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The issue about the FineWoven material Apple is now using for its accessories is still not over. With this, the giant has updated its support document, saying the material can be easily cleaned using liquid laundry detergent. Removing scratches on its surface, however, is a different story.

The move follows the series of criticisms Apple customers have expressed online over the new FineWoven material. As pointed out by different users, the material is easy to collect stains and scratches. iFixit also affirmed this in a recent teardown review of the FineWoven case, revealing how quick it is to damage it with a fingernail.

However, the negative image of the material seems so serious that even Apple has to instruct its workers on how to properly answer customers’ queries about it. Part of those instructions is the proper cleanup for the material.

In its updated Apple product cleanup document, the company has added a dedicated part for the cleaning instructions for the new iPhone FineWoven cases. The company says:

  1. In a clean container, mix 1 tsp. (5 mL) of liquid laundry detergent into 1 cup (250 mL) of water.
  2. Dip a lint-free cloth into the soapy water solution, wring it out slightly, and rub the cloth on the case surfaces gently for 1 minute.
  3. Wipe the case clean with a separate cloth that’s slightly dampened with fresh water.
  4. Dry the case with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth, making sure to remove any excess moisture.

While this should be a relief for many who own FineWoven cases, it is important to note that it is still not an assurance that the stains or scratches will successfully be removed in this manner. As the document notes, it could only “reduce the appearance of scratches.” iFixit confirmed this in its review after an attempt to remove oil stains from the FineWoven surface using detergent:

We tried scrubbing the spot with detergent and managed to lighten the spot, but it’s still visible.

The review also explained why the removal of scratches would be impossible, especially serious ones:

When we scratched the surface, the jostled threads didn’t actually break, nor was the dye damaged. Rather, the scratch-jostled fibers reflect light irregularly compared to the untouched bunches, creating a lasting visual mark.

With all of these things, it seems the FineWoven issue is here to stay as long as Apple chooses to continuously use the material on its accessories. So, what’s the best solution for this? As we’ve noted before, you either let your new iPhone 15 show off its beauty or, as Apple said, resort to its silicone and clear case variants.