When it comes to home entertainment, a subwoofer is an essential component for producing low-frequency bass. Over time, dust, dirt, and other particles can build up on the subwoofer and in the driver. This can hurt the sound quality and efficiency of the subwoofer as a whole.
Cleaning your subwoofer is a simple and effective way to make sure it works well and lasts as long as possible. In this guide, we’ll give you a step-by-step guide on how to clean a subwoofer properly.
Contents
What Is A Subwoofer?
A subwoofer is a loudspeaker that solely reproduces the lowest audible frequencies. In general, this gadget serves two purposes.
The first is the ability to reproduce without distortion frequencies that other loudspeakers cannot reproduce. Second, they may generate sound that is stored in audio tracks.
People will experience the noises far more realistically with this gadget than anything they see on television.
Like any electronic items, subwoofers should be cleaned regularly to keep them appearing brand new every time you see them.
Subwoofers are usually in good shape, but over time they may get dirty and grimy.
Cleaning and maintenance techniques for subwoofers, on the other hand, vary from those for other sorts of equipment. So, although the maintenance aspect may not be as enjoyable, it is required.
To achieve this aim successfully, you must first learn basic information about your subwoofer, like the material it is constructed of, to choose the appropriate cleaning materials.
Don’t be concerned. I’m here to tell you how to clean a subwoofer and explain the materials and tools.
Let’s get started!
Different Types Of Subwoofer Material
Don’t simply use any old all-purpose home cleaner and a roll of paper towels if you want your subwoofers to endure and look good. So that you know using the improper sort of cleanser or polish might cause surface damage.
To choose the best cleaning process, you must first understand the material.
Subwoofers are generally made of wood, MDF, plywood, vinyl, laminate, plastic, or a mix of the two. Many subwoofers also have mesh textiles on the front, which act as a thin veil over when how to clean speaker cones.
How To Clean A Subwoofer?
We have listed some DIY ways to clean your car subwoofers at home. You can also visit a car audio shop to use their services. These are the easy steps I recommend.
Before I get into the details let me briefly explain what is involved in this process.
Tools Required
To do this, you will need the following
- Cotton fabric made of microfiber cloth, lint-free, and cotton
- Soft brush
- Ammonia
- A vacuum cleaner equipped with a suction tube
We’ll first take a clean, lint-free fabric and move it up to the top surface using a circular motion with the subwoofer.
After cleaning the subwoofer’s surface, we took off the grill with a screwdriver. Use a microfiber cloth to gently remove dirt from the subwoofer cab. This technique can be used on all types of subwoofers. A wet brush is a good option to remove dust particles.
You must clean the subwoofer’s interior. The machine will remove all dirt and debris from the subwoofer’s inner surface. For better results, use it for five minutes on each subwoofer. It can quickly heat up so don’t use it for more than 5 minutes.
Start gently. You can’t rub too hard on the subwoofer’s cones and surface. Do not rush; this takes time and attention.
Cleaning The Subwoofer Exterior
To clean the exterior surfaces of the subwoofer, only use dry cloths. However, stubborn dust may not be cleaned with dry cloths. In such cases, you will need to use a wet cloth. Use a wet cloth to clean wires and cables.
An ammonia-free cleaner can be used to keep the subwoofer’s surface dry. This is more careful than using a wet cloth, which can cause damage to the subwoofer.
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Clean Subwoofer Grills
To clean the subwoofer grill, carefully remove it. Refer to the instructions manual for the correct removal. Bring the microfiber cloth again and gently wipe the interiors of the subwoofer grill. After you finish this step, make sure to put the bolts and nuts somewhere safe.
You cannot use water-based cleaners on subwoofer grills that have a metallic base. This can cause broke in the structure. To prevent corrosion, you should dry any liquid that has gotten on the metallic parts. This spray cleaner can be used to clean the parts of subwoofers.
Your subwoofer’s grill may have a fabric base. This can make it difficult to clean. Do not force the grill or use tools to hold it. Instead, use a duster or brush. Attach the subwoofer to the grills and fix it with the blots. Any wireless subwoofer can be connected to a soundbar.
This can cause subwoofer damage, as I’ve seen it happen. Follow this step-by-step guide and you will be fine.
Cleaning Speaker Cones
The cones are usually made from paper. It is the cones that make up the central part of a subwoofer. Once it becomes spoiled, it cannot be replaced. When removing dust from cones, be gentle.
Always use a liquid for cleaning the clones. Never use a dry cloth to clean the subwoofer cones. Remember that no solution should exceed a certain limit.
Use a small brush to apply the liquid. Gently brush to dry the loose dust it off. Avoid spraying water directly on parts as it could damage them. This cleaning spray can be used to clean the cones.
After that, you must dry off any excess water with a dry microfiber cloth. Only use enough pressure to remove any water droplets.
You should rub the cones with fine abrasive paper. It is capable of cleaning speaker cones’ surfaces by gently rubbing. Many people break cones by cleaning too fast. It will only take a few moments.
Make sure to use a microfiber cloth. Regular fabrics can leave lint on the speaker. If you don’t have a second microfiber cloth, then just let the speaker air dry.
A cleaner is another option. You can put it right on the cones and wait three to five minutes for it to dry.
How To Choose The Best Cleaning Product
We are already aware that it is recommended to choose cleaning agents based on the material of our equipment.
Wood cleansers, for example, differ depending on the kind of wood. Furthermore, plywood and MDF respond differently to liquids, being more absorbent than wood.
Here are some real-world examples:
- Choose a product that isn’t too strong and won’t hurt the finish on your subwoofer. Even if the finish isn’t hurt, the speaker might not look as nice as it did before.
- Avoid using a wood cleaning if your subwoofer has a vinyl wrap or a lacquer-coated exterior.
- Use glass, kitchen or bathroom cleaners, or all-purpose cleaners sparingly.
If you have any questions concerning the material of your subwoofer, see the product handbook or the manufacturer’s website.
When it comes to completing the outside after cleaning, the kind of material will help you decide whether to condition with oil or protect with varnish.
How to Clean Subwoofers With a Vacuum Cleaner?
Start by taking out your soft brush and starting to brush the corners. Do it slowly. Use a wet brush to do the job. If the subwoofer appears dirty, you can use the vacuum cleaner to activate the suction pipe.
Keep the subwoofer components at a distance of about 2 inches. To avoid damaging delicate parts, don’t place the suction pipe too close. To avoid overheating, keep the suction pipe from touching the subwoofer’s surface for longer than five minutes. It can be cleaned again by waiting a few minutes. The subwoofer should now be clean from the inside.
Clean the grills and place the subwoofer grills. If you do a thorough cleaning job, you will notice the better audio quality and equipment performance. It takes a lot of attention to clean your subwoofer. Here’s how to clean your subwoofer if it is still dirty.
Do and Don’t When You Clean Your Subwoofer
Do
You should carefully read the User Manual. Otherwise, your subwoofer could be damaged. You can dry the liquid with a hairdryer after you have used it.
Vinyl solvents may cause the subwoofer surface to crack.
Cleaning a subwoofer of a large size will take between 30 and 60 minutes. Ask a friend to help. Once you know how to do these things, you’ll do them without thinking. The same process can be used to clean your Sonos Arc Soundbar using Dolby Atmos.
Don’t
Hard soap and detergent can cause subwoofer damage. You have to be careful when using a damp cloth to avoid damaging the parts.
Avoid using too much water or vinyl solvent, as they can damage the equipment. Use water with care if you have a subwoofer of a small size.
Remove any subwoofers in your trunk. Do not do this while your car is ON. Instead, turn off the engine and take out the key.
Read more:
FAQ
How Do You Get The Dust Out Of Speaker Cones?
How to clean subwoofer cone? Dust is the subwoofer’s deadliest enemy, much like heat. Dust particles may have gotten deeper into the equipment during the first cleaning. It may require further thorough cleaning. So, start by screwing the cones again with your screwdriver. Be cautious not to cut any wires or damage the subwoofer box.
Wipe the interior surface carefully with the microfiber cloth once more. To clean the subwoofer, repeat the pipe suction process. Clean the subwoofer cap and cones with the microfiber cloth as well. Brush the inside sections of the brush again if feasible. If you see dust, wipe it up with a microfiber cloth.
Should You Use A Wet Cloth To Clean A Subwoofer?
You may use a moist towel, but be wary of rust stains. Apply some ammonia-free cleansers on the brush and continue brushing if you can locate them. Then, using the microfiber cloth, remove the spots. Some individuals propose wiping the inside with a moist towel. Be cautious not to get too much water on the electrical components. As a result, utilize it at your own risk.
Your subwoofer should be as good as new by following the procedures above. If it’s still filthy, consider investing in a safe water-based clean-up spray. So there you have it: how to clean a subwoofer. If your subwoofer is still not operating as expected, there might be a more significant underlying issue. For further information, see the user manual.
Does Dust Affect The Subwoofer?
Dust accumulates between the metallic base, metal, and plastic components. As a result, the electrical link between the speaker and the cones is broken. As a result, you will hear extra noise in addition to the unclean subwoofer outside. It has the potential to damage the speakers over time. Cleaning your subwoofer is a maintenance activity rather than something you do when you have the time.
Preventative maintenance would be performed by maintaining the subwoofer in a clean environment. That is not always achievable in the actual world. There is no way to avoid cleaning your subwoofer regularly. So, if you want to keep your subwoofer clean, put it in a clean environment. Use the cleaning equipment, follow the step-by-step instructions, and eliminate dust wherever feasible.
How Do You Clean Speakers With A Damp Cloth?
Subwoofer speaker cones are the most sensitive component. As a result, while cleaning the speaker, use a soft brush. Lint-free and soft clothes are also effective.
You might also use an old cotton towel if you have one. Above all, avoid using any liquids or excess water except vinyl solvents. Also, avoid using paper towels since they tend to shred and wear, leaving tiny particles behind.
Additionally, bring three cleaning clothes with you. One should be moist for wiping stains, dry for dust, and wet for thorough cleaning of the non-electronic component. They all perform distinct functions. So that’s how the speaker should be cleaned.
Conclusion
Subwoofers are often dust-covered, which may cause problems when they are opened for general maintenance. Cleaning this equipment should only take about five minutes with the use of a few household items. We hope that our guide can help you easily clean your sound system. If you have any questions, feel free to leave your contact below. We’re glad to hear from you.
