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iPhone 7 how to fully clean earpiece?

Kevsta26

Kevsta26

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Apr 2, 2011
678
301
USA
I love my new iPhone 7 Plus! I've kept it clean and spotless since day one.

However there is one problem! There is this gross buildup of white stuff in the earpiece and it looks awful!

img_0432-jpg.667548


I have tried EVERYTHING I can think of to clean it. I've read every forum post and tried all their suggestions as well. NOTHING has worked and I really don't want to return the phone or try to get a replacement which will likely not work as Apple will say it's cosmetic damage and likely can't be replaced under warranty.

I've tried spraying, wiping, brushing, vacuuming, q-tipping, tooth picking, blowing, YOU NAME IT! Nothing seems to get it clean again :mad:

Please someone help me get my earpiece back to its original black glory!
 
Last edited:
A microfiber cloth should reach between the crevice to clean it. Or a soft bristle small paint brush, one that will NOT scratch the bezel area surrounding the ear piece.
 
Last edited:
I love my new iPhone 7 Plus! I've kept it clean and spotless since day one.
IMG_0103.JPG


However there is one problem! There is this gross buildup of white stuff in the earpiece and it looks awful!

IMG_0432.JPG


I have tried EVERYTHING I can think of to clean it. I've read every forum post and tried all their suggestions as well. NOTHING has worked and I really don't want to return the phone or try to get a replacement which will likely not work as Apple will say it's cosmetic damage and likely can't be replaced under warranty.

I've tried spraying, wiping, brushing, vacuuming, q-tipping, tooth picking, blowing, YOU NAME IT! Nothing seems to get it clean again :mad:

Please someone help me get my earpiece back to its original black glory!
 
NewtonPippin said:
You should take better care of your phone.
Click to expand...

Excuse me? I am the most OCD keep everything I own always clean person I know. Most people wouldn't even care their earpiece looks the way mine does, but I can't stop thinking about it and it's driving me crazy :mad:

Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if my over obsessive cleanliness caused the dirt to get there in the first place from always cleaning it.

Maybe the problem is I'm taking too much care of my phone?
[doublepost=1477288128][/doublepost]
flyinmac said:
The moment when you discover that the unidentifiable gross stuff came from your body :p:eek:o_O:cool:
Click to expand...

I'm certain it's not from my body and more a buildup of dust lodged in there from everyday use and then cleaning my phone and managing to somehow get it stuck in there :(
[doublepost=1477288253][/doublepost]
LostAggie said:
Try a biore strip
Click to expand...

I actually have some of these on hand, but I'm not sure if that'll work as it's such a tight space.
 
Try a microfiber cloth and maybe the fibers can penetrate the earpiece. Microfiber also collects debris. Or a soft bristle brush that will loosen and then use the microfiber cloth.
 
I always use a fine paint brush with short bristles. You can take a normal small paint brush and cut the bristles down to 5mm or so. Because the bristles are short you'l be able to brush the debris away.
 
Kevsta26 said:
I love my new iPhone 7 Plus! I've kept it clean and spotless since day one.
View attachment 667546

However there is one problem! There is this gross buildup of white stuff in the earpiece and it looks awful!

View attachment 667548

I have tried EVERYTHING I can think of to clean it. I've read every forum post and tried all their suggestions as well. NOTHING has worked and I really don't want to return the phone or try to get a replacement which will likely not work as Apple will say it's cosmetic damage and likely can't be replaced under warranty.

I've tried spraying, wiping, brushing, vacuuming, q-tipping, tooth picking, blowing, YOU NAME IT! Nothing seems to get it clean again :mad:

Please someone help me get my earpiece back to its original black glory!
Click to expand...

Just give up and get you a black magic marker and make those white spots black.
 
Looks like dried skin from your lips. Jagged edges and uniform size. Tacky material will work. You could take a piece of Gorilla brand tape and wrap it around your finger, then lightly go over the area. Tweezers will work too. Fine tipped tweezers will work too.
 
Kevsta26 said:
I love my new iPhone 7 Plus! I've kept it clean and spotless since day one.
View attachment 667546

However there is one problem! There is this gross buildup of white stuff in the earpiece and it looks awful!

View attachment 667548

I have tried EVERYTHING I can think of to clean it. I've read every forum post and tried all their suggestions as well. NOTHING has worked and I really don't want to return the phone or try to get a replacement which will likely not work as Apple will say it's cosmetic damage and likely can't be replaced under warranty.

I've tried spraying, wiping, brushing, vacuuming, q-tipping, tooth picking, blowing, YOU NAME IT! Nothing seems to get it clean again :mad:

Please someone help me get my earpiece back to its original black glory!
Click to expand...

Have you considered the fact that it may not be dust. It may be your OCD tendencies causing you to clean it extra frequently and rubbing out the black paint. IIRC the speaker grille is metal and it may have been painted black and now it's all rubbed off.
 
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alleggerita said:
Have you considered the fact that it may not be dust. It may be your OCD tendencies causing you to clean it extra frequently and rubbing out the black paint. IIRC the speaker grille is metal and it may have been painted black and now it's all rubbed off.
Click to expand...

No, because the particles move around and spots that were once white become black again and vice versa.

Just, no matter what I do, I can't get it to all or at least mostly go away.
 
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