oily greasy residue with iskin exo

[xtrmntr]

just got my iskin exo (for 30G in white frost) last week and it's pretty cool.

however, i've noticed that it leaves a sort of oily greasy residue on my ipod. that same residue seems to cause the infamous "water mark" below my screen protector.

what is this residue? will it harm the ipod? will it tarnish the chrome finish? what's the best way to wash it off? have you all washed your exo with soap and water before using it on your ipod?

[jaclyn]

wash the iSkin well with soap & water and let it dry. It should help.

[Lajo]

The damage exo cases are sent to a company to extract the oil for sun screan cream. You should wash it and then just drip dry it. It will take a lot of abuse so don't handle it with kid gloves.

[xtrmntr]

Originally posted by Lajo
The damage exo cases are sent to a company to extract the oil for sun screan cream. You should wash it and then just drip dry it. It will take a lot of abuse so don't handle it with kid gloves.

:confused:

you serious? damaged exo skins are sent to be made into sun screen lotion?

also, if the exo cases are made to handle a lot of abuse, how come the sides of my exo are getting worn down and scratched after a week of slipping it into an outer zip case made of nylon?

[Lajo]

If you are slipping in and out of a nylon case you should use the zip case.

Take some pictures of what the worn down and scratched up look, this interests me.

[xtrmntr]

Originally posted by Lajo
If you are slipping in and out of a nylon case you should use the zip case.

Take some pictures of what the worn down and scratched up look, this interests me.

not to nitpick, but i take my ipod in and out of my car twice a day and i bought the exo for scratch protection, and a generic nylon/padded cloth zip case (case logic mp3 case) for extra padding when carrying the ipod in my pocket or shoulder bag (which tends to get knocked around a bit during the day). there's a bit of elastic netting on the inside of the nylon case that holds the ipod in place (so it doesn't slide around). well, the edges of the exo skin seem to be wearing down because of this, but it may just be a side effect of the oily residue i mentioned before.

i don't have a digital camera : ( so i can't post any pictures, but whatever, it's no big deal.

now, i just washed the exo case, and wiped down my ipod with a damp cloth, and #### that exo is seriously oily and greasy.

seriously lajo, what is that? does silicone naturally "sweat" oils or something.

[Lajo]

Have you tried washing it?

[Kingmob]

Just received my asphalt exo, which I have to say came very rapidly so thanks to both Lajo and Darren, and I immediately noticed how much dust there was on the thing straight out the Maclear.

I realise that it's black and all but even after cleaning the thing I'm walking back from the sink and it's as if dust feels that the exo is some dust female and they just have to have a feel. I swear dust changes course in the air, just to land on it.

Anyway, is there some kind of general consensus regarding how many washes with soap and water you need before the dust becomes a little less amorous?

Thanks.

[Lajo]

Here is a small test for you and me to try. Place you eXo on a white piece of paper and let it stay there over night, if there is oil or grease you will see a stain. I am sure you have seen what happen when you put a potato chip on paper. I will try this test tonight with an unwashed eXo and report the results in the morning.

[Kingmob]

But, is there a point where the dust isn't so attracted to the exo?
I don't mind a little dust, but there's quite a considerable amount on there at the moment.

Have people soaked there exos over night?

[Lajo]

Just use a damp cloth when you want to clean it, that is what I do

[Kingmob]

So you're saying that there's no way of stopping the dust from sticking to it like flies on bum refuse.

Maybe you'd might like to think about that for a future model.

[Kingmob]

Judging by all this fluff I might have to get one of the white exos. Dammit. Does anyone know how much fluff shows up on those?

[xtrmntr]

Originally posted by Lajo
Have you tried washing it?

yep i washed the exo thoroughly with soap and water, then put it back on the ipod after it dried. still the same oily greasy problem. it's really weird. it leaves a visible residue all over the ipod when i take the exo off. the residue is sort of a pain to wipe off too. gotta get a damp cloth and rub it down pretty hard (which defeats the purpose of the exo because inevitably small scratches began to appear after i wiped the outer casing).

i'm sure it's not really oil or grease from "fat" (like what would leave a stain on paper from potato chips or something), but perhaps a natural byproduct of the silicone (hmm, back to the drawing board perhaps).

i can't believe nobody else has commented on this problem.

[Lajo]

Just tested eXo over night and there is no oil stain.
Dust problem: it has to do with static electricity and I have been working on that for 8 months trying to find an additive. I remember when I was in Canada there was a commercial about a product for static cling, try that. Static electricity is one of the buy products of making silicone products. I will find a solution to it and in the meantime just wipe it with a damp cloth when it gets some dust on it.

[-=Beatnik=-]

Yeah I have a white frost eXo for my 2nd gen 20 gig. You can tell there is *some* dust that accumulates but it wipes right off. Not a significant issue at all, IMO.

It's definitely better than having a dirty iPod. ;) And easier to clean.

[Kingmob]

I suppose on the other hand, if you got other stains on the iPod it wouldn't show on the asphalt but would on the frost etc.

[BoothUK]

I've never noticed any kind of "oily" residue with my white frost exo - could it be a by-product of the pigment used to make your colour somehow?

As reguards to dust - I think it does naturally pick up more but hardly a lot at all. And it wipes straight off just using my fingers - no cloth or anything.

I think perhaps the asphalt ones just show up every little piece of fluff because of the colour? You know like a white car shows up dirt or a white tshirt shows up any kind of pasta sauce? ;)

[Kingmob]

Exactly, that's what I mean by Catch 22. You have to decide between little dust but sometimes a stain on the white one or little sign of staining but lots of visible dust.

[illfingers]

is there an anti-static-sling spray that you can purchase?

if so , a few blasts a day would help i think

i got my exo last night, already not even 12 hours, theres tons of dust, unattractive man

[Lajo]

Something we are working on here too. Still no quick fix

[dinojr]

i though we were talking about oily reside or something.
anyway.. my new exo sticks to my ipod making it hard to remove. i washed it several time..i didnt remember my old exos being so clingy.

[Lajo]

silicone is soft and smooth and when it is against any other smooth surface it is nearly impossible to slide. You will not be able to push it across the bar to a friend.

[ozzyo99]

May i suggest mr sheen with Anti-static additive.

Its available off the shelf, just normal domestic polish but with anti-static properties.

@Lajo, maybe its worth your while emailing a few of these sorts of companies asking for any information/guidance on the use of anti-static products.

[Josh Reid]

Just chiming in to be added to the list of people unhappy with the oli residue coming from their exo. I have a white frost with the problem. It's only a few weeks old, and washing it in warm, soapy water didn't aleviate the problem.

I don't know if this is worth mentioning, but when I removed the exo today, there was a light imprint of the word "iPod" on the back inside of the exo, from where it is laser-etched on the iPod itself. Could there be enough of this residue that the residue is being 'imprinted' on the exo by the iPod's laser engraving? Seems to be so.


Thanks,
Josh

[SetterP]

I have an asphault iSkin, I have not noticed any of what you guys are talking about. I think alot of you all are mistaking the oils from your hands and such with those that are supposedly from the iSkin. I notice alot of oils from my hands, but not the actual iSkin itself. You guys are crazy:p

Don't let them get on your case Lajo, your iSkins rock, and the dust and oil complaints are debatable at best. The dust is not THAT big of a problem for me, and I am always using my iPod in the field at work. I can't even imagine owning an iPod without an iSkin. I dare anyone to suggest another product at the same price that is even close to the craftmanship of the eXo.

My two cents,
SetterP

[rice mac]

I received an Asphalt and Snow case a couple of days ago - and have no oil residue.

I washed them about 3 times in cold soapy water, left it on a piece of paper and didn't have any oil marks. I've sprayed it with Klearscreen and it appears to make is less attractive to dust.
I was wondering if those who had the oil problems had washed their eXo cases, prior to noticing the residue? Washing also reduces the strong chemical pong (aroma) the cases have when brand new.

[Josh Reid]

Setter, they are not oils from my hands, as the oil residue is mainly INSIDE the iPod case where the iSkin is in contact with the iPod. I'm not crazy or being nitpicky, it's quite noticable. Yes, I've washed the iSkin before and AFTER noticing the residue. It makes no difference.

Josh

[Lajo]

some colors have an odor but will disappear after exposed to air for a while.

Try rubbing the inside of your case with rubbing alcohol

[dinojr]

Originally posted by Josh Reid
Setter, they are not oils from my hands, as the oil residue is mainly INSIDE the iPod case where the iSkin is in contact with the iPod. I'm not crazy or being nitpicky, it's quite noticable. Yes, I've washed the iSkin before and AFTER noticing the residue. It makes no difference.

Josh

i don't think that is oil residue.
if you have to struggle a bit to remove your iskin, that means that it sticks onto your ipod. You can see it through translucent iSkins and that means SetterP, that you would not be able to see any marks since you have a solid iskin. It's the same streaks that appear on the ishades except its on the back of the ipod. Unless your ipod becomes oily after you remove the iskin, it's not oil, just stickiness.

[element89]

I have found that the oils are actually soap oils from me washing it. Thats why my ipod always smells like soap!!! LOL

[Heko]

When I tried to boil my ExO case,
the same oily residue appeared on the surface of the ExO.

You can try this by putting this in your sink on very hot watter, and let it stay there for a while. Maybe a periodical boil/hot wash to get the nasties off?

[Lajo]

the +'s and -'s of silicone - man made rubber would not have this problem but you would lose the compatable feel of silicone against your skin.

[SpaceyGirl]

I don't know if this is worth mentioning, but when I removed the exo today, there was a light imprint of the word "iPod" on the back inside of the exo, from where it is laser-etched on the iPod itself. Could there be enough of this residue that the residue is being 'imprinted' on the exo by the iPod's laser engraving? Seems to be so.

I noticed this iPod imprinting happening on my Frost iSkin as well. Where the iPod and miscellaneous text below come in contact with the iSkin...plus it's sorta giving the Frost iSkin a yellowish tinge. It doesn't bother me much just thought I'd say that I'm seeing it happen too.

Maybe it happens to all iSkins...but you just don't notice with the more solid colors. Just a thought. :)

[ladyslug]

I've been having the same residue left on the back of my ipod whenever I remove the skin for washing. I don't know what causes it -- I suspect it's just the silicone sticking to the ipod and trapping oils or liquids between. These ipods are incredibly touchy and seem to pick up scratches and smudges from just about anything. I'm thankful to have the skin on it for protection.

So I just make it a point to clean the ipod at the same time I wash the exo. I received a ScotchGuard anti-static cleaning cloth with an ionic breeze I bought, and I've been using that to rub the smudges off the ipod. Just getting it ever so damp and rubbing with a little force gets the smudges out right away.

Not too many problems with the dust attraction, though. I wash my exo about once a week, keep it in the maclear most of the time, and I suppose not too much shows up on the martian.

[Lt_Core]

My electra and frost iskins should be here in a couple of days. I think I remember reading a thread about washing the iskins. Is this recommended when they're new? Does this help keep off lint, hair, etc.?

[KraziKid]

I have also ordered a new iSkin for my new iPod. Does anyone have any good preparatory advice? Also, what is the iShade, and does it come with the iSkin?

[Pinklipstick2]

I have a creamsicle iSkin that is getting a bit gross looking with dust, but all I had to do was blast it (after removing it from the iPod) with a compressed gas duster, and everything blew right off.

[Pinklipstick2]

...they know EXACTLY what they're doing!

[iPodFreak]

i've heard ppl use thos dry cleaning wipes (like those towelettes that they sell for u to throw into your wash when drying) i hear those get rid of the static... maybe just a temp. fix..

[iPodMaEsTrO]

i use those, it doesnt really get rid of the static, but what it does do is gets rid of all the stuff sticking to it very quickly w/o water or anything and leaves ur iSkin smellin fresh! I have not noticed any residue yet with my Ice exo, nor with my Firefly, i did have alil tacky residue on the back of it but thats not biggie, jsut wiped it off with a moist cloth and its good to go again

[iPodFreak]

hmm.. on the bright side... MY ELECTRA COMES IN TOMORROW! YAY LAJO FOR SUCH A GREAT CREATION!