discoloration/staining on the Ionic casing

[PaulAvo]

I have had my Ionic coming up to 4 months. I believe the casing is made of aluminium (aircraft quality?)  I am a very careful person; I look after it extremely well as if it was a £1000 watch.

This week I was very disappointed to find there is discolouration/staining on one part of the casing. It is not an abrasion; if you wet it, it disappears temporarily.  I clean the tracker once a week it is otherwise unmarked. I believe aluminium is susceptible to tarnish and oxidization. I do not immerse it in water.  Is anyone else experiencing this cosmetic problem? If so have you been able to remove the staining?  I am hesitant to attempt to remove it with a cotton bud and some sort of preparation.

I would be interested to read your comments. Thanks.

Moderator edit: updated subject for clarity

[MarreFitbit]

Welcome to the Fitbit Community @PaulAvo! Sorry to hear your case is still stained after trying our care tips. I can tell you're a very careful person! 

I have reached out to our support team and created a case regarding your inquiry. Someone will be reaching out to you within the next 24-72 hours with next steps. 

Point me out if there's anything else I can do for you in the meantime. 

[PaulAvo]

@MarreFitbit

[PaulAvo]

Thanks for acknowledging my post it was appreciated. I have not attempted to remove the staining yet in case I make things worse. Maybe it's salts from persperation ? I will wait for any advice given. Thanks again. Regards, Paul.

[SunsetRunner · Accepted solution]

Mine discolored within 5 weeks, support decided to replace it. The second one discolored within 2 weeks. They recommend cleaning with alcohol wipes, this only makes it look worse. I decided to try a jewelry cloth, and the finish is now restored.....give that a try.

[PaulAvo]

Many thanks, I will give it a try - Don't know what a jewellery cloth is but will google it.

[PaulAvo]

@SunsetRunner@MarreFitbit

I have ordered a 'Goddards silver' jewellery cloth intended for silver and other jewellery/objects. It's use for silver should make it very gentle. The staining is not seen to be abrassions on close inspection with a microscope. The cloth has anti-tarnish properties. which hopefully will restore the finish. Regards, Paul.

[PaulAvo]

@SunsetRunner  @MarreFitbit

I can understand the alcohol drying/cleaning the case too well it would remove the natural surface film. If  you were to wet the case lightly with your finger the tarnish disappears for a short while. I am hoping the anti-tarnish elements of the jewellery cloth will make this effect last longer and the cloth can be incorporated in the weekly cleaning of the Ionic.

[PaulAvo]

@SunsetRunner     @MarreFitbit

Hi People,

I would say the cloth solution is 90% effective using a german cloth bought for a £1 off Ebay. If you use the cloth more vigorously each and every time you clean the Ionic I believe the tarnish will disappear completely. I would like to try another cloth to see if it would work better. Emil, if you could give me the brand you used I would appreciate it. Many thanks. Paul

[ortizsa65]

We have experienced the same. Casing has stained and faded very quickly. Fitbit will not replace claiming it does not affect functionality. I disaggree, When you buy a product its about overall quality-looks and functionality. Have bought six Fitbit products over the last few years and I thinkn Fitbit is being penny pinching and pound foolish. May have to consider its competition next time we are in the market for a new tracker.

[PaulAvo]

The casing does to a degree receive minor staining, which can only be
partly removed/improved by using some friction with a 'Jewellers cloth' I
believe if enough purchasers of the 'Ionic' report on this problem it
should be listened to, and 'Fitbit' should address the problem; in the
first instance to seek a solution within their research & Development Dept.

I would agree, that with the price tag attached to this device the case
should resist staining and maintain good cosmetic appearance. In my own
case stains are minimal and probably acceptable considering the time period
I have had my 'Ionic'

[ilbostoniano]

I have the same problem with a discoloring Ionic in the back. I contacted customer service and crated a case (case#32057635) but I have not heard back. Pretty strange that not after 6 months the watch changes color. Are you not supposed to use as you exercise?