A microphone is a relatively personal device, held close to the face. It is also often shared between users.
With the current emphasis on reducing viral transmission, microphones are being cleaned like never before!
It is worth having a look at the protocols that are in place for microphone use within your school.
As a starting point, it is wise to have hand sanitiser available for use prior to and after use of microphones. In the ideal world, you would then have a microphone for each person presenting or performing, but this is not always an option.
Tips for cleaning
- A lot of people are using windsocks and swapping them out between users. The windsocks are very cheap and wash well in a laundry bag in a gentle wash cycle. They can be put out in the sun to dry.
- Handheld microphones can be wiped with the many germ-killing wipes that are on the market now. There is a low risk of paint loss over time.
- Most reasonable quality microphones have a basket end that can be screwed off. It usually has a thin lining inside. The liner and the basket can be washed in warm soapy water. Dry COMPLETELY ( leave for a day) before screwing back on to the microphone handle.
- Headset microphones are a little more difficult and ideally would not be swapped between performers during a production. They often have tiny windsocks which can be gently hand washed. Wiping is more of a problem as it is imperative that moisture does not get into the capsule.
