Microphone Cleaning: Things to Avoid

To start off, let’s focus on the “don’ts.” It takes longer to test various substances to determine whether they cause damage over time than it does to determine the things we definitely know should be avoided. So while we continue our testing, here are a few general things to keep in mind: 

How to Clean Conferencing Products

Shure products designed for use in conferencing applications come in many varieties, and these differences need to be considered when determining the best cleaning methods. Some of our conferencing products contain components with a form factor that falls within one of the previously discussed cleaning categories: handheld microphones, bodypack, or lavalier and headset microphones. For example, a Microflex Wireless system may include both handheld and bodypack transmitters, which can be cleaned following the guidelines already spelled out in those sections. 

Many conferencing system components are designed to be touchless once they are installed. These products include ceiling arrays, overhead microphones, access point transceivers, and boundary microphones without buttons. Customers should determine the appropriate cleaning schedule for such products, but the recommendations in this section only refer to desktop microphones with buttons, switches, or touch screens that are likely to be touched by the users. Here we will provide more information about how to appropriately clean these surfaces.

1. Be sure to power down or disconnect the products before cleaning.
2. Do not use abrasive cleaning tools on any product.
3. Do not spray cleaners onto the products directly. Apply cleaners to a clean soft cloth and then wipe the surface (or use cleaners that come as a wipe).
4. Use a minimal amount of cleaner - do not saturate the product.
5. If your product sits on a table when in use, clean the product in place on the table. Wipe only the surfaces that typically face outwards. Do not pick up and clean the bottom side or other hidden surfaces. 
6. If your product has a detachable gooseneck microphone, remove it and clean separately. When cleaning, take care to avoid the connector at the base. 
7. Use extreme caution when cleaning buttons and knobs. Over-saturation of these areas with liquid is detrimental to their function. Be especially cautious with membrane switches.
8. Unless otherwise mentioned in the list of exceptions, the following cleaning agents can be used:
   • Mild soapy water (such as liquid dish soap), which is then removed with a clean, damp cloth.
   • Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes
   • Isopropyl Alcohol
   • Exceptions:
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     • If your product is wired, do not clean the cable with isopropyl alcohol as it may become brittle over time.
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     • If you have legacy DIS product (such as DC5980P), do not clean with any product that contains alcohol, as it will damage the paint. Use only Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes.
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     • If your product has a microphone or speaker with a perforated surface, it is more susceptible to liquid ingress. In this case, clean with isopropyl alcohol only, as it evaporates quickly. Reminder: Apply isopropyl alcohol to a clean, soft cloth, and wipe the surface. Do not apply liquid directly onto the product.
9. Once the cleaning of the external surface is complete, pat dry with a soft cloth. Whenever possible, allow products an opportunity to fully dry before use. For example: if cleaning occurs daily, consider scheduling routine cleaning in the evening, at the end of a work shift, instead of in the morning right before the intended use. 

Additional Cleaning Tips