[Simon]

OK, here's the deal. I have three iPods (two shuffles and a 60GB photo) and on all three of them the headphone cable is no longer the nice crisp white it was when I bought it. Especially around the headphone plug the white has turned to an ugly grayish tone. I guess it's because I often put it in my jeans pockets and that has colored the cable. But it really sucks and before I go out and lay out for a new pair, I wanted to ask if anybody has managed to get their cable white again. Is there any solvent or thinner that will get that nice white back again? Water didn't do the job that's for sure.

[ghporter]

I've noticed that the kind of vinyls used in things like the iPod headphone cable covering respond well to simple stuff like Windex. Spray it on, let it sit, and then wipe it off thoroughly. It is likely that the cause of the discoloration is as much your fingers and skin oil as your pants; skin oil is very good at sticking to plastics. Since the oil just sticks, it usually washes off pretty easily.

Good luck with this.

[Simon]

Thanks for the tip.

I'll give it a try right away.

[andretan]

Have you tried toothpaste? Seriously.

[Simon]

Good one, I didn't think about toothpaste.

Just tried it, but unfortunately, neither toothpaste nor Windex did the trick.

Still looking for the ultimate iPod cable cleaner.

[webcookie]

I've used Dirtex on mine. It didn't get it as sparkly white as new, but it took a lot of grime off.

[Eriamjh]

Fantastik or Zoom works great on cables and other computer plastics.

[DeathMan]

throw those things away and get some decent earbuds so you can enjoy your music.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...s&n=507846

or

http://www.buy.com/retail/product.as...mp;dcaid=17379

or

http://www.buy.com/retail/product.as...41&loc=273

Those are what I'm upgrading to when I get my next ipod. (Current 10 GB has a dead battery)

[havocidal]

get a hi-built lacquer white spray paint... then apply another layer of lacquer if u really want to play it safe...

[f1000]

Originally Posted by Simon

OK, here's the deal. I have three iPods (two shuffles and a 60GB photo) and on all three of them the headphone cable is no longer the nice crisp white it was when I bought it. Especially around the headphone plug the white has turned to an ugly grayish tone. I guess it's because I often put it in my jeans pockets and that has colored the cable. But it really sucks and before I go out and lay out for a new pair, I wanted to ask if anybody has managed to get their cable white again. Is there any solvent or thinner that will get that nice white back again? Water didn't do the job that's for sure.

Try using a vinyl-safe liquid detergent. Dunk the cables into a small cup of undiluted detergent and let them sit for several hours (or even overnight). Give them a good rubbing with a sponge and then rinse them off with water.

By the way, if you ever want to clean soap scum off a tub, spray undiluted liquid detergent on it (I use Tide). Let it sit overnight and then scrub at it with a nylon brush. Rinse.

*Liquid detergent may etch some tub finishes, so test in an inconspicuous area first.

[budster101]

Soft-scrub.

[mgl]

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser.

It even took ink off the outside of my iBook when no amount of elbow grease and soap, windex, or anything else would cut it.

[Kevin]

[legacyb4]

A damp paper towel did wonders for me.

[ThinkInsane]

http://forums.macnn.com/59/marketplace/266930/fs-brand-new-apple-earbuds/

The easiest solution always eludes