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Could I have damaged my machine/best way to clean?

B

Bloodsport

macrumors newbie
Original poster
May 1, 2014
12
0
Hi there,

So I have a retina-display Macbook Pro 2014. I had a little build up of gunk in the vents between the body and the display screen (talking hair, to be more TMI). I decided the best thing to do would be to stick a smaller nozzle on my vacuum and get in there to suck it all up. Ended up afterwards being told that vacuuming a laptop could severely damage the fan and cause a static energy build up inside the machine. Is there any risk to what I've done? I was really just vacuuming the exterior.

I'm kinda paranoid about keeping this machine in a really good condition since it was a present :D.

What would you use to clean the area and the keyboard generally? Is compressed air good?

Many thanks and responses appreciated.
 
Bloodsport said:
Hi there,

So I have a retina-display Macbook Pro 2014. I had a little build up of gunk in the vents between the body and the display screen (talking hair, to be more TMI). I decided the best thing to do would be to stick a smaller nozzle on my vacuum and get in there to suck it all up. Ended up afterwards being told that vacuuming a laptop could severely damage the fan and cause a static energy build up inside the machine. Is there any risk to what I've done? I was really just vacuuming the exterior.

I'm kinda paranoid about keeping this machine in a really good condition since it was a present :D.

What would you use to clean the area and the keyboard generally? Is compressed air good?

Many thanks and responses appreciated.
Click to expand...

I've used a vacuum for years on my Macs, but not my household one. I sitck with the small electronics style ones that's perfect for cleaning vents.
It's news to me about the possibility of vacuuming damaging a laptop or desktop, but if you're concerned you could always switch to compressed air. Honestly I think you're in the clear and I wouldn't worry. I would just make sure the machine is fully powered off before doing any cleaning.
 
I use a soft toothbrush for getting into the nooks on my rMBP and iklear apple polish for cleaning.

I wouldn't worry about any damage caused by vacuuming, the risk is very minimal, just don't do it again.
 
Thanks for the response guys.

I powered down the Macbook Pro and was using an ordinary household cleaner with a nozzle on it to get right in there. I've already bought some compressed air for next time. I just wanted to be sure I've not done any bad damage to my precious machine :D.
 
Unless you open it up, all compressed air will do is push the dust/hair INTO the computer. Sure, some will make it out but you'll just need to go back and clean it again sooner. I use compressed air but I disassemble the cooling system before I use it, for a more thorough cleaning.
 
hallux said:
Unless you open it up, all compressed air will do is push the dust/hair INTO the computer. Sure, some will make it out but you'll just need to go back and clean it again sooner. I use compressed air but I disassemble the cooling system before I use it, for a more thorough cleaning.
Click to expand...

I was also worried about that, hence why I thought the suction of a hoover/vacuum would be better at removing the hair/dust from that particular vent. But as I said, apparently it's really bad for the machine. Maybe I should invest in a laptop designed hoover or something.
 
Bloodsport said:
I was also worried about that, hence why I thought the suction of a hoover/vacuum would be better at removing the hair/dust from that particular vent. But as I said, apparently it's really bad for the machine. Maybe I should invest in a laptop designed hoover or something.
Click to expand...


Yes, depending on the environmental conditions the movement of the air across the board and chips can build static electricity which is a Bad Thing in the electronics world. In humid climates it may not be so bad, do it in Arizona and it's a different story.
 
hallux said:
Yes, depending on the environmental conditions the movement of the air across the board and chips can build static electricity which is a Bad Thing in the electronics world. In humid climates it may not be so bad, do it in Arizona and it's a different story.
Click to expand...

Humidity is 80% in London today (which begs the question why I'm using American terminology) so I should be fine. :p

If I did do any damage though, how would it manifest itself?
 
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