There are many times when you need to get water out of a microphone. You may have spilled your drink on it, or it could be raining outside, and the rain is collecting inside the microphone.
There are a few different ways to help you out in this situation, and they all vary depending on the severity of the water damage. One way is by using a rice pouch, which will suck up any excess water left in or around the mic. Another option would be using a hairdryer- but not too close. Let’s look at each of these methods.
How To Get Water Out Of Microphone
If your microphone got wet or submerged, here are three methods you can do follow to get the water out of the microphone: using a hairdryer, using an airtight rice pouch, and using an oven. Let’s look at each of these methods:
1. Using a hairdryer
A simple but effective method is using a hairdryer. You can also use your blow dryer for this process. Just place the microphone under direct heat and let it sit in there until most of the water evaporates out completely.
Things to note when using this method are to make sure the microphone is turned off while drying it and start from a low heat setting. The hairdryer is a quick and easy way to get the moisture out of your microphone, but it can also cause further damage if not done correctly. You should therefore use this method with some caution.
2. Using an airtight rice pouch
Another method for getting water out of your microphone is by utilizing the properties of rice in absorbing humidity or moisture. You can use this process when you don’t have a dryer available at hand but still want to dry your microphone.
Take a container, put rice inside it, then place the microphone on top of that container – make sure that all components are correctly sealed as you don’t want moisture from outside to seep in during this process. Leave it there overnight or until most humidity is gone from the component.
3. Using an oven
The last option to get the moisture out of your microphone is using an oven. This method will take longer than the first two options we listed, but it works just as well and can be done if you have time on hand.
Make sure that all components, including wires, are properly attached and sealed before putting them in the oven, then set to about 120 degrees Fahrenheit for at least an hour. When using this method, keep in mind that the microphone needs to be switched off while in the oven.
If you have to use this method, make sure that you leave it inside for about an hour or two, then check if there’s any water seeping out of your microphone. If not, switch off and take them out immediately; otherwise, they will burn up quickly due to the high-temperature setting.
Lastly… All of these three options are doable, and they work based on how much water damage has been done to your microphone component. If there still seems to be some humidity in the system after completing one method, try another two and see if it still has any effect. You want to make sure you don’t cause any more damage than necessary with these methods.
Draining Water From A Microphone
Here are steps to follow if you would like to drain water out of your microphone:
- Remove the microphone from the power supply. Because water is a good conductor of electricity, it can cause electrical shock.
- Remove the mic from the rest of the wires and cables. Remove the grille, as well as the pop filter and the windscreen.
- Turn the microphone upside down to drain the majority of the water.
- Next, gently scrape the microphone with a toothbrush that has soft bristles to remove any excess water.
- Now you can use air from a hairdryer or go with the rice method.
- Reconnect your microphone after it has dried completely and made sure it is operating correctly.
How To Dry Out Microphone If Damage Is Due To Soft Drinks, Sweat, And Other Liquids
If your microphone is damaged due to liquids like soft drinks, sweat, or something else, the process of drying out the device can be different based on what caused it. If you need to know how to dry out a microphone because of liquid damage, several steps may help to depend on which type of liquid was spilled or leaked into the equipment.
When you have spilled a soft drink, cola, sports drinks, energy drinks with sugar in them, etc., on your microphone, then you will need to use distilled water.
- If this has occurred and caused damage to your microphone, the first step is to remove the batteries and try to clean out as much of the liquid as possible.
- Disconnect the windscreen or pop filter that is covering the microphone.
- Rotate the grille anticlockwise to remove it.
- After removing any other components, properly clean the microphone to remove all contaminants.
- Allow the microphone to air dry.
- Assess the sound output quality once the mic is dry.
- If it’s operating correctly, you’re back on the recording track; if not, have your microphone repaired by a professional.
How To Remove Water From A Microphone Headset
If you have water in your headset microphone, the first thing you should do is disconnect it from the linked device. The following measures should be taken after disconnecting:
- Remove any coverings from the mic and allow it to dry individually.
- To absorb the liquid, use a soft towel and gently rub it.
- Allow the microphone to dry at room temperature.
Getting Saliva Out Of A Microphone
Saliva in the microphone is a common problem, but leaving it unhandled can harm the mic and lead to a variety of oral and respiratory health problems, including Coronavirus. Aside from that, a foul odor emerging from the microphone will prevent you from coming near it. Here are steps to follow to get saliva out of a microphone:
- Remove the covers from your microphone to clean it. Separately from the microphone, they must be disinfected.
- Use a good detergent or mouthwash liquid if you don’t have any. To dilute the solution, combine it with water.
- Swab the microphone with a soft-bristled toothbrush or a gentle cloth. The process has the capacity to remove the majority of saliva from your microphone.
How To Properly Clean A Microphone
Microphone cleaning is vital to the functionality of your microphone. The easiest way to clean out a mic is by using canned air (not an actual can of spray, but compressed air). Cleaning with canned air will help remove anything loose or stuck inside. Another option would be to use a cotton swab and some rubbing alcohol.
Hold it upright and no more than 12 inches away from your mic when cleaning a mic with canned air. Be sure not to spray directly on the top of the microphone as this could cause damage or problems for your device. Make sure you are pointing in between buttons and vents when cleaning.
When cleaning with a cotton swab, you will want to point the top of the mic downwards so that gravity can help pull any liquid out. Suppose there is dirt stuck in your microphone; use rubbing alcohol and dab it onto the tip of the q-tip until no more dust sticks. Make sure not to soak or get any liquid into the actual mic.
When using a cotton swab, you can also use rubbing alcohol to help remove anything stuck in your microphone. If there is dirt or dust caught inside, dab some onto the tip of a q-tip and gently wipe it out. Do not soak or get any liquids into the device, as this can cause damage.
Never use water to clean out your microphone. Water and electronic devices do not mix well together, so we recommend always avoiding this method of cleaning entirely. Not only that, but it’s important to note that you should never spray anything into the device either as liquids may leak inside, which could completely ruin your mic or device.
Be sure to let your device thoroughly dry before using it again. If you use canned air, make sure the vents are not blocked, as this could cause damage or problems with the performance of your microphone. Make sure there is no dirt inside either when finished.
Conclusion
After reading this post, you should better understand how to get water out of your microphone. The most important thing is not using the wrong equipment or trying too hard. When in doubt about what to use, don’t be afraid to ask someone more knowledgeable than yourself.
This will help avoid damaging your instrument and keep playing on it for years after. It’s essential for everyone who uses microphones regularly to know how easy it is to clean them up after they’ve gotten wet. Remember these tips next time you need your mic cleaned out – don’t forget there are plenty more techniques available if this list doesn’t do the trick.
