How to Clean Studio Monitors
To clean a studio monitor, unplug it and wipe the cabinet with a dry, soft microfiber cloth. Leave the tweeter and woofer alone, and never use solvents or spray cleaners on any part of the speaker.
Step by step
- Switch off and unplug. The Yamaha HS manual and the Neumann KH 120 II manual both say to disconnect power before cleaning.
- Dust the cabinet dry. Genelec's cleaning guide says a dry microfiber cloth is usually all you need.
- Spot clean stains. Dampen the cloth with warm water and a few drops of dish soap, wring it out well, wipe gently, then dry with a clean cloth (Genelec's method).
- Keep liquid out. Neumann says to keep liquids away from the speaker, so never spray anything onto it.
- Reconnect once dry. Check the rear level and EQ switches didn't move while you wiped, then power the monitor on last.
Cleaning the woofer and tweeter
The safest way to clean woofers and tweeters is not to touch them. Yamaha's manual says to avoid touching or letting objects contact the speaker diaphragms.
| Part | Safe | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinet | Dry microfiber; damp, wrung-out cloth with dish soap | Thinners, solvents, cleaning fluids, chemical wipes |
| Woofer | Leave it (Genelec allows light canned air from 40 cm, 16 in, on its concealed woofers) | Wiping, pressing, liquids |
| Tweeter | Leave it | Touching, pressing, liquids |
Genelec gives that canned air distance only for the concealed woofers on its own speakers and says its coaxial driver "should not be touched." How to set up studio monitors covers setup after cleaning, and the best studio monitors for home studios has replacements.
Related questions
Can I use a cleaning spray on studio monitors?
No. Yamaha's HS manual rules out paint thinners, solvents, cleaning fluids, and chemical-impregnated wiping cloths.
How do I get dust off a woofer cone?
Usually you leave it. Genelec allows light canned air from at least 16 in (40 cm) on its concealed woofers, but never on its coaxial driver.
More answers: Home recording FAQ