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You can easily overlook some of the most straightforward solutions. If you use your headphones often, there's a big chance they'll accumulate dust and ear wax buildup. Cotton swabs, alcohol wipes, or a small cloth are a couple of things that can help prolong their lifespan and sound quality.
Gently remove and wipe down the outer earpads with an alcohol wipe. As they air dry, take a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol and clean the crevices. Dab a small cloth or an alcohol wipe gently against the mesh to sanitize and remove any lingering dirt or wax. Be sure to let both sections dry before reassembling.