How to clean E500 black foam tips?

[freeflier]

I just got some of the new glossy black Shure shaped foam tips for my E500s . Shure claims they can be cleaned but doesn't give instructions. Any one know how best to do this. Can you use alcohol wipes?

 

[Spyro]

The general consensus is mild soap but I am not a big fan of soap and water for this purpose. Soap can leave a residue and I would imagine hard water would be a culprit too.

Go ahead and use alcohol wipes on the first pair after several uses and just see how long the pair lasts with this method. Them try soap and water with the second pair and see how long those last.

 

[Sugarfried]

I don't recommend alcohol wipes. They will degrade the "skinned" portion of the sleeve very quickly and it will shorten the life of the foam significantly.

To clean them:

- Remove them from the earphones. It's best to remove them with a moderate grip on the sleeve and a slow twisting motion. Pulling too hard may cause the bond between the foam and the insert to weaken.

- Run the sleeves under warm (not hot) water and gently rub away any wax or dirt. A mild soap or dish detergent may be used but is not required. The "skin" on the foam doesn't allow anything to be absorbed, so all you need to do is wipe away what's there.

- Let them dry for a few hours (overnight is what I do) and re-install them when they are dry.


I want to reiterate that alcohol will significantly reduce the life span of the black foam by degrading the skin.

I hope you like them!

 

[ronin74]

SugarFried; Thanks for the cleaning instructions, mine are due. BTW what is the official Shure nomenclature for these things? I've been calling them black olive tips--pitted without the pimento.

 

[aris]

where did you purchase them?

 

[ronin74]

Quote:

Originally Posted by aris /img/forum/go_quote.gif where did you purchase them?

At the Head-Fest, Shure Table, Sugerfried, et al, was handing them out as swag (free!!!). You shoulda-been-there.

 

[Spyro]

Sugarfried, Thanks for the great info!

 

[freeflier]

Sugarfried,
Thanx for the info.

Ps You can buy them at Headroom.

 

[plywood99]

And they are the best foamies for sure. Absolutely love the comfort and fell of em...


Ply

 

[Autochthon]

This may seem nuts but I've tried removing the Black foamies from these new e500's (they came installed) and I can't. I follow the directions to use firm grip and twist slowly while pulling gently and they don't budge. I'm afraid I'm going to tear the tip right off the body of the earphones. So what am I doing wrong?

 

[Spyro]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Autochthon /img/forum/go_quote.gif This may seem nuts but I've tried removing the Black foamies from these new e500's ( they came installed) and I can't. I follow the directions to use firm grip and twist slowly while pulling gently and they don't budge. I afraid I'm going to tear the tip right off the body of the earphones. So what am I doing wrong?

Yes, me too. Exactly! Granted the E530 has a barb unlike E4's but I feel I was putting waaaay too much stress on the nozzle and decided to not mess with it (for now). I just hope the nozzle is real strong.

 

[Autochthon]

Well I managed to get the tips off. All it took was some moral support from Sugarfried, the grip strength of a rock climber and massive torque