Please follow the instructions below to clean Audio-Technica products.
These instructions are based on general hygiene guidelines from the CDC – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov), but they should not be understood as an effective means of disinfecting surfaces to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Please consult the proper agencies or specialists for such information.
The following guidelines present ways to remove grime and prevent the growth of germs on product surfaces.
- These cleaning methods are more thorough than those listed in product instruction manuals. If followed correctly, these methods will not harm the functioning of a product, but may cause some cosmetic changes, such as discoloration of the product surface.
- Warranty is not provided for any physical changes in exterior parts due to these cleaning methods or any defects due to incorrect cleaning.
- Please wear latex gloves, face mask, and safety goggles while cleaning to prevent allergic reaction or infection from contaminated surfaces.
- Clean only the exterior parts of products. However, before cleaning, please read the instructions below for complete details. Please do not disassemble products for cleaning.
- Please do not clean contact points/terminals/connectors. Doing so may lead to product failure or damage.
Recommended cleaning solutions
#1) Cleaning solution with detergent: Dissolve disinfectant soap or dishwashing detergent in water so that it is around 0.5% of the mix (1 teaspoon of soap per quart of water).
#2) Cleaning solution with alcohol: Dissolve ethyl or isopropyl alcohol in water so that the alcohol is 70% of the mix, or use off-the-shelf 70% isopropyl alcohol.
- Do not use detergent intended for cleaning laundry, toilets or kitchen extractor fans, which might damage products. Before the cleaning, check precautions and proper uses of detergent/solvent to be dissolved.
- Solution #2 is flammable.
- For both solutions #1 & #2, prepare only the needed amount each time you clean and use it up. Do not store any leftover solution.
- Keep away from small children to avoid accidental swallowing.
Basic cleaning method
#1) Cleaning solution with detergent
- Dip a soft cloth into the cleaning solution, wring out excess liquid, and wipe the surface of the product with the cloth
#2) Cleaning solution with alcohol
- Place the cleaning solution in a clean spray container, spray the solution onto a soft cloth, and wipe the surface of the product with the cloth.
“Common process” after cleaning with #1 or #2
- Wipe the cleaned surface with a soft cloth that’ s been wetted with water and wrung out.
- Wipe up moisture on the surface with a soft dry cloth and allow surface to dry thoroughly.
- Please do not spray or apply cleaning solution directly to products. Doing so may cause the products to malfunction.
- When using the solution with alcohol, provide sufficient ventilation and do not ignite a flame while cleaning.
- Use alcohol-resistant container for the solution with alcohol.
Examples of cleaning by types of products
Microphones
- Head case/Grip/Microphone base: Use either solution #1 or #2 for cleaning. After cleaning, follow the “common process” for wiping up shown above.
- When cleaning condenser microphones, take extra care not to let any moisture get inside.
- External windscreen: Use solution #1 to clean after removing the windscreen from the head case. Soak the windscreen in solution #1 and rub it softly. Use a dry cloth to absorb the moisture and dry the windscreen thoroughly.
- Cables: Use solution #1 for cleaning. After cleaning, follow the “common process” for wiping up shown above.
- Conference system microphones with LED light: Use solution #1 for cleaning. After cleaning, follow the “common process” for wiping up shown above.
Headphones
- Earpad/Headband pad: Use solution #1 for cleaning. After cleaning, follow the “common process” for wiping up shown above.
- To avoid any possible damage to earpad and headband pad, do not use cleaning solution with alcohol.
- Eartip: Use either solution #1 or #2 for cleaning. After cleaning, follow the “common process” for wiping up shown above.
- Foam earpad without surface skin: Refer to the cleaning method for a microphone’ s external windscreen.
- Cables: Use solution #1 for cleaning. After cleaning, follow the “common process” for wiping up shown above.
- Exterior parts other than those mentioned above: Clean exterior surface with a soft cloth that’ s been wetted with water and wrung out. After cleaning, follow the “common process” for wiping up shown above.
- To avoid possible damage, please do not apply any cleaning solutions to plastic parts.
Wireless Microphone Systems (Microphones/Receivers/Other Accessories)
- Use solution #1 for cleaning. After cleaning, follow the “common process” for wiping up shown above.
- However, clean the following parts only with a soft cloth that’ s been wetted with water and wrung out.
- Parts which are always under stress, such as spring-loaded clamps.
- Display panels and sync windows on microphones and receivers.
- Please refer to “basic cleaning method” for cleaning any other exterior parts not listed above