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lanhanmr

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Jul 3, 2012
6
0
Is there a way to keep USB cable plug clean? For some reason, my usb cable and drives get dirty and sometimes rusty very easily. I am not sure if that's air that causing it or something, I just can't help it. I like to have them clean and shine like new all the time so I would feel safe plugging them in my computer. How do you do or it doesn't really matter?
 
Nonono, not what you imagined. Not the ports but the connector head of USB cables or USB drives. It would look like power plugs of old electronics or appliances.

Sorry, I didn't describe well. It's like....become a bit rough over time, not as shiny as new, or even it's just dusty when I don't have them plugged all the time.
 
Not really like rusty as in a disgusting way, guys. Do all your usb connector head (male) all shiny throughout their lives working for you? Cann't believe that only happens to me.....

I took a couple images the best I could to show what I meant. Not as clean as I hoped but you can see the difference between the part that's mostly inside a USB port and the part that's usually exposed out in the air get oxidized.

usbconnector01.jpg

usbconnector02.jpg
 
Thanks, Ricky! I guess I am just thinking too much then.

I consider myself to be a neat freak so even tough that's not rust I don't feel comfortable touching or be around metal parts of old power plugs and such that are oxidized. :confused:
 
Want to share with you guys that there are USB caps available. Never thought of that :eek:

Since I live on a big traffic street so things at home get dusty pretty easily and I really don't want weird things to get into my new computer. :p

I also lost a cap for a usb drive that I carry with me all the time so I think I will give those caps a try.
 
I think I bought a device that came with one of those caps. If you want to go the extra mile you can buy little silicone caps that go into all the exposed ports on your computer. I bought a pack for my laptop and I have no idea why. I might not ever use the HDMI port so I will plug it up and keep it clean!

You start clicking on things on Amazon and you find that they make all kinds of weird stuff. I almost bought three different USB-to-USB right angle converters. I don't need right angled USB ports, but they looked interesting. I did buy two right angle 3.5mm headphone adapters.
 
First World Problems

OMG! Why are you all encouraging this! :D

I kid. I kid.
No not really. Stop this immediately.
 
I took a couple images the best I could to show what I meant. Not as clean as I hoped but you can see the difference between the part that's mostly inside a USB port and the part that's usually exposed out in the air get oxidized.
That's just abrasion/wear. The only way to avoid that is to never use the USB cable. Or leave it plugged.

It's definitely not rust. Rust has a very distinct color. It's not dust or dirt either.
 
Thanks for confirming with me, takeshi74! Yes, the only solution is to keep them plugged all the time, I agree! :)
 
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