Now, more than ever it is important to keep your sound stage clean. If your recording space is looking dusty or the people using it are getting sick, it’s time to get it cleaned.
Not surprisingly, there is a lot of misleading information on the internet about how to clean recording equipment the right way. A recording space has many expensive electronic devices that need sanitizing and disinfecting.
In this guide, we go over cleaning methods for several different pieces of audio equipment.
Keep reading to find out how you should be cleaning your sound stage.
Clean Maple Fretboard
A maple fretboard will have different cleaning instructions depending on its finish.
A finished maple fretboard may be polished and cleaned with any guitar cleaner made for finished woods. Use a non-abrasive cloth, like microfiber, and let the cleaning solution sit for a couple of minutes before wiping.
For deep cleanings, remove the strings so you may have easier access to the whole fretboard.
An unfinished maple fretboard will need an oil-based cleanser to sanitize and condition. Remove the strings for easy access and wipe the fretboard with a microfiber cloth to distribute the oil all over the wood.
Clean Earphones and Headphones
One piece of sound stage equipment that is dirtier than you think is your earphones and headphones. These things attract sweat and germs, and they hide them well. Not only do they trap dirt, but they breed bacteria too.
No matter what your earpads are made of, cleaning is easiest if you can detach them from the headphones.
When you are ready to clean start by deciding what your earpads are made of. If they are velour or fabric they can be cleaned the same way. If they are made with faux or genuine leather they will be treated differently.
For velour and fabric, begin by lint rolling any dirt and debris off the earpad. Then, with soap and water, scrub them to get the rest of the grease and dirt. Now, squeeze all the water out and let them air dry completely.
To clean faux leather earpads use a cloth that is damp with soap and water and wipe down the earpads. Then, wipe them a second time with only warm water. Let them dry and use hydrogen peroxide and water to disinfect.
Real leather earpads use the same instructions as faux leather earpads. You can even use diluted isopropyl alcohol to disinfect them. For problem areas, consider buying a special leather cleaner.
The rest of the headphones or earphones can be cleaned with water and soap. Be careful not to drip water into the electrical components. For hard-to-reach spaces and stuck-on dirt, you can use a soft toothbrush to scrub it.
To prevent your headphones and earphones from getting too dirty you can wipe them down after each use and store them in a carrying case.
Clean a Microphone
Microphones are one of the most important pieces of equipment on your sound stage that must stay clean. This is because it passes through peoples’ hands often, and they can easily spread germs.
Always clean your microphones to remove dirt before disinfecting to kill germs. The best way to keep those around you healthy is to use good hygiene.
To clean mini lavaliers and headset microphones you should start by removing all foam windscreens, grids, and caps. Afterward, rinse them in water and wipe them with a microfiber cloth. Never use cleaning solutions.
After cleaning, leave them to dry for at least three days. Once dry, disinfect the mini lavaliers and headsets by wiping them down with a water and isopropyl alcohol solution.
The cleaning process for pencil and handheld microphones is slightly different. To clean them you must begin by removing the grid. Next, with soap and warm water, wipe down the equipment. Allow drying for 72 hours.
When your pencil and handheld microphones are dry, you can wipe them down with a water and isopropyl alcohol solution. Be cautious so no isopropyl alcohol goes into the microphone membrane.
You may speed up the drying process by using a hairdryer on low heat. Consider protecting your microphones between uses by covering them with zip-lock bags or plastic wrap.
Clean Cables
Cables may be cleaned in two steps, but they can not be disinfected. Harsh chemicals like isopropyl alcohol make cable jackets hard and brittle causing them to break over some time.
Start cleaning your cables by rubbing them with coconut or olive oil. Doing so removes any built-up sweat, grime, and paint. Then, with gentle soap and water, wipe down the length of the cable to remove the leftover dirt and oil.
Clean Windscreens
To clean windscreens remove them from your microphones and wash them by hand with soap and water. Allow them to dry completely before attaching them back to their microphones.
Consider buying replacement foam windscreens. You may switch them out between users for extra germ protection.
Clean Other Electronic Equipment
Most electronic equipment can be cleaned with a damp microfiber cloth. Then, disinfect them with a solution of isopropyl alcohol and water. This includes mixers, transmitters, recorders, and receivers.
Always be careful not to get any liquid in your sound stage equipment’s electrical components. This could easily damage or break them. Never use abrasive cloths or brushes that could scratch their surfaces.
Always refer to the manufacturer’s cleaning guidelines if you are unsure how to clean a piece of equipment.
Professional Sound Stage Cleaning
Cleaning an entire sound stage can be difficult and destructive if you don’t know what you are doing. Professional janitors who have years of experience can get the job done fast and thoroughly.
Finding a local cleaning company with excellent reviews to clean your equipment properly could save you time and money in the long run.
Keep a Clean Sound Stage
To keep a clean and safe sound stage you must disinfect your audio equipment regularly. You can do this yourself or save time and call janitorial professionals.
If you decide you need help getting your sound stage in tip-top shape, contact us today to get a free estimate.