Headphones can be expensive investments, so it’s important to store them properly to keep them in good condition. Here are some tips on how to store your headphones to protect them and make them last.
Should you keep headphones in the case?
Yes, keeping your headphones in their case is recommended for storage. Headphone cases are designed to protect the headphone cups and headband from getting damaged or accumulating dust when not in use. Most headphone cases have a soft interior lining that prevents scratches and cushioning to absorb shocks. Some cases even have extra pockets to store cables, adapters, or other small accessories.
Hard headphone cases offer the most protection for headphones prone to snapping headbands or collapsing ear cups. But even basic soft cases are useful for keeping earbuds or compact on-ear headphones safe. Only leave your headphones out of the case if you’ll be using them again soon.
What temperature is best for storing headphones?
Aim to store your headphones at moderate room temperature, generally between 60-75°F (15-24°C). Temperature extremes can potentially damage headphones in storage by warping plastic parts or demagnetizing internal speaker components over time.
Here are some temperature-related storage tips:
- Avoid keeping headphones in hot places like inside a parked car in sunlight, which can get extremely hot.
- Don’t store headphones long-term in cold environments like unheated garages or sheds where water vapor could condense inside and cause corrosion.
- Don’t freeze headphones or expose them to below-freezing temperatures for extended periods.
- Protect headphones from short bursts of intense cold when transporting them between different environments, such as by leaving them in their case until fully acclimated.
With some planning, it’s easy to find a place at home with stable room temperature for storing headphones, like a closet or cabinet. Just keep them away from heat vents, direct sunlight, or other heat sources in the space.
Should headphones be stored stretched out or folded up?
To maintain the shape and extend the life of the headband, it’s best to store full-sized headphones with the ear cups fully extended rather than folded up. Folding up the headband over time can cause creasing, warping, and eventual cracking of the headband, especially for headphones with leather or plastic headbands.
However, folding or collapsing headphones is sometimes necessary for transportation or packing them into their case. Try to minimize folding the headband when possible. With earbuds or compact on-ear headphones, folding or tangling the earbud wires for storage won’t cause any damage.
Will storing headphones on a stand damage them?
Headphone stands are fine for storage as long as you’re careful placing your headphones on them. The main risk is the headphones slipping off the stand and crashing to the floor, which can break components like ear cup joints or audio cables.
Here are some tips for safely storing headphones on stands:
- Select a stand designed for headphones with a shape that fully supports them.
- Place headphones gently onto the stand rather than letting them drop.
- Make sure headphones are pushed fully onto the stand’s resting points before letting go.
- Use stands made from rubberized materials for extra grip.
- Avoid headphone stands near table edges where they could be knocked off.
- Consider securing headphones to stands with a rubber band for extra support.
Stands are best for headphones you’ll use regularly. For long-term storage, laying headphones flat in their case is safer.
Will hanging headphones damage them over time?
Hanging full-sized headphones from a hook or stand can put long-term strain on the headband. The weight of the ear cups suspended from a single point applies continuous pressure and tension.
Light headphones under 250g like many gaming or mobile headsets may be ok to hang up indefinitely. But heavy audiophile headphones over 300g can start warping or cracking their headbands after months or years of hanging. It’s better to store them laying down.
Earbuds and small on-ear headphones don’t have to worry about headband damage. Their light weight makes it generally safe to hang them by their earbud wire or side arms when storing.
Where should you store headphones at home?
Consider these factors when selecting a storage spot:
- Room temperature: Choose a room that maintains moderate temperature and avoids hot or cold extremes.
- Low humidity: Damp areas can lead to internal corrosion over time.
- Low dust: Dust buildup can get into headphone drivers and affect sound.
- Sheltered location: Avoid direct sunlight, which can degrade materials.
- Safe from crushing: Don’t store under or next to heavy objects that could get dropped on them.
Some good headphone storage spots in most homes include:
- Living room cabinet or media center
- Bedroom closet or dresser drawer
- Office desk drawer or shelf
- Under nightstand if space allows
What’s the best way to store headphones in a drawer?
For headphones stored in a drawer, here are some tips:
- Lay headphones flat in their case to avoid folding or bending the headband.
- Choose a soft case that won’t scratch headphone ear cups if items shift around.
- Place headphones in a dedicated drawer section or shelf so they don’t get piled under heavier stuff.
- Avoid overstuffing headphones into a tight drawer space.
- Coil headphone cables loosely rather than tightly wrapping them.
- Consider using cable ties or velcro to prevent cables tangling.
How should you position headphones for storage?
Proper headphone positioning depends on the headphone design:
- Over-ear: Lay them flat with ear cups facing down. Fully extend headband.
- On-ear: Lay flat with earpads down. Extend headband if possible.
- Earbuds: Lay flat or hang if lightweight. Don’t tightly wrap cord.
- Gaming headsets: Lay flat or hang by band if lightweight. Extend band when possible.
Always put headphones in their case when possible rather than leaving them out exposed. Make sure headphones fit comfortably in their case without having to overly bend or compress parts.
Should headphones be stored in their original packaging?
Headphones don’t necessarily need to be put back into their original packaging for storage. The box and styrofoam inserts are ideal for protecting headphones when shipping, but take up more space than cases for permanent storage.
The headphones’ included carrying case provides all the protection needed for drawer or shelf storage. Some prefer displaying headphones out of the case on a stand. Just take care to place them on the stand properly to avoid slipping and damage.
You may want to hold onto the original headphone packaging if you ever need to ship them. But for daily storage, the case is perfectly fine and takes up less room than an oversized box.
Will storing headphones plugged in damage them?
It’s best not to leave headphones plugged into a device for extended storage periods. While no immediate damage will occur, there are a few risks to avoid:
- The wire could get snagged and yank headphones off a table, damaging components.
- If left plugged into a device, foreign debris on the plug could transfer inside where it can cause oxidation.
- The port itself puts strain on the plug and audio jack from the weight of headphones hanging.
Unplug headphones when placing them into storage. Coiling the cable neatly with a velcro tie can help avoid tangling or kinking the wire. Just be careful not to wrap audio cables too tightly around headphones when coiling.
How can you prevent headphone cable damage during storage?
To prevent cable damage when coiling for storage:
- Avoid wrapping cables tightly around headphone ear cups, which can damage internal wiring connections.
- Coil cables using loose loops rather than tightly twisting them.
- Use velcro ties or cable wraps to gather cables, keeping them organized.
- Store cables detached from headphones when possible.
- Consider cables with detachable headphone connectors to completely separate when storing.
When stored properly, headphone cables can last for years without cracking or losing audio signal. Wind them loosely and keep organized using cable management accessories.
Can you store headphones in a plastic bag?
Storing headphones loose in a plastic bag is not recommended. Plastic bags do not offer much physical protection and can still let dust or moisture inside.
If using a plastic bag for storage, follow these tips:
- First place headphones inside their own carrying case for protection, then put the case inside the bag.
- Squeeze out excess air and seal the bag shut to minimize humidity getting inside.
- Use high quality plastic like resealable polyethylene bags rather than cheap plastic.
- Lay headphones flat inside rather than hanging which can stress headbands in bags.
For long term storage, stick to a hard case or stand instead of bags for better protection and breathability. But if you have to use a bag, putting headphones in their case first keeps them safer.
How can you prevent dust buildup on stored headphones?
Dust can gradually build up on the earpads and internal drivers of headphones in storage. To limit dust:
- Keep headphones in a dust-resistant case rather than exposed.
- Store in cabinets and drawers rather than open shelves.
- Wipe down the outside of the case periodically with a dry microfiber cloth.
- Use dust covers on headphone stands.
- Store headphones in a clean, low-dust part of your home.
Perform an occasional visual inspection of stored headphones for dust buildup. If needed, headphone pads can be gently brushed or wiped to remove exterior dust. Just be very careful not to get any liquids or moisture inside the ear cups.
Should headphones be stored with silica gel packs?
Small silica gel packs can be added to headphone cases or storage areas to absorb excess moisture and prevent humidity damage. Just a few tips if using them:
- Use packs rated Safe for electronics so they won’t leak corrosive substances.
- Don’t let packs directly contact headphones where they could scratch.
- Place packs at bottom of case so headphones rest above them.
- Inspect gel packs a few times per year and bake to dry out when needed.
- Monitor humidity level where headphones are stored.
Depending on your climate, silica gel may only be needed seasonally during wet or humid parts of the year. Generic desiccant packs can maintain optimal storage conditions to avoid condensation issues.
Should headphones be stored in their box long-term?
Headphone original boxes are ideal for protecting headphones when shipping or transporting them. But for permanent storage, keeping headphones in their box is unnecessary and takes up more space.
Cases are designed to hold headphones securely while protecting them from damage. Boxes leave extra empty space and don’t offer any additional protection or dust resistance for long-term storage.
If you have limited space and need to pack headphones away, it’s better to remove them from bulky retail boxes and store them properly in their case. The box can then be collapsed or recycled to free up room.
However, some may still prefer displaying headphones in their unfolded box. This is fine as long as the box is stored appropriately and not in direct heat, sunlight, or moisture.
Conclusion
Storing high-quality headphones properly helps protect your investment and can make them last for years. Temperature, dust, and humidity control are key for ideal storage conditions. Always put headphones in their case, position them correctly to avoid damage, and avoid bending headbands or tightly wrapping cables. With some simple planning, you can easily keep headphones safe in storage spaces like drawers, closets and cabinets.