Apple HomePod can stain surfaces it is left on, company says

If you're worried about marks, you should probably move your smart speaker somewhere else, Apple advises

The HomePod, notably not on a wooden surface that would show marks (REUTERS/Stephen Lam)

Apple's new smart speaker can stain the surfaces it is left on, the company has said.

Numerous reports online claim that the plastic bottom of the new smart speaker can leave a ring-shaped mark wherever the HomePod has been. The problem appears limited to specific woods that have been treated in particular ways – but when it happens, a visible white ring is left on the otherwise brown surface.

Now Apple has acknowledged the problem and said that many speakers that have silicone bases, which keep the vibration from rattling the surface, can cause this kind of discoloration. It only appears to happen on some wooden surfaces that have been treated by oils – but those surfaces are often used on kitchen worktops, and that represents one of the key places that people will be using the new speaker.

The problem should go away in a few days, once the speaker is moved away from the surface. If it doesn't, it should be able to wipe off when the surface is cleaned.

But the company suggests that anyone concerned about the problems leave it somewhere else. That's according to a new support article that aims to help people look after their new £319 speaker.

That might also include putting it on a coaster, the standard size of which can perfectly fit the relatively small base of the HomePod. Some have also suggested that the Apple sticker that comes in the HomePod box is the perfect place to rest the speaker, and yet more have pointed out that it's likely that third parties will create special holders for anyone wanting to keep their

"It is not unusual for any speaker with a vibration-dampening silicone base to leave mild marks when placed on some wooden surfaces," the support document 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 support document also gives two other important pieces of advice. It suggests that the speaker should be kept away from all sources of heat – radiators and stoves, as well as candles or cigarettes that might set it alight – as well as anything that might get it damp, such as drinks, sinks, baths or pools.