When people think about how to clean a subwoofer, they immediately think it’s the most difficult task in the world, but that’s rarely the case.
When you go to the movies, it’s not just the big, colorful images on the screen that impress you, but the sound that emanates around you. What really makes the experience is the deep bass that shakes you and gets you in your stomach.
That deep bass is produced by a subwoofer.
What Is A Subwoofer?
A subwoofer is a type of loudspeaker that reproduces only the lowest audible frequencies. This device – in general – has two functions.
The first is to reproduce without distortion frequencies that other loudspeakers can’t reach. Secondly, they can produce sound stored in audio tracks.
With this type of device, people will feel the sounds much more realistic than everything you see on screen.
Like all technological devices, subwoofers should be cleaned frequently to keep them looking fresh out of the package every time you see them.
Although subwoofers tend to remain intact, they can accumulate dirt and grime over time.
However, cleaning and maintenance methods for subwoofer are somewhat different from those for other types of technology. So, although the maintenance part may not be as much fun, it is necessary.
To accomplish this goal satisfactorily, you need to know some information about your subwoofer, such as the material it is made of, to choose the right cleaning products.
Don’t worry. I’ll give you not only step-by-step instructions on how to clean your subwoofer but also information about the materials and cleaning products.
Let’s get started!
Different types of subwoofer material
If you want your subwoofers to last and look their best, don’t just grab any all-purpose household solution with a roll of paper towels. Just for you know, the wrong type of cleaner or polish can damage surfaces.
You must know the material to choose the best cleaning method.
Most subwoofer’s exterior surface is made of wood, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), plywood, vinyl, laminate, plastic, or a combination of both. Many subwoofers also have mesh fabrics covering the front, like a thin veil over the speaker cones.
How to choose the best cleaning product
We already know that it is best to choose cleaning products according to the material of our appliance.
For example, wood cleaners vary depending on the type of wood. Also, plywood and MDF react differently to liquids – they are more absorbent – than wood.
That’s why knowing the exterior will help you choose the right cleaning product.
Here are some practical examples:
- Avoid choosing a product that is too strong and may damage the finish of your subwoofer; even if the speaker is not damaged, the result could be that it doesn’t look as good as it did before.
- Avoid using a wood cleaner if your subwoofer has a vinyl wrap or a lacquer-coated exterior.
- Avoid using glass, kitchen or bathroom cleaners, or all-purpose cleaners.
If you are unsure about the material of your subwoofer, consult the product manual or the manufacturer’s website for information.
When it comes to finishing the exterior after cleaning, the type of material will help you determine whether to use oil to condition or varnish to protect.
How to properly clean a Subwoofer
Here is a step-by-step guide showing how to clean a subwoofer properly:
- Turn off the subwoofer and disconnect it from any power source:
The first thing you should do is unplug the subwoofer if it has an on/off switch. If your subwoofer has those red and black wires that connect it to the back of a sound system, then press down on the levers where they are connected and pull it out.
- Cleaning the subwoofer grills:
Remove the grill from the front of the speaker if possible.
Use a thin flat object to gently pry it off and set it aside on a flat surface to clean at the end. Some grills may relate to screws, in which case you will need to remove them with a screwdriver.
- Blow off any loose dust and dirt from the speaker with a can of air:
If you can get your hands on air can make sure it is suitable for cleaning electronics.
Keep the air can completely level so that no chemicals come out. Press the trigger to blow dust and dirt off the front and out of the crevices.
Don’t hold the can upside down or sideways, or chemicals can spray out and get into your speaker.
You can also wipe away loose dust and dirt with a soft brush if you don’t have canned air.
Use a soft-bristled paintbrush or makeup brush to dust the speaker cone and all exposed parts of the speaker. Be very careful when you brush the cone because they are delicate.
- Wet a microfiber cloth with water:
Dampen a microfiber cloth with water. Hold a microfiber cloth under clean water until it is soaked.
The most important thing is to wring it out enough until no more water comes out.
If the cloth drips, then it is too wet. Wring out all excess water until it is barely damp.
- Wipe down the entire speaker and cone with the damp microfiber cloth.
Gently wipe all exposed surfaces of the speaker with the damp cloth to remove any remaining dust and dirt. Wipe down the outsides of the speaker box as well.
Speaker cones can be very delicate, so be careful to apply just enough pressure to wipe away any dust and dirt, or you might indent the speaker cone.
After that, you must dry off any excess water with a dry microfiber cloth. Use just enough pressure to wipe up any drops of water.
Make sure to use a microfiber cloth. Regular fabrics will just leave lint behind on the speaker. If you don’t have a second microfiber cloth, then just let the speaker air dry.
Dos and Don’ts when you clean your subwoofer
The first tip is to consult the manual of your subwoofer for useful cleaning tips. Who better than the manufacturers to give you information on your new purchase? It can save you a lot of time.
But that’s not all.
- Don’t spend money on harsh chemicals that can damage any part (external or internal) of your subwoofer.
- Before applying any cleaning product, do a test on an inconspicuous part of the speaker. If the finish on the test area shows well, then you know it is safe to proceed with the rest of the speaker.
- Don’t overdo the amount of liquid. You don’t want to soak the exterior and/or let the material absorb any lingering residue.
- Do not use anything that contains any type of solvent on the sheet metal. Over time, the solvent can dissolve the glue that holds the veneer to the base.
- Make time in your schedule to clean your tech gadgets.
- Take your time to clean your speakers calmly to avoid accidents.
Remember that proper care of your audio equipment will help ensure long-lasting performance.
Advantages of having a subwoofer at home
- Better sound quality: in case you are not satisfied with the default sound of your TV set and want to improve it considerably, there is nothing better than using a subwoofer to do so.
- Economy: if you want to buy an option that gives you great benefits but is also economical, you should not think twice. Different models will harmonize perfectly with the decor you have without running out of savings.
- Connectivity: We recommend you check if it has a Bluetooth connection, also an HDMI, because that way you will not only have a quality sound input, but with this same port you can pass video to your TV.
- Combine: You can have, in case you have the means, two small subwoofers that will offer you the same performance as a big one. In this case, you can place it in a better way, having them in the minimum space you have planned in your house.
- Sensitivity: this type of amplifier offers you more sensitivity, power, and volume. In case you do not find yourself using an external amplifier, we recommend you get a subwoofer that will give you more benefits.
- Power: the maximum power that you will receive by getting a subwoofer, without any kind of damage to the device, will be unmatched. The above shows that this type of device is much more important compared to others that are available in the market.
Subwoofer installation tips
Now, you know how to clean a subwoofer, I hope that it will encourage you to buy your own subwoofer. If so, here are some tips for when you go to install it.
A subwoofer is usually placed at the front of a room, near the front left or right speaker. However, they can also be placed on a side wall or at the back of the room.
Where it sounds best will determine the final placement.
The subwoofer should not sound “boomy,” but deep and tight. This is especially important if you intend to use your subwoofer for listening to music. Many subwoofers are great for movies on Blu-ray or DVD discs but may not work well with subtle deep bass in musical performances.
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