If your headphones are covered in an oily sheen, it’s time to take them off and give them a good cleaning. Oily headphones can cause many problems, including muffled sound, decreased battery life, and even speaker damage.

This article will show you how to clean oily headphones using the best methods possible. We’ll also provide a helpful guide on how to avoid cleaning them. So if you own a pair of oily headphones, read on to learn how to clean them.

Table of Contents

7 Reasons Why Headphones Get Oily

There are many reasons why people face an oily headphone problem.

1. Wearing headphones for long hours

If you wear headphones for long hours, you may be too familiar with the oily mess that can build up on your ear cups. While it may not be the most pleasant thing to think about, there are a few reasons for this.

For starters, our skin naturally produces oil. When we wear headphones, this oil gets trapped on the ear cups and begins to accumulate. Additionally, sweat and hair products can also contribute to the problem.

If you find yourself with oily headphone problems, there are a few things you can do to clean them up.

First, use a cotton swab or soft cloth to gently remove any excess oil from the surface of the ear cups.
You can also try using a mild soap and water solution to scrub any buildup lightly.

Be sure to rinse off any soap residue afterward.

2. Oily hair and Scalp

Oily hair and Scalp can be a problem for many people. There are a few reasons why this may be the case:

The sebaceous glands may be overactive, producing too much oil. This can be due to hormones or other factors.
The hair may not be washed often enough, leading to a buildup of oil and sweat on the Scalp.
Certain hairstyles can produce more oil as they trap the oil on the Scalp.

There are a few ways to combat oily hair and Scalp.

First, wash your hair more frequently with a mild shampoo.
Avoid harsh chemicals or heat styling, which can further irritate the Scalp.
Use products that absorb excess oil, such as dry shampoos or talcum powder.

3. Environmental factors

When it comes to headphones, there are a few environmental factors that can cause issues with them. One of the biggest problems is moisture. If your headphones get wet, they can start to malfunction and eventually break down.

Another environmental factor that can damage headphones is dust. If your headphones are constantly getting dusty, it can cause the internal parts to wear out prematurely.

Finally, extreme temperatures can also damage your headphones. Leaving your headphones in a hot car or direct sunlight for too long can ruin the delicate circuitry inside.

4. Using the wrong type of headphone

When you use the wrong type of headphones, you can have serious problems. Here are some reasons why your headphones might be giving you oily concerns:

Material of the headphone is not breathable.
Headphone doesn’t have enough padding.
The headphone is too tight.
Using the wrong type of earbud tips.
You’re not cleaning your headphones often enough.
Using your headphones in a dirty environment.
Sweating too much while using your headphones.

To avoid these problems, make sure to choose a headphone that is made from breathable materials and has plenty of padding.

5. Not cleaning the headphone regularly

If you don’t clean your headphones regularly, the oil and sweat from your skin will build up on them. This can cause several problems, including:

Headphones may start to smell bad.
The buildup of oils and sweat can cause the headphones to slip off your head.
Oils and sweat can attract dust and dirt and clog the headphones’ speakers.
The buildup of oils and sweat can also shorten the headphone’s lifespan.

So if you want to avoid these problems, clean your headphones regularly!

6. Oily headphones can be caused by sweat

If you have oily headphones, it’s likely because of sweat. Sweat can cause a buildup of oil and dirt on your headphones, leading to uncomfortable listening and decreased sound quality. Here are a few tips to prevent sweaty headphones:

Wipe your headphones with a clean, dry cloth after each use.
Store your headphones in a clean, dry place when not in use.
Avoid using your headphones while exercising or doing other activities that may cause sweating.
If your headphones get sweaty, clean them with a mild soap and water solution. Rinse them well and dry them thoroughly before using them again.

7. Hormonal changes

When your hormones fluctuate, the oil glands in your skin produce more sebum. This can make your skin feel oilier and cause your pores to become clogged. You may also notice an increase in oil production during puberty or pregnancy.

If you are experiencing oily headphone problems, it is essential to clean your headphones regularly and avoid using products that will further clog your pores.

How to Clean Oily Headphones?

It’s essential to clean your headphones for a few reasons.

First, if you’re using in-ear headphones, it’s important to keep them clean, so you don’t get ear infections.
Second, cleaning them is important even if you’re not using in-ear headphones because the oil and sweat from your skin can build up on the headphones and damage them.
Finally, keeping your electronics clean is generally good practice to last longer.

Here are a few tips on how to clean your headphones:

1. Use a soft cloth

If you’re wondering how to clean oily headphones, one of the simplest methods is to use a soft cloth. You can use a regular cotton cloth or even a microfiber one. Just ensure it’s not too abrasive so as not to damage the delicate surface of your headphones.

Start by gently wiping down the surface of your headphones with the cloth. If there is any built-up oil or grime, you can use a slightly dampened cloth to remove it. Be sure to avoid getting water inside the headphone cups, as this can damage the electronics.

Once you’ve wiped down the outside of your headphones, you can move on to cleaning the earpads. These are usually made of foam or synthetic leather and can be cleaned with a damp cloth or an alcohol-based cleanser.

2. Use water and soap

It’s essential to keep your headphones clean, especially if you have oily skin. Here are how to clean your headphones using water and soap:

Wet a cotton swab with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap. Gently scrub the cotton swab over the surface of the headphones.
Use a soft, dry cloth to remove any soap residue.
Repeat steps 1-2 until the headphones are clean.
Once the headphones are clean, rinse them with cool water to remove any soap residue.
Dry the headphones with a soft, dry cloth or air dry them before using them again.
If your headphones are still not clean after following these steps, you can try cleaning them with rubbing alcohol or white vinegar diluted with water.

3. Use alcohol

Though most people think of alcohol as a way to relax or have fun, it can also be used as a cleaning agent. Isopropyl alcohol, in particular, is excellent for cleaning oily headphones. Here’s how to do it:

Start by unplugging your headphones and removing any detachable parts. Next, use a cotton swab or soft cloth to wipe down the outside of each earpiece. Be sure to get rid of any visible dirt or grime.

Once the earpieces are clean, dip another cotton swab in isopropyl alcohol and use it to clean the inside of each one. This will help remove any built-up oil and prevent new oil from accumulating. Let the earpieces air-dry before reassembling your headphones and using them again.

4. Use compressed air

If you have a pair of headphones starting to look oily, don’t worry – there are ways to clean them and get them to look new again. One way is to use compressed air.

You can buy cans of compressed air at most hardware stores, and all you need to do is hold the can up to the headphones and spray. The compressed air will dislodge any dirt or oil built up on the headphone cups or headbands.

Just be sure to hold the can upright so that the nozzle is pointing away from your face, and don’t spray for too long in one spot, or you could damage the headphones.

5. Use vinegar

If your headphones are starting to look a little greasy, don’t worry. There are a few easy ways to clean them and make them look new again. One way is to use vinegar.

Mix equal vinegar and water in a bowl and submerge your headphones in the mixture for a few minutes. Then, use a soft cloth to wipe away any dirt or grime. If your headphones are dirty, you may need to repeat this process a few times.

Vinegar is a great natural cleaner that can be used on lots of different surfaces. So if you’re looking for an eco-friendly way to clean your headphones, give vinegar a try.

Conclusion

To sum it up, always keep your headphones in a dry and airflow-free environment when you’re not using them. Also, remove any accumulated water since the last time you cleaned them. You will also notice that cleaning your headphones with the best method we have shared works much better now than before.

5 Ways How to Clean Oily Headphones