Here's How to Clean Your Microphone Gear the Right Way

One of the worst habits we all have is forgetting to clean our equipment, but since the pandemic, there's never been a better time to make sure you are maintaining and sanitizing your tools. 

That goes especially for microphones. 

Whether you are on set, in a recording booth, or doing a podcast at home, cleaning your microphone is an essential part of your routine. 

Check out this video from Deity Microphones, and let's talk after the jump. 

Clean Your Microphone the Right Way 

This was a really eye-opening look at ways I could clean my microphones. Despite being the writing guy around here, I also am on the No Film School podcast from time to time and lend out my microphone other days as well. These hygiene tips for audio gear are super important now, and always.

They will help keep you safe on set, protect the health of your team, and prolong the life of your gear.

One of the things I appreciated was seeing how you could use household items like olive oil, rubbing alcohol, and warm soapy water.

I was one of the people who thought you needed to invest in pricey cleaning solutions, but sometimes the simple solutions are the best.

So let's start chatting.

How to Clean...

XLR cables

To clean XLR cables, buy some Goof Off. You want acetone that's not too harsh to rid yourself of tape residue. You can also spray these with disinfectant.

XLR Mics

For XLR mics, spray with disinfectant while the foam cover is on, that way moisture does not get inside. Sanitized wipes will be your best friend for items you are worried about getting wet. Keep packs all over. 

Deadcats 

I like to use a hand-held vacuum on them, but that won't stop coronavirus. Spray with the classic disinfectant spray for the germs, but if you have gunk on it, it can hurt the sound. So do a handwash with a light detergent, then dry it in the sun. This will save it from damage. Once dry, use a disinfected comb to brush out all the hair. 

Lavs

The best way to clean lavs is to use 70% Isopropyl alcohol. You can mist surfaces with a travel-sized spray. Use makeup cotton pads to wipe them and keep them sterile for actors. 

Bodypack Transmitters

When it comes to how to clean bodypack transmitters, you can also wipe them down with the alcohol pads and spray. That's pretty much the industry standard now. You can also put non-lubricated condoms over the transmitters to keep them sanitized. Noice. 

Hopefully, this helped you get a grip on what you need to do to stay safe and unsoiled. 

Got other useful tips? 

Let us know in the comments. 

Source: Deity Microphones