How To: Clean your MagSafe adapter.

[2097]

I've tried everything from alcohol to hydrogen peroxide to clean my MagSafe adaptor then handed it over to my dad the electrician and now it works like new!

The small pins on the adaptor have springs under them and over time accumulate dirt. I believe the middle small pin is the culprit.

Things needed: Paper towel, WD-40 and a flat screwdriver or a kitchen utensil small enough to push down the pins down slowly and safely.

1. Unplug the adaptor from the wall/socket(power source). *SAFETY*
2. Spray WD40 on the small pins.
3. Wipe excess WD40 with the paper towel.
4. Push down the pins lightly with a screwdriver or kitchen utensil, enough to get the pins moving.
5. Wipe anymore excess WD-40.
6. Blow cool air on it if needed.
7. Test adaptor.

Another thing to point out is that when removing the adaptor from its socket on the macbook, don't tug the wire, grab it from the hard part and remove it.

Hopefully you guys can sticky this. Should help people that have trouble with the MagSafe adaptors.

 

[kellen]

I would be interested if anyone has any tips on cleaning the wire part of it. Mine has gotten dirty over time. Alcohol wipes haven't helped.

 

[2097]

I would be interested if anyone has any tips on cleaning the wire part of it. Mine has gotten dirty over time. Alcohol wipes haven't helped.

Use WD-40 but in a "very well ventilated area" because you're cleaning a big amount.

 

[Azathoth]

I've tried everything from alcohol to hydrogen peroxide to clean my MagSafe adaptor then handed it over to my dad the electrician and now it works like new!

The small pins on the adaptor have springs under them and over time accumulate dirt. I believe the middle small pin is the culprit.

Things needed: Paper towel, WD-40 and a flat screwdriver or a kitchen utensil small enough to push down the pins down slowly and safely.

1. Unplug the adaptor from the wall/socket(power source). *SAFETY*
2. Spray WD40 on the small pins.
3. Wipe excess WD40 with the paper towel.
4. Push down the pins lightly with a screwdriver or kitchen utensil, enough to get the pins moving.
5. Wipe anymore excess WD-40.
6. Blow cool air on it if needed.
7. Test adaptor.

Another thing to point out is that when removing the adaptor from its socket on the macbook, don't tug the wire, grab it from the hard part and remove it.

Hopefully you guys can sticky this. Should help people that have trouble with the MagSafe adaptors.

As a senior HW engineer I would not use WD40 on delicate electronics. It's a grease that's meant for water displacement.

1. Unplug
2. use a cotton bud / q-tip clean with a small amount of pure isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol) to depress the individual pins
3. leave to dry for a few minutes

Isopropanol is the standard for cleaning high-frequency Au-plated test connectors and cables - including 2foot VNA measurement cables that cost *as much as your entire MBP*

PS pressing down with a screwdriver will damage the Au plating on the pins - use a soft plastic tool / cotton button instead

 

[thehumble1]

I do use the WD-40, but only enough to moisten a q-tip, then I blot it on a paper towel.

I also use a bit of an acidic solution (vinegar or such) on both the male and female bits, which cleans off any corrosion created by the poor connection inherent in the magsafe. Having gold connectors helps reduce the corrosion, but I find that random crud gets caught in there and causes resistance.

I always follow up with Iso. Alcohol to help expel the water and clean off any dirt or residue not picked up by the WD-40.

 

[glenthompson]

I prefer contact cleaner over WD40 because WD40 collects minute dirt particles and makes the problem worse. It can clean stuff of but leaves a unwelcome residue.