How to Troubleshoot a Corroded iPod

Basic household cleaning products may remove mild to moderate corrosion.

Made from stainless steel, iPods have a strong resistance to corrosion. However, if you spilled a chemical on it or it was in contact with water for an extended period (such as if it got wet and you didn't dry it properly), the metal can corrode. If the iPod still functions, you're safer living with the imperfect aesthetics than attempting a risky cleaning process. Otherwise, there are several cleaning tricks to try to get it working again.

Things You'll Need

• One soft cloth
• Spray glass cleaner (like Windex)
• 1 can of powdered cleaner (like Comet)
• 1 two-sided cleaning pad (like Scotch Brite)

Instructions

1. Contact Apple to see if your iPod is still under warranty. If it is, check with Apple to see if it will fix the iPod. Water damage often voids the warranty.

2. Spray some glass cleaner on a soft cloth and rub the corroded area using moderate pressure.

3. Dry the area thoroughly. Test the iPod.

4. Dampen a cleaning pad (Scotch Brite or equivalent) and pour about a teaspoon of powdered cleaner on the rough side.

5. Rub the corroded area with the rough side of the pad using light pressure.

6. Dry the area thoroughly. Test the iPod.

Tips & Warnings

• If the iPod still functions despite the corrosion, do not proceed beyond Step 1. Aesthetic concerns are not worth the risk of damaging the device further.

• Any cleaning product stronger that those described above carry a far greater risk of further damage. Try one only if you are entirely out of alternative options.

References

• Stainless Steel Cleaning and Maintenance
• Apple: Technical Specifications

Resources

• Contact Apple Support