4 Easiest Ways to Clean the Pesky Holes at the Bottom of Your iPhone
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Ever notice those holes on the bottom of your iPhone? These holes are for the speaker grill and help direct the sound coming out of your phone. They also are a magnet for dirt, dust, and all sorts of debris.
Here are a few tips and tricks we’ve learned that’ll make cleaning this grill a breeze. These tips also apply to the charging port and microphone grill – two other areas that tend to accumulate junk.
Your best strategy with a nasty build-up is to use Silly Putty first as it is the least invasive. Then use a toothpick to scrape out any debris left behind. Finally, follow up with a blast of air to remove any loose bits of gunk.
Find more info on these strategies below.
Silly Putty
Many people use Silly Putty as it is sticky enough to grab the dirt but not so sticky that it gets stuck inside the speaker grill. You simply take a piece of the Silly Putty, press it down into the speaker grille, and gently lift it out. Easy!
Toothpick
If you have caked-in dirt, then you may have to grab a toothpick and pry it out gently. Be careful not to puncture the speakers, or you may damage them permanently.
Professionals use metal toothpicks that are thinner and sharper than ordinary toothpicks. They also are shaped for cleaning out the ports without damaging them.
If you are concerned about damaging your iPhone, then try using a plastic flosser with a pick at the end. It’s a bit more forgiving than a wooden or plastic pick.
Toothbrush
A gentle bristled toothbrush is ideal for removing dirt and debris from deep within the speaker grill. Brush back and forth gently until all the holes are clean. You can finish it off with a spray of canned air to remove any remnants.
Canned Air (Used Properly)
Canned air is excellent at removing gunk from cracks and crevices, but be careful when using it. Don’t blow the air directly into the speaker grill as you may damage the speakers on the inside. Blow the air across the grill from the side. This method will remove any loose debris but won’t get rid of the caked-on dirt.
