-the-ear headphone models have large cushions that completely cover the ear and require basic care when cleaning. Check out the step by step:

1. First, remove dust and dirt using a dry cloth.
2. Then, use a piece of cotton dampened with 70% alcohol to clean the hair.
3. To remove light dirt from the headphones' sound output, use a dry toothbrush and then wipe with a cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol to disinfect.
4. Finish by drying all the components, including the headphones, wire and sound output, with paper towel, and everything is ready!