Cleaning Bits Out Of Speaker Holes

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Level 1

20 points

Cleaning Bits Out Of Speaker Holes

Hello,
Cn anyone tell me what's the best way to clean the bits of dirt etc that fall into the speaker holes? I did a search and someone recommended using a vacuum cleaner which as far as I know is a massive no no due to the build up of static electricity.

What do you guy's do?

Thanks

Posted on Apr 15, 2008 3:09 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Courcoul

Level 6

18,576 points

Apr 15, 2008 3:55 PM in response to apolloa69

It's not like you were going to sweep the entire Sahara desert out of the speakers! 😀 😀 😀 If the Mac is plugged in (turned off, of course) and the charger is plugged in a proper three-prong outlet, that means the case will be grounded thru the charger so there will be no buildup of anything, dust or static. If you want to be even more paranoid, you can get one of those antistatic thingies you put on your wrist and make sure you maintain contact with the case while you sweep away. Just make sure the bristles of the vacuum brush don't get too deep into the holes cause you could damage the speakers.

Using a can of compressed air is even more of a no-no, cause you will be pushing the dirt deep into the innards, which is worse.

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Answer 2

apolloa69 Author

Level 1

20 points

Apr 15, 2008 4:16 PM in response to Courcoul

Cheeky bugger 😉 I see your point about the laptop being plugged into the mains and I'll give the hoover a go, it's a Dyson so should be powerful enough hehe. Is there a mesh underneath the holes to stop the bits getting inside the case?

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Answer 3

Courcoul

Level 6

18,576 points

Apr 15, 2008 4:24 PM in response to apolloa69

Most of the little holes are just for looks; they lead nowhere, which is why they fill up with debris and look unsightly. Only in the uppermost quarter will you see where the speakers and the light sensors are located, if you shine a torch on them. There seems to be no mesh in between.

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Answer 4

Apr 23, 2008 8:13 PM in response to apolloa69

compressed air will move the dust but it may push it in. you should be able to hit it a 90* to the way the holes are (have the little air tube parallel to the case) and give it a few blasts that way, it should suck the dust out (works on the same principle of air brushing). moving anything takes 20 times the force sucking as it does pushing (using air)

-matt

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Answer 5

MattZani

Level 1

50 points

Apr 15, 2008 11:45 PM in response to Courcoul

I wouldnt use something like a Dyson, i have a hand vacuum thats used for crumbs and cars that i use on my stuff, the vacuum is strong enough.

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Answer 6

apolloa69 Author

Level 1

20 points

Apr 23, 2008 3:32 PM in response to MattZani

Just to let you guy's know. The Dyson failed to work and remove the debris. So if anyone else has any bright ideas? PLEASE let me know.

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Answer 7

KBeat

Level 3

800 points

Apr 23, 2008 3:49 PM in response to apolloa69

It may be a no no, but when mine have collected a bit of dust or what not, I just blasted 'em with compressed air. It did the job, or at least compressed it so far down I can't see it anymore. 🙂

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Answer 8

apolloa69 Author

Level 1

20 points

Apr 29, 2008 5:46 PM in response to mattathayde

Thanks for the reply, I have some canned air, but can you elaborate a bit more as you lost me a bit? Thanks.

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Answer 9

Apr 29, 2008 5:53 PM in response to apolloa69

shoot the air across the holes not down them.

if the air left a trail you would see a line going over your KB, not down into the machine
-matt

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