HomePod's silicone bottom is causing rings on some finished wood surfaces [u]
Apple's HomePod appears to be leaving white circles on some finished wood surfaces, but what specifically is causing it and any commonalities between the incidents both aren't clear yet. [Updated with Apple support info]
The phenomenon was first spotted by electronics evaluation site Wirecutter on Wednesday, and other sources from social media. it is manifesting from contact with "oiled" wood surfaces and the silicone ring on the bottom of a HomePod.
It is not appearing on all wood surfaces. AppleInsider's HomePod used for testing has been in a fixed location on a finished wood surface since Saturday, and no ring has developed.
AppleInsider spoke with a few professional woodworkers about the matter, and the consensus between them suggests a reaction between the silicone in the bottom ring of the HomePod, and a different form of silicone common in furniture polishes like Pledge. They called the reaction similar to the "fisheye" that can develop in some furniture as a result of chemical differences between the wood's finish and the polishes.
But, other than elevating the HomePod very slightly using a thin non-skid surface, they offered no easy and permanent solution for those suffering from the problem, other than stripping down the furniture, and replacing the finish with one lacking silicone.
Apple appears to be aware of the situation, an offers little in the way of advice. In an email to Wirecutter, Apple said that "the marks can improve over several days after the speaker is removed from the wood surface," and "try cleaning the surface with the manufacturer's suggested oiling method."
It appears that glass, granite, MDF plywood, polyurethane-sealed wood, and laminate furniture such as that found in Ikea are not affected by the problem -- which makes sense if the problem is a reaction between different silicone mixes.
Update: Apple has published a support document elaborating on the cause of the issue and recommended steps.
"It is not unusual for any speaker with a vibration-dampening silicone base to leave mild marks when placed on some wooden surfaces," the webpage reads. "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."
The phenomenon was first spotted by electronics evaluation site Wirecutter on Wednesday, and other sources from social media. it is manifesting from contact with "oiled" wood surfaces and the silicone ring on the bottom of a HomePod.
It is not appearing on all wood surfaces. AppleInsider's HomePod used for testing has been in a fixed location on a finished wood surface since Saturday, and no ring has developed.
AppleInsider spoke with a few professional woodworkers about the matter, and the consensus between them suggests a reaction between the silicone in the bottom ring of the HomePod, and a different form of silicone common in furniture polishes like Pledge. They called the reaction similar to the "fisheye" that can develop in some furniture as a result of chemical differences between the wood's finish and the polishes.
But, other than elevating the HomePod very slightly using a thin non-skid surface, they offered no easy and permanent solution for those suffering from the problem, other than stripping down the furniture, and replacing the finish with one lacking silicone.
Apple appears to be aware of the situation, an offers little in the way of advice. In an email to Wirecutter, Apple said that "the marks can improve over several days after the speaker is removed from the wood surface," and "try cleaning the surface with the manufacturer's suggested oiling method."
It appears that glass, granite, MDF plywood, polyurethane-sealed wood, and laminate furniture such as that found in Ikea are not affected by the problem -- which makes sense if the problem is a reaction between different silicone mixes.
Update: Apple has published a support document elaborating on the cause of the issue and recommended steps.
"It is not unusual for any speaker with a vibration-dampening silicone base to leave mild marks when placed on some wooden surfaces," the webpage reads. "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."
Comments
Oiled wood? Like wood with no other scellant than oil? That's not a surface I have a lot around here. All my woods have a varnish, laquer or paint on them.
Obviously, something in oil (or whatever other product in that) leaching something out of silicon.
We're still looking into it.
I have not heard of the reaction between molded silicone polysiloxanes) and silicone liquids - but sounds possible. It could also be a reaction with mineral oil if that is a kitchen butcher block type counter the Homepod is sitting on. Even the wood itself could cause a reaction with the silicone rubber. If the wood has only an oil finish, there is not much isolation from the natural chemicals in the wood.
Kudos to Apple for using a more expensive silicone rubber for the foot for the Homepod, as it normally is very non-reactive with just about everything. It is unfortunate that users have found something that does react with it.
Unless we hear otherwise, I doubt that this problem correlates with traditional finishing oils. I hope that is true in the long term.
I'm using a combination of shellac (from ultra blond chips) and ultra clear polyurethane overcoats for my current baltic birch plywood projects, to maintain the clearest finish. I don't suspect that would be an issue with a HomePod. Either way, I'll be on the lookout for any silicone oil in finish products.
Reminds me of a time where I spilled a bottle of tea tree oil, and it melted through anything plastic like it was acid.
I inadvertently discovered Silicone Fuel tubing will absorb Silicone Oil (R/C car shocks).