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M.Shaf213

macrumors member
Original poster
Nov 4, 2018
59
13
So I got the new iPhone XS max in gold, but there is one small problem. there is a large amount of dust particles forming in the top speaker. I suffer from OCD and it drives me nuts! Anyone have any safe ideas of cleaning it without damaging the speaker grille, something that won't harm the phone. I've tried Qtips and cotton swabs and they are no help whatsoever.
 

Banglazed

macrumors 603
Apr 17, 2017
5,014
9,514
Cupertino, CA
Drench a q-tip in alcohol, squeeze hard to remove excess alcohol so it doesn't drip but wet atleast inside the earpiece, swap the earpiece back and forth, check it, dirt stuck to the edge use a tooth pick to get them out and repeat till your OCD is satisfied
 
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44267547

Cancelled
Jul 12, 2016
37,642
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So I got the new iPhone XS max in gold, but there is one small problem. there is a large amount of dust particles forming in the top speaker. I suffer from OCD and it drives me nuts! Anyone have any safe ideas of cleaning it without damaging the speaker grille, something that won't harm the phone. I've tried Qtips and cotton swabs and they are no help whatsoever.

My recommendation would be to find a soft bristle brush, that has fine edges and lightly use it to remove the dust. You could also try a toothbrush head that’s clean and lightly use that as an alternative method as well. If you try compressed air, make sure you keep it away from a safe distance, as the force from the air could cause damage to the speaker area as well.
 
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bigscotal

macrumors 6502
Jun 26, 2008
437
155
UK
I use something like blu-tac (not sure if it's called other names elsewhere).

I get a small bit, form it into a sort of point, and carefully push into the speaker grill and it grabs any particles of dust or debris that are in there. Obviously you don't push too hard and mush it fully in there though! :)
 

44267547

Cancelled
Jul 12, 2016
37,642
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What’s wrong with tap water?

Because some don’t want to expose iPhones to water, _especially_ the speaker area. (Regardless of the water resistance rating.)
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I use something like blu-tac (not sure if it's called other names elsewhere).

I know what you’re referring to, other times it’s known as ‘Sticky tac’, which is basically a putty bond that hold things together without leaving behind adhesive residue, but I would not recommend that either, because if any of the tac remnants lodges itself in the grill, you would have worse issues.
 

AMTYVLE

macrumors 6502a
Sep 23, 2014
704
618
Florida
I used a piece of scotch tape. Press it lightly on the top speaker then peel. Works for me.

But while we are on the topic of dust buildup in the top speaker (which has always been an issue with iPhones), Apple states these phones are Splash, Water, and Dust Resistant. My question is what do they consider Dust Resistant if dust continues to build up in the speakers?
 

M.Shaf213

macrumors member
Original poster
Nov 4, 2018
59
13
I agree on that. What I think they mean when they say "dust resistant" is the fact that the dust particles don't build up inside the iPhone. It's riciulous how they speakers on the iphones are so exposed they get so much dust in them very easily.
 
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DevinNj

macrumors 68000
Apr 27, 2016
1,761
1,781
New Jersey
I've never liked the idea of compressed air, but I will blow towards my phone at an angle. This usually takes care of any dust, at least in my circumstances. My take on Apples dust resistance is that dust wouldn't have any adverse effects under normal conditions, not that the phone itself has some sort of dust repellent capabilities/characteristics.
 
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AppleWes

macrumors 6502a
Oct 9, 2013
561
503
I've never liked the idea of compressed air, but I will blow towards my phone at an angle. This usually takes care of any dust, at least in my circumstances. My take on Apples dust resistance is that dust wouldn't have any adverse effects under normal conditions, not that the phone itself has some sort of dust repellent capabilities/characteristics.
I agree- and personally never use compressed air on a phone. The pressure and moisture from can 'propellent' can be rough on any electronics. Might be ok for older plastic (cheap) keyboard, but nothing that is valuable!
 

44267547

Cancelled
Jul 12, 2016
37,642
42,495
I wouldn’t recommend using any of the solutions mentioned here. It’s better to try and live with the dust then risk ruining the speaker.

I think the other option, would be to bring it to Apple and see if they could clean it for you, that way it takes the risk off the user from damaging anything and puts them liable to efficiently clean it.

Also, someone recommend the scotch tape method, that seems like that would be a decent idea that I did not think of.
 
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