Group Exercise Headset Microphone & Accessories Cleaning - COVID-19 Best Practices

These Best Practices are in addition to the CDC Guidelines. 

The single best option is to use your own personal headset microphone, windscreens and sports pouch/ mic belts (if your system has a body pack transmitter).  

Cleaning your PERSONAL headset mic and accessories:  

• PERSONAL Headset Mic- After each use:  Wipe the headset mic off with a dry cloth. 
• PERSONAL Windscreens- Occasionally: Gently hand wash your windscreen in soapy water, thoroughly rinse with water and let air dry.  
• PERSONAL Mic Belts/PERSONAL Belt Pack Transmitter- Occasionally: Gently hand wash your mic belt in soapy water, thoroughly rinse with water and let air dry. 
• PERSONAL Mic Belts/SHARED Body Pack Transmitter –Suggested-Use a clean mic belt for every non-consecutive class*: Gently hand wash your mic belt in soapy water, thoroughly rinse with water and let air dry. 
   
  Wash your hands with soap and water after every class and after cleaning your personal gear.  

Disinfectants such as Lysol and Isopropyl Alcohol may degrade the plastic coating on some headset mic boom arms and headbands. If disinfectant gets into the mic element, it can ruin it permanently.  In normal times, manufacturers recommend not using these products to clean headsets. These are not normal times and you may wish to use them. Please note: damage caused by disinfectant use is generally not covered by manufacturers’ warranties.  

If you use Lysol, Isopropyl Alcohol or any other disinfectant on your headset mic: Make sure the windscreen is on the mic. Spray the headset mic, then wipe it off using a clean, disposable cloth.  Discard the cloth and wash your hands. Do not get any disinfectant directly on the mic element (the part you speak into). Doing so may permanently damage this sensitive element.   

• Storing/transporting your personal headset mic: If you don’t have a headset mic case, use a Tupperware type container with lid. Poke holes in the lid so air can circulate and let the mic dry out between uses.  

Cleaning SHARED Headset Mics and PERSONAL Accessories:  

• Every Instructor should own and use their own PERSONAL windscreens and mic belts.  
• SHARED Headset Mic: Wipe with dry cloth between uses.  

For SHARED mics, instructors may wish to use Lysol or Isopropyl Alcohol to disinfect between users. These products may degrade the plastic coating on some headsets’ boom arms and headbands. If disinfectant gets into the mic element, it can ruin it permanently. Please note damage caused by disinfectant use is generally not covered by manufacturers’ warranties.  

If you use Lysol, Isopropyl Alcohol or any other disinfectant on a SHARED headset mic: Make sure the windscreen is on the mic. Spray the headset mic then wipe it off using a clean, disposable cloth.  Discard the cloth and wash your hands. Do not get any disinfectant directly on the mic element (the part you speak into). Doing so may permanently damage this sensitive element.   

• PERSONAL Windscreens- Use a clean windscreen for every non-consecutive class*: Gently hand wash your windscreen in soapy water, thoroughly rinse with water and let air dry.   

• PERSONAL Mic Belts/Own Personal Belt Pack Transmitter- Occasionally: Gently hand wash your mic belt in soapy water, thoroughly rinse with water and let air dry. 
• PERSONAL Mic Belts/SHARED Transmitter -Suggested-Use a clean mic belt for every non-consecutive class*: Gently hand wash your mic belt in soapy water, thoroughly rinse with water and let air dry. 
   
  *Extra windscreens and mic belts are relatively inexpensive. Recommendation: always begin a non-consecutive class with clean ones. Having spares of all items-including Headset Mics- is a good idea.  

We have been working with wireless microphone manufacturers to get the official word on sanitizing wireless microphone system headsets and transmitters by using UV lights or disinfectant spray or wipes. 

The verdict is that none of them recommend using UV lights or disinfectant spray or wipes.

The consensus of the manufacturers and AV Now is that the safest way to make sure COVID-19 isn't being spread is by each instructor having their own wireless microphone headset, transmitter, windscreens, and sport pouches (AKA mic belts). 

We know this isn't the news you wanted to hear, but this is how we plan to help fitness instructors and clubs re-open in the safest way possible:

• If you own a club or manage a club:  New quantity discounts and special pricing is available on several products. If you own a club or you manage a club, please reach out to us for a quote or fill out this form: Bulk Buy Discount Program. You can either bulk buy through us and distribute the products to your instructors or we can provide a code that your instructors can use to order directly from our website. Of course, they can always live chat, call, or email us for help in selecting the right product.
• If you are an instructor: Please reach out to us, and we will assist you in selecting the correct equipment and ensuring that it is compatible with your facility's sound system. Please fill out the form here: Special Pricing - Sales Help
• We have quadrupled our normal stocking orders, and manufacturing of select products, and our warehouse is fully staffed with the safest social distancing and sanitation practices. We are able to ship orders within 2 business days (almost all ship the same day), and we offer free, fast ground shipping at any dollar amount. Most orders are delivered within 2-5 business days, and rush shipping options are available.
• Multiple payment options, such as Amazon Pay, PayPal, Apple Pay, Credit Card, are available as well. 
• Wash your hands with soap and water after every class and after cleaning your accessories.
• While there’s no way to guarantee mitigation of Covid-19, these Best Practices may help. 
  
  

If you need any help, please give us a call, email us, or live chat with us.