How to Clean VR Headset Foam
Owning a VR headset can be an exciting experience. Being a part of those on the forefront of gaming technology allows you to discover all the latest improvements as they come into existence. However, to get the most from your VR headset, you’ll have to learn how to keep it clean.
We may not think much about what is needed to keep the foam on our VR headsets from getting gross, but it’s immensely important. No one wants to have to pay to get that foam replaced just because it got dirty. Continue on, and you’ll learn exactly how to keep that foam clean so that you can keep your VR headset looking new for years to come.
Why Is VR Headset Maintenance Important?
It’s easy to forget just how dirty our faces can be. This is especially true if your facial skin isn’t often prone to oiliness or acne.
Even skin that appears clean can still be home to small amounts of oil, dirt and sweat. When you put on the VR headset, those particles transfer over. Over time, this shows up on your headset, making it look a lot less cool than it did brand new.
These particles can also contribute to the spread of germs if multiple people are using the device. Because of this, taking the extra effort to keep the VR headset clean can keep it looking nice and make sure that everyone who uses it is safe.
If you’re concerned about this taking a lot of time and effort, don’t worry. Just a quick wipe down of your skin and device can keep it looking great. We’ll cover just what you need to do to keep your headset clean here.
How to Clean Your Vive VR Headset Foam
Cleaning your VR headset can really depend on the kind of headset you have. Each is going to be a little different. We’ll cover a couple of the big names here, like the Vive and Oculus Rift. If you have something other than that, make sure to check with the manufacturer to learn how to clean your headset efficiently.
Cleaning The HTC VIVE
Unlike some of the other options, the HTC Vive offers foam that can be removed. This makes it a bit easier to clean the foam without accidentally getting water or cleaners on the technology itself.
When you’re going to clean the foam on the Vive, just remove it. Get the foam away from the headset and then carefully wash the foam portion using cool water and a gentle cloth. Be very careful when cleaning and don’t scrub too harshly. Remember, you’re dealing with expensive equipment.
Keep in mind that you don’t want too much water getting into the foam. Don’t submerge it. Just run the water onto the cloth and use that to wipe the foam. On top of that, make sure that you avoid harsh substances like bleach or alcohol when you’re cleaning.
How to Clean Your Oculus VR Headset Foam
The Oculus Rift is one of the most well-known of the VR headsets. Because so many people use and enjoy them, it’s worth knowing how to keep this headset clean. Follow the steps below to keep your Oculus Rift in perfect shape for the long term.
The Oculus Rift is different from the Vive in that the foam on this device doesn’t detach from the rest of the headset. This means that you have to be more careful when you’re washing it to avoid water getting where it doesn’t need to go.
Similarly to the Vive, you’ll want to use a nice gentle cloth for this purpose. You can have the cloth a little damp, but you’ll want to make sure it isn’t dripping. Only wipe down the foam and be very careful to keep liquids away from the inside. Otherwise, antibacterial wipes can also be a great idea. However, make sure that no alcohol is included.
To minimize the amount of effort you need to put into cleaning, make sure that you clean the headset every time you have some game time. That way, oils and dirt cannot build up too much in between uses.
Methods For Keeping Your VR Headset Foam Clean
Prevention is often the best way to keep your cleaning efforts to a minimum. The more you work to prevent buildup, the less cleaning you’ll have to do later on. On top of that, it’s easy to do. The following methods are great ways to keep your VR headset clean.
Keeping Your Face Clean
One of the best ways to protect your VR headset is to ensure that your face is clean before each use. We have all kinds of oils, sweat and dirt on our faces that we may not even notice. Getting rid of this before putting your headset on can ensure that the foam stays cleaner for longer.
Something you can do to make this an easy process is to keep some antibacterial wipes somewhere near the headset. That way, you’re always reminded when you go to use it. You can quickly wipe off your face and be ready to play. On this note, make sure to avoid makeup as well, or you’ll end up with foundation-covered foam.
Using A VR Headset Cover
There are a couple of ways that you can use a cover to keep your headset clean. The first includes using a cover that is actually designed for your headset. These covers work similarly to a pillowcase. They guard your headset and from time to time you can toss them into the washing machine for easy cleaning.
If you don’t want to spend the money on a VR headset cover, then you can aim for a less-expensive method. A bandana is a great way to avoid getting the headset dirty without paying much of an extra cost at all. These can often be found in stores or online for a couple of bucks, so you might as well get a few to switch out.