What's a good way to clean the headphone cord..& keep it cleaner?

[Justawhispr]

I use my iPod everyday, taking it on and off several times. The white cord is looking more like a mottled grey. I have gently wiped it with a damp paper towel and a little mild soap and it's a bit better, but not white. What cleaning solution is safe for the wire casing and effective for dirt removal?

[Aceon6]

I put a bit of Windex on a paper towel, then pull the cord thru. It does a pretty good job. I dry it with a new paper towel, then put a bit of talc powder on my fingers and pull the cord thru again. The powder seems to keep the cord from attracting dust and dirt.