Apple HomePod is a popular name after Amazon Alexa and Google Home in smart speakers. Although, Apple lags in offering features matching its competitors, there’s one more problem people have encountered recently. The new problem isn’t associated with any feature or software but a hardware malfunctioning that is ruining the wooden furniture. In an observation, it was found that Apple HomePod leaves a white ring like stain if you place it on a wooden furniture.
After the reports came in, Apple confessed that the product might leave some stain on your furniture. However, the stain goes away within a few days after it is removed from there. The statement was backed up by people who suffered stains on their furniture. According to Jon Chase, the stains did fade with time but not completely.
Apple HomePod has a silicon base that is more likely to leave a stain on a treated wooden furniture. Apple asks users to keep the device away from heat and liquids. As the problem was acknowledged by Apple, the support page of the company explains as:
It is not unusual for any speaker with a vibration-dampening silicone base to leave mild marks when placed on some wooden surfaces. The marks can be caused by oils diffusing between the silicone base and the table surface, and will often go away after several days when the speaker is removed from the wooden surface. If not, wiping the surface gently with a soft damp or dry cloth may remove the marks. If marks persist, clean the surface with the furniture manufacturer’s recommended cleaning process. If you’re concerned about this, we recommend placing your HomePod on a different surface. (source)
How to save your furniture from HomePod stains?
If you wish to keep your furniture safe from the white ring like stains, there are a few things that you can do:
- Use a pad: If you’ve already decided to place the HomePod on your furniture, it is good to place a pad or a piece of rag beneath the device. It would create a barrier between the two and stop any possible staining.
- Protective plastic: The new HomePod device comes with a protective film for silicon. It is ideal to not remove it and use the device with the plastic at the bottom. However, it may affect the grip of the device as the plastic wouldn’t offer as much stickiness.
- Mount it: if you don’t want to take any chance with your furniture, mounting the HomePod to the wall is one of the best and effective ways. Although, you may not find a lot of options to mount it, there’s one available on Amazon with the name MERES Aluminum Wall Mount Holder Stand Bracket.
Overall, HomePod and other smart speakers have certainly made life easier but they need to be maintained properly. If you don’t want your furniture to be ruined with those white ring-shaped stains, it is always better to either place the device somewhere else or use a piece of cloth between them.