Really, cleaning an iPod is as simple as using on. ;-P
- Take out your earphones.
- Put ‘Hold’ on.
- Take a bottle of Dettol, or in fact any usable cleaning alcohol.
- Take some cotton and add some amount of cleaning alcohol on it (amount should be directly proportional to the last time you cared to clean your iPod)
- Start with the clickwheel, rubbing in a circular manner, and then proceed to do the other surfaces. Do not forget the top and bottom. Try to be a bit easy on the bottom, coz’ you have connectors there. YOU DO NOT WANT TO SHORT CIRCUIT YOUR IPOD!
- Leave it to dry for a couple of minutes. The alcohol will evaporate, so there isn’t much of a problem of it ‘drowning’ you iPod. Still, if you want to be extra careful, clean it immediately after putting the alcohol.
- Clean the iPod using some more cotton and water. Same procedure.
- Wipe the iPod clean. Very important, coz’ water CAN enter the iPod.
You’re done. You’ll notice an extra shine on the clickwheel, if you have a white one. Especially if you use it without the cover.
I myself even managed to clean ball point pen marks from my clickwheel with this method. Very effective. BUT, Apple recommends using only water and a soft, lint-free cloth. You are following my method at your own risk.