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    Who knew the chewing gum will do the trick for XPS speaker grills

    Discussion in 'Dell XPS and Studio XPS' started by Dr.Nat, Dec 27, 2009.

  1. Dr.Nat

    Dr.Nat Notebook Enthusiast

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    The dirt that is constantly getting in the grills and can not be removed was really bothering me. It might gross you out but I used a chewing gum, I got a new trident flavor :) So then I washed it with water so that no sugar left on it. You just roll the gum on to the holes and press on it so that it completely files the holes and then Voilà the dirt is out! Note that I was not able to remove tiny micromolecules but the big pieces was no problem. If the gum gets too dry then just add a bit of water so it can roll easier. Don't worry the gum will not get stuck in the holes and if it does then just apply the gum on it and it'll pull it right out. I'm still considering putting a tape over the grill cause it'll get anoying doing it all the time unless someone can think of any better alternative like play doh and etc let us know. Thanks.
     
    Dr.Nat, Dec 27, 2009
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  2. dtwn

    dtwn C'thulhu fhtagn

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    ... Instead of gum, try using adhesive putty like Blu-tack and the like.
     
    dtwn, Dec 27, 2009
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  3. Zlog

    Zlog Notebook Deity

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    worst god damn design i've ever seen in my life.

    good idea though. I've thought about cleaning it out really well and then sealing the holes with a clear coat too but meh.
     
    Zlog, Dec 27, 2009
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  4. Dr.Nat

    Dr.Nat Notebook Enthusiast

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    I wish the factory would coat them in a clear plastic from the start. Those holes are just a pain and totally unnecessary.
     
    Dr.Nat, Dec 27, 2009
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  5. Dr.Nat

    Dr.Nat Notebook Enthusiast

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    I hope the adhesive putty Blu tack is not adhesive to the paint ;)
     
    Dr.Nat, Dec 27, 2009
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  6. dtwn

    dtwn C'thulhu fhtagn

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    Why should it?

    It's designed to remove stuff like lint, especially if it's just a roll over. Don't leave it caked to the grills, that could be a problem. It becomes more adhesive over time. And definitely more sanitary than gum. ;)
     
    dtwn, Dec 28, 2009
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  7. Dr.Nat

    Dr.Nat Notebook Enthusiast

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    But does blu tac freshen your breath?
     
    Dr.Nat, Dec 28, 2009
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  8. David

    David NBR Random Reviewer NBR Reviewer

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    Not at all. I've used blu tack on painted walls and never had an issue with the paint coming off.

    If you wrap the blu tack with a piece of mint leaf, then I'm certain it will help with breath issues. But please, <S>don't</S> try it :)
     
    David, Dec 28, 2009
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  9. Dr.Nat

    Dr.Nat Notebook Enthusiast

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    Maybe I'll give blue tack a look. Thanks for the suggestion.
     
    Dr.Nat, Dec 28, 2009
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  10. thecolter

    thecolter Newbie

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    thecolter, Dec 28, 2009
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  11. dtwn

    dtwn C'thulhu fhtagn

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    I don't know.

    Give it a shot and report back with results? :D

    Blu Tack is usually an issue with paint on walls because it was left for a long time. If otherwise, it'll just pick up the lint/dirt/dust. It's quite good for that actually.
     
    dtwn, Dec 28, 2009
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  12. Zlog

    Zlog Notebook Deity

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    Definatly going to get some. my grills are nasty :(
     
    Zlog, Dec 28, 2009
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  13. Fenikkusu

    Fenikkusu Notebook Evangelist

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    And here I thought it was only driving me mad. Thanks for the tips
     
    Fenikkusu, Dec 28, 2009
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  14. Riccardo83

    Riccardo83 Notebook Evangelist

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    so u guys think chewing gum is the way to go?
     
    Riccardo83, May 4, 2010
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  15. EGM92

    EGM92 Notebook Evangelist

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    uhh the real way to go is to mod it like I did, I posted a little tutorial about covering up the holes and some have even done it themselves. That cyberclean is pure and utter Crapola, not worth the bandwidth it took to open the page.

    There's some stuff that my nephew plays with... nuttyputty? or something like that, it comes in a peanut shell type thing, it gets into all the holes and picks up pretty much everything.
     
    EGM92, May 4, 2010
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  16. Zaraphrax

    Zaraphrax Notebook Consultant

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    Can't believe nobody thought of this before now. :p I'll have to try it - the grill on my M1530 is disgusting.
     
    Zaraphrax, May 4, 2010
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  17. Riccardo83

    Riccardo83 Notebook Evangelist

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    so u guys think chewing gum is the way to go?
     
    Riccardo83, May 4, 2010
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  18. funky monk

    funky monk Notebook Deity

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    Well for a start, having chewed blutack when I was small it doesn't taste great.

    Secondly, I tried blutack a while ago and it got semi stuck in it which really sucked, there is still kinda a mark. I havee no idea as to how well gum works though, I don't chew it (I never saw the appeal).
     
    funky monk, May 4, 2010
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  19. Dr.Nat

    Dr.Nat Notebook Enthusiast

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    Dr.Nat, May 4, 2010
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  20. nyknicks8

    nyknicks8 Notebook Geek

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    nyknicks8, May 5, 2010
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  21. Cin'

    Cin' Anathema

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    Hey! Do you have a link to this :) And, thanks!

    Nice job! : ))


    Cin...
     
    Cin', May 5, 2010
    #21
  22. CaptainKneecap

    CaptainKneecap Notebook Enthusiast

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    CaptainKneecap, Apr 19, 2011
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  23. RacingGun

    RacingGun Notebook Consultant

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    Zombie Thread!
     
    RacingGun, Apr 19, 2011
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  24. Gotoma

    Gotoma Notebook Guru

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    Wow thanks for the bump...Good tip...the dirt was driving me crazy.
     
    Gotoma, Apr 19, 2011
    #24
  25. toronto

    toronto Notebook Deity

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    If you seal the speaker grills with transparent film, as someone did, won't that interfere with the sound? Won't it muffle or alter the sound from the speakers?
     
    toronto, Apr 20, 2011
    #25