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A Few Simple Tips to Make Your Headphones Last Longer

A Few Simple Tips to Make Your Headphones Last Longer

Jun 7,2022
If you buy a cheap pair of headphones and it breaks after a month, can you avoid another setback just by buying a more expensive pair?

Unfortunately, this is not the solution.

Headphones, regardless of their price and quality, can quickly break down if you're not careful with them.

Read on and learn what every headphone owner should know about how to make your headphones last longer.

How to make your headphones last longer

Headphones will last longer when you take the time and effort to give them the care they deserve. This rule applies even to cheap headphones, which can last for years if properly maintained. All it takes is a few minutes of scrutiny, common household items to clean, and a good old mindset.

Keep clean

Both the external environment in which the headset is used and the internal environment of the ear contains dirt that can get into the moving parts of the headset and affect the sound quality. Clean them up carefully before they build up and cause any damage.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Wipe after each use

Your earphones are exposed to dust, sweat, and moisture, so be sure to wipe

After each use, clean the ear pads with a soft cloth moistened with alcohol or hand sanitizer.

You can even go a step further and occasionally run a cotton swab into the folds and crevices, then soak the ear tips in warm soapy water for 5 minutes.

Don't let others use your headphones

Aside from the fact that others aren't as careful when handling your earphones, the exchange of earwax can also lead to a serious ear infection in one or both of you.

So even if sharing your headphones seems sweet, it's best to stay safe and say "no."

Gently brush off earwax or debris from the drive unit

Wax, grease, and debris can build up and harden on the drive units of your headphones. Not only is this a hygiene issue, but it can also cause your earbuds to malfunction.

To avoid this, lightly brush them off with a soft brush at least once a week.

Watch out for cables

Most people don't think about headphone cables anymore. However, the wire is one of the most important parts of a headset, and one of the most easily damaged.

Here are some tips for protecting cables:

Don't put them directly in your pocket

While it makes your headphones easy to use, avoid putting them in your pocket. A tight space, especially if you like skinny jeans, can compress the cable and put pressure on the wires inside it.

Do not shake the wires

Extensive bending of any kind can cause premature cable damage. The point where the wire bends 90 degrees when overhanging the edge of the table can break, especially when pressed by an elbow or chair.

Keep your wires untied

Keeps cables in tangled pile bends and weakens thin wires inside. Unraveling them requires pulling the knot apart, which can cause the wire to snap. If your cables get tangled badly, here's a detailed guide on how to remove the mess and prevent them from getting tangled again.

Do not roll cables into tight loops

It may look neat, but you should avoid exposing the cable to unnecessary strain and stress. The tight loops and knots can actually stretch and soften the cable as you roll, permanently damaging the wires inside.

Wrap the cable correctly

It is better to understand and use professionally proven coiling methods, such as the up-and-down coiling technique, rather than tight coiling.

Here's how it's done:

Place the cable in the left hand with the connector facing out.

Wind the first coil loosely around the left hand (over the loop).

Grasp the cable with your right hand, palm facing up.

As you approach the left hand, turn the right hand so that the thumbs meet.

Grasp the wire with your left hand.

Repeat this process until the entire cable is evenly coiled.

Use velcro strips to hold it together.

Store them properly

Headphones should not be stored in bags, backpacks, or pockets, as they may be crushed or bent when mixed with other items. Literally, dedicated storage keeps them in good shape.

Buy the right headphone case

Headphone cases come in a variety of sizes, so don't pick one off the shelf without checking for a fit.

An oversized case can cause the earphones to wobble on the go. Too small and it will crush drivers, pads and wires with unfortunate results. Therefore, a suitable earphone storage box should be neither too loose nor too tight.

Occasional replacement of headphone pads

Headphone pads not only affect the aesthetics, but also the comfort and sound quality of the headphones.

But with or without the protein-leather coating, the earpads absorb moisture from sweat or humidity over time. This can cause the pads to become brittle and eventually peel or crack. Some pads even rot after being neglected for a while.

When that happens, it's time to ditch them for a replacement. The same goes for earphone sleeves, which deform over time and lose their ability to block ambient sound.

Protect weak points

Headphones work through a range of connections, including plugs, volume sliders, earbuds, and in-line splitters. Each is a weakness that easily gives way to careless dragging.

Here are some tips to protect them:

Pull the plug, not the cable

The connection between the wire and the plug is one of the most vulnerable parts of any headphones. When the plug fits snugly in the jack, the pull wire, rather than the plug, can permanently sever the connection.

The same should be avoided when unplugging the detachable earphones.

Do not leave headphones plugged in

Leaving the headphones plugged in when not in use weakens the jack's internal spring. If you leave the headset unattended, you won't know what to expect.

Avoid dropping headphones/headphone drivers

Just like any other gadget, any vibration or pressure can adversely affect your headphones. Drives contain delicate moving parts that can be damaged if the device is accidentally dropped or accidentally dropped on a hard tabletop.

Avoid moisture

Moisture from changing weather conditions can corrode the outer layers of the headset. On the other hand, sweat can stain the earpads.

If your earphones get soaked for some reason, pour rubbing alcohol on the soaked earphones immediately and wait a few hours for them to dry.
Being able to instantly spot a problem with his or her beloved headphones and avoid getting frustrated by any distractions it might cause is every proud owner's dream. Hopefully, you now fully understand how to make your headphones last longer and are ready to impress your friends with your newfound insights.

Now, when you go out for a walk with your headphones, you'll pay more attention to moisture protection. You'll relax the volume and allow a few minutes for thorough cleaning of your pairing. It's wise not to tuck it into your pocket or store it in a tight loop. Best of all, you'll enjoy the sound more vividly, knowing that you've done everything you can to make it happen.

The above describes in detail how to properly store the earphones, if you want to buy new earphones, please contact us.

JUNYE is a professional custom earphone manufacturer. We provide one-stop service, design-development-production, and shipping. With more than 400 employees, 60000㎡ factories, specializing in OEM/ODM. We have our own mold center and the whole industry chain: hardware, injection molding, wire, cushion, assembly, and packaging. Has 8 production lines, including two professional TWS lines. We manufacture each part in-house to ensure quality and on-time delivery.