How to Dry Out a Wet Microphone | An In-Depth Guide

A good microphone is the backbone of every decent recording.

Getting water into the microphone is one of the issues that is an undesirable yet recurrent concern most of microphone users face while recording outdoors in alternating weather conditions but it can also occur as a result of humid rooms and accidents resulting in spilling some liquid on your precious microphone.

Moisture can not only contribute to the poor quality of the sound nevertheless can also interrupt electricity circuits built in your microphones, leading to life-threatening effects in some cases.

Once you encounter such complexity, it’s requisite to gain fundamental knowledge about the issue with an accessible solution.

There are many approaches to resolve the issue, which may include the use of a hairdryer, and keeping the microphone in the microwave for some seconds.

In the following article, I would be discussing these tips in addition to some more tips and tricks to resolve the issue and ways to keep the hygiene of your microphones.

Top Tips To Dry Out a Wet Microphone

The fixing process primarily depends on the source of liquid or moisture.

Mainly a mic catches the issue when liquid is spilled upon the surface of the microphone, now it’s really important to differentiate between the nature of the liquid if its water quickly drying up would work pretty well but if it’s sweat, it soft drink or any other type of liquid process can go a bit more extended in this case.

Starting with the water problems let me discuss how to fix them quickly and effectively.

1- Use of a Hairdryer

Let me start by presenting to you a scenario.

You have an important upcoming recording in the next two or three hours when you checked your microphone, you realized that it is water damaged.

So what should be done in that case? Well, don’t panic approach your cupboard and grab a hairdryer. Yes, you are right the one you use to dry up your gorgeous hair.

Switch it on and keep your microphone at a distance of approximately 2 to 3 feet from the hairdryer, other than that point to keep in mind is that the temperature of the hairdryer should not be raised too high as raised temperature than average can damage the infrastructure of your microphone.

Removal of windscreen or pop filter along with the grille should also be observed before proceeding towards the solution.

2- Use of Airtight Rice Pouch

Your kitchen can also serve as a workshop to fix a wet microphone.

To fix the microphone this way, take an airtight container filled with rice place your microphone into the container for up to 24 hours and rice would work by sucking all the moisture out of the microphone and your microphone is back to work.

3- Use of Oven

As I mentioned earlier in this article, a kitchen can serve as a beneficial rectifier to fix water damage issues in electronic devices.

The heat from the oven has the ability not only to dry the wet microphones, but it will also kill microbes producing as a result of unhealthy moisture accommodated in the microphone.

Keep your mic inside the oven for 45 seconds to 1 minute, and the process would return your microphone to a fine state, but make sure that the oven temperature should not be high, otherwise, it can damage your mic.

After following the above procedures, switch on your microphone and check if it’s working well.

Check for the sound quality, if it is a surface issue and water didn’t reach internal parts of your microphone sound quality would be undifferentiated before and after the damage.

If the sound quality is damaged or you notice any change in the audio output of your mic then it needs professional treatment.

How to Dry Out Microphone if Damage is Due to Soft Drinks, Sweat, and Other Liquids

If you have spilled coffee, or soft drink, or due to harsh weather conditions sweat has entered your microphone process would differ a little from the previous process.

You need distilled water. Distilled water is defined as water that you boil, boiling turns water into a gaseous state, and once it turned to a gaseous state turning it back to liquid.

Distilled water carries a benefit in that it effectively cleanses the infrastructure of your microphone without interfering with the normal working mechanism.

1. Firstly, remove the pop filter or windscreen covering the microphone.
2. Now remove the grille by rotating it anticlockwise.
3. Once additional components are removed, thoroughly cleanse the microphone from all impurities.
4. Let the microphone dry.

To dry the microphone you can follow the above procedures or the microphone can also be left to dry in the atmosphere if you don’t urgently need it.

5. Once the mic is dry check for the sound output quality.
6. If it’s working fine you are back on the recording track if not take your microphone to a professional who can repair it.

How to Get Water out Of Microphone?

If water has entered your mic please follow the below-mentioned guidelines to help, by following these simple steps on how to get water out of your microphone, you should be able to get this water out.

1. Disconnect the microphone from the electricity. As water is an excellent conductor of electricity and it can lead to electrical shock.
2. Separate the mic from all the wires and cables. Also, remove the windscreen and pop filter along with the grille.
3. Turn the mic upside down as it would drain out most of the water.
4. Now, use a teeth brush with soft bristles and gently scrub over the mic for excess water.
5. Now using air from the hairdryer or rice procedure can also be adopted.
6. After thoroughly drying reconnect your mic and check if it’s working well.

If the above work is not yielding good results unfortunately water might have damaged internal structures such as the diaphragm or some cables deeply.

For that replacement of that part is necessary. Take it to a professional.

How to Get Water out Of Headset Mic?

If you got water inside your headset mic first step is to remove it from the connected gadget. Disconnection should be followed by the below steps on How to Get Water Out of a Headset Microphone:

1. Remove any covering present on the mic and let them dry separately.
2. Take a soft towel and softly rub it to absorb the present liquid.
3. Let the mic dry at room temperature.

Another point to note here is not to use a hairdryer or rice technique for the following equipment as in this case composition of the mic is different moreover, the earpiece is also attached to the mic. While correcting the flawed mic you might end up damaging the earpiece. So stay cautious!

How to Get Saliva Out of the Microphone

Getting Slavia into the mic is a common issue that we face but letting it go untreated can not only cause damage to the microphone but can be the origin of many health issues related to the oral and respiratory tract such as Coronavirus.

Besides that, a stinky unpleasant smell from the mic will also not let you sit by the microphone

1. To cleanse your mic remove the coverings. They need to be sterilized separately from the microphone.
2. Taking a good detergent or mouthwash liquid would also work. Mix it with water to dilute the solution.
3. Take a soft-bristled toothbrush or a gentle towel and softly swab the mic with it. The procedure would potentially remove most of the Slavia from your mic.
4. Now, using the solution would cleanse the mic of any leftovers, and also it will work to remove microbes from the surface.
5. Let the mic dry. You can use any of the hacks, and the mic can also be left to dry thoroughly under room conditions if you don’t need it in the next few hours.
6. Check if the mic is working correctly.

Phone Microphone Not Working After Getting Wet. How to Solve?

If your phone accidentally fell into the water and when you tried to use its microphone was not working.

Well, where water or any other liquid can damage other parts of your phone, such as the camera.

The mic is at a higher risk after such exposures. To bring your microphone back to normal working, follow the following steps:

1. Switch off your phone.
2. Clean the surface of the phone with a clean towel for any leftover moisture.
3. Take a bag. Fill it with rice. Place your phone in this bag for up to 24 hours. Rice can suck up the moisture that is creating a barrier in the normal working of your microphone.
4. Switch ON your phone and check if the mic is working.
5. If yes, no further actions are required.
6. In case the answer is NO, you need to take your phone to a mobile repair shop they will check for the headphone jack, and in some cases, you may need a headphone jack replacement. For the timing, using an external headset along with the phone may work well.

FAQs About Water in Microphone 

Can water damage a microphone?

Yes, water can damage your microphone as the microphones do not have a waterproof feature installed in them. Professionals advise keeping your microphone away from excess humidity and liquid. Use a shield to protect your mic from spit or other water damage. After cleaning doesn’t use your mic until it’s dry.

What happens if MIC is mixed with water?

MIC is also known as methyl isocyanate. It is a highly flammable liquid that burns off when exposed to air. When mixed with water, it gives off heat, methylamine, and carbon dioxide.

How to fix water damaged microphone?

If you experience water damage to your microphone, first of all, let it dry for at least 72 hours, you can also place your mic in the UV radiation or oven. Placing the mic in the microwave oven can reduce its life significantly. You can use a hairdryer and patting technique to wipe excess water. If nothing works, it’s time to take your mic to a professional to get a fix.

How do you get water out of your phone’s microphone?

Water in the phone microphone can be so frustrating. However, rice is the best technique to get your phone out of water damage. Take an airtight bag filled with rice and put your phone into the bag and wait for 24 to 42 hours, rice will suck up all the moisture leaving the mic of your phone dry.

Final Thoughts on Water in Mic 

Getting moisture or liquid inside your mic may be concerning for many microphone users.

Many of you may think that your device has been fully damaged and needs urgent replacement. In many cases, if you are lucky enough that your microphone did not undergo full-blown damage, simple hacks such as the utilization of a hairdryer or rice as I explained in the above text can be useful in helping you save a handsome amount of money.

I hope that the article would help correct most of the flaws of your microphone arising as a result of water or liquid damage.