With every passing day, virtual reality is becoming an essential part of gaming as there is nothing else that provides the immersion the way VR headset does. It quickly detects head and body movement and translates them into the virtual world of gaming. Overall, it is a fantastic gadget, but one drawback is that the VR headset foam soaks sweat and remains damped for a long while wearing it for a long time. How to clean VR headset foam? There is no other choice than to clean it. Is it safe? Can I wash the VR headset foam? This article will help you to get the answers to such questions.
Why is it important to clean your VR headset?
Virtual reality technology has been so popular and effective that it is now introduced in workouts by VR-based fitness. The reason is translating your body and head movements into the virtual world is the sign that it is the best vr headset. Whether the vr headset is used for gaming or for workouts, both ways result in intense sweating.
Sweating is not actually that much an issue as doing any exercise because the vr headset interface with the user’s face is lined with a foam cushion which is quite absorbent.
Although it soaks the sweating really well, this makes a flouring ground for bacteria. If you share a single system, then it is terrible as it may become the reason for skin diseases.
The enclosed build of the vr headset makes sweating in a rapid manner. Similar to other things like doorknobs or any other medium through which there are chances to transfer the pathogens, vr headset can also transfer harmful bacteria if a single system is shared.
Tips and tricks for cleaning the VR Foam
To be honest, there is no recommended method to clean your vr headset. All you have to do is clean it with a soft fabric. However, for your ease, here are some tips through which you can perform the cleaning process.
1. Go through User Manual or Manufacturer’s Instructions
Before you begin with the cleaning process, it is recommended to go through the manufacturer’s instructions for the product. This is necessary to ensure whether or not the company suggests the cleaning.
Remember, the cleaning methods of the vr headset foams vary from brand to brand. So, the same cleaning technique might not be applicable to the other headset.
If you are using an Oculus Rift VR headset, the company suggests cleaning the facial interface foam of your device with anti-bacterial wipes. However, this doesn’t mean that you can you a fabric dipped in alcohol or an abrasive cleaning solution.
Whereas the HTC Vive VR Headsets recommends removing the facial foam from the vr headset system and then cleaning it with the damped cloth. On the other hand, the Samsung VR headset advises being more precautious while performing the cleaning of the gadget.
As you can see, all these companies recommend different cleaning techniques that is why it is necessary to go through the instructions that the company has provided. This is important to claim the warranty as well, if the company forbids something to be applied, make sure you are following it, or you will not be able for any warranty claim.
2. Cleaning the VR headset with warm water
You might have heard that warm water helps to clean the dirt quickly. If you do not want to lose the warranty, it is better to go through what the manufacturer says about the cleaning of your vr headset.
Still, we will help you to do how to do it right.
Remember, we are not accountable if you use our approach and it does not go well, or the device begins to malfunction.
As we have mentioned above, every company has a different cleaning method, so we are mentioning that it can work for most of the vr headsets.
How to Clean VR headset Foam?
Before you begin the clean process, here are a few things that you must know.
The first thing that you have to do is remove the face cushion from your headset first and see if it is in the condition to be cleaned or you need to replace it.
Other than that, if it is in the condition to be cleaned, make sure
- You are cleaning it with a damp cloth with normal temperature water. The cloth must not be dripping the water.
- When it is cleaned, let it dry at room temperature. Do not use a blower or any dry to make the drying process rapid.
- Do not dip your vr headset system or soak it in the water.
- Do not scrub the wiring or bleach it.
These are the precautions and legit method to clean your VR headset.
Would Cleaning of VR headset foam will avoid the transmission of pathogens?
If we say that bacteria will completely go away through it, then it would be wrong. The issue here is that even after cleaning them properly, the bacteria are not entirely be wiped off from the VR headset foam. This is because the bacteria are not only at the outer surface, but it embeds deep in the foam of your vr headset.
Some of the brands restrain the use of alcohol, while some have the view that it can disinfect the surface better. However, overall, we do not recommend you to go against what the company has stated.
Is there any way to prevent bacterial transmission in VR headset foam?
To avoid bacterial growth effectively in the cushion, try the foam that does not soak the sweat in the first place. You can use the removable and replaceable mask and place it between the face and your VR headset. The masks VR foam liners are easily available.
In a Nutshell
There is definitely bacterial growth in the foam when it has soaked the sweat. This might cause skin diseases to people if you are sharing a single device. It is not advised the user to wash the foam of the VR headset. However, there are some guidelines that are provided by the company to clean the gadget. The best way to prevent bacterial transmission is to prevent the foam from soaking the sweat, which can be done by placing a mask on your face before wearing your vr headset.