Disinfecting Sound Equipment

Keeping your equipment clean and sanitized is more important than ever, so we went directly to the manufacturers for the best advice. General advice for each category is below with specific recommendations and links where appropriate.

Recorders, Wireless, Mixers, and Other Electronic Equipment
Microphones
Wind Protection
Cables
Headphones and Earphones
Bags, Covers, and Cases
Straps and Pouches
Miscellaneous

Recorders, Wireless, Mixers, and Other Electronic Equipment

Most electronics, including transmitters, receivers, recorders, and mixers, can be safely cleaned and sanitized with a sanitizing wipe. The wipe can either be a pre-treated with disinfectant or treated yourself with disinfecting spray or a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution. 70% isopropyl alcohol is the preferred cleaner to use as it evaporates slower from the disinfected surface, making it more efficient than 91% or 99% alcohol. Use disposable, lint-free cloths, wipes (such as these), or cotton swabs and avoid reusing these items.

Be careful not to allow excess liquid into the device through buttons, screens, or other seams. Make sure the wipe is only damp and not soaked.

If possible, remove power source or battery from device before cleaning.

Do not use products containing bleach or heavy solutions, such as acetone, for cleaning.

Avoid abrasive cleaning tools, such as a scrub brush or scouring pad. A soft toothbrush can be used to remove dirt and particles from around buttons and other hard to reach areas.

Some manufacturers are testing UV rays as a disinfecting method.. We'll update once there's some expert consensus at effective ways at killing the virus without harming your equipment. Be careful of online scams.

Microphones

Microphone cleaning instructions vary widely, based on their water resistance, whether the grills are removable, etc. Please consult the list below for your individual microphone.

For wiping a microphone with disinfectant, the same general principle applies as other electronics. Use disinfecting wipes, disinfecting spray, or a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution. 70% Isopropyl alcohol is the preferred cleaner to use as it evaporates slower from the disinfected surface, making it more efficient than 91% or 99% alcohol. Use disposable, lint-free cloths, wipes, or cotton swabs and avoid reusing these items.

Be careful not to allow excess liquid into the device through buttons, screens, or other seams. Make sure the wipe is only damp and not soaked.

Do not use heavy solutions, such as acetone, for cleaning.

A soft toothbrush can be used to remove dirt and particles from around buttons and other hard to reach areas.

Countryman Associates: Remove protective cap from mic and agitate the cap in isoprophyl alchohol or warm, slightly soapy water. Rinse with water and let dry completely before replacing. (More info)

Deity Microphones:
- Lavaliers: Wipe head and cable with disinfectant. Waterproof lavs can be dunked in soapy water; do not dunk the connector. Connectors can be sprayed with disinfectant. Isoprophyl alcohol can dry out a cable over time, so reconditioning the cable by wiping with olive oil is recommended. (Video)
- Shotguns: Leave microphone foam on the microphone to protect the element and spray with disinfectant spray. (Video)
DPA Microphones:
- Lavaliers, Headsets, Clips, Booms,Grids, and Adapters: Wipe with disinfectant and leave to dry for 72 hours. (More info)
- Handheld & Pencil Microphones: Remove grid (if possible) and clean with lukewarm water and soap. Leave to dry for 72 hours. Alternatively, DPA Microphones can be heated to 60° C (140° F), though this will age the microphone slightly. (More info)
Neumann: Microphone housing can be cleaned with 70% isopropyl or ethanol. taking care that no liquid gets inside the microphone, especially the diaphragm inside the microphone capsule. If the mic has a removable head basket, metal baskets may be cleaned with the same solution as the housing or in clean, hot water, though it is not dishwasher safe. For baskets containing foam windshields, remove the inner foam and clean it separately as described in the windscreen section below . Let the basket dry out completely before re-assembly. (More info)
Schoeps: Microphone housing can be cleaned with 70% isopropyl. taking care that no liquid gets inside the microphone, especially the diaphragm inside the microphone capsule. Alternatively, Schoeps microphones can be heated to 60° C (140° F) without harming the functioning of the microphone. (More info)
Sennheiser: Microphone housing can be cleaned with ethanol or 70% isopropyl. taking care that no liquid gets inside the microphone, especially the diaphragm inside the microphone capsule. (More info)
Shure: (More info)
- Microphones with Removable Grilles: Remove microphone grille and clean grille with water and mild disinfectant. Let the grille dry completely before reattaching it to the microphone! Air drying is the best way to dry the grille, but a hair drier on a low-heat setting can be used. Care must be taken not to get too close to the grille as excessive heat can melt some windscreen material.
- Dynamic Microphones with Fixed Grilles: Cleaning must be done more carefully for microphones that do not have removable grilles. Using a damp toothbrush, hold the microphone upside down and very gently scrub the grille. Holding the mic upside down will prevent excess moisture from leaking into the microphone cartridge. This technique is also useful for cleaning the foam that covers the diaphragm inside an SM58. Again, keep the mic upside down, and be very gentle.
- Condenser Microphones with Fixed Grilles: Never use water or any other liquid on a condenser microphone. For hygiene purposes, a removable external foam windscreen is advised, which can be removed and cleaned with soap and water.
Voice Technology: Lavaliers, headsets, and earpieces can be wiped down with disinfectant. Waterproof versions can be sprayed directly. (Video)

Wind Protection

Wind protection cleaning instructions vary widely. Please consult the list below for your individual gear. If your wind protection cannot be sanitized, setting it aside for several days will kill most viruses.

Cinela:
- COSI: The whole "wind module" can be hand washed in soapy (lukewarm) water. Unmount it by unscrewing the blue knob, then rinse.
- Other furs and fabrics: Hand wash with a generous load of soap or washing powder in lukewarm water and rinse lightly with clean water afterwards. Hang dry overnight; using a hair dryer is not recommended, but a very low temperature one should be all right. Furs should be brushed after drying.
Deity Microphones: Spray with mild disinfectant or isoprophyl alcohol.
DPA Microphones: Remove from mics and hand wash gently with warm water and soap. Let dry for 72 hours. Do not use disinfectant or isoprophyl alcohol. (More info)
Muga Sound: Windbreakers are machine washable.
Neumann: Foam windshields may be cleaned with warm-to-hot water, up to 60°C/140°F. If necessary, dish washing liquid may be applied. Thoroughly rinse the foam and let it dry before putting it back to use. Moderate heat of up to 60°C/140°F may be applied for faster drying. Do not use ethanol, isopropanol or other liquids or solvents. Do not use the dishwasher. (More info)
Rycote:
- Windjammers: Hand wash with either lukewarm or cold water in a mild detergent. Then allow the fur to air dry (NEVER tumble dry your Windjammer), and then brush out to avoid the fur becoming matted. (More info)
- Softies: Cleaning recommendation forthcoming, but avoid submerging your Softie in water. (More info)
Schoeps: Plastic and other solid windscreens can be cleaned and sanitized with disinfecting wipes, disinfecting spray, or with a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution. Foam can be hand washed with warm water and mild detergent and dried at up to 70°. (More info)
Sennheiser: Foam windscreens can be hand washed in lukewarm water using a degreasing detergent. (More info)
Shure: Foam windscreens can be hand washed in soap and water. Make sure the foam dries completely before replacing on the microphone.
Voice Technology: Cleaning is not recommended for Voice Technology windscreens.

Please note that these tips may not apply to every piece of gear. Be careful and use your discretion when cleaning equipment.