My MacBook smells like sweat and B.O.

[cocacolakid]

I bought a used Macbook 1.83 core duo online. It works perfectly, case is in nice condition, etc.

However, the keyboard/top case smells horrible, like musty sweat or B.O.

I know there was an issue with G3 iBook keyboards and the adhesive Apple used, but I haven't found any issues online when I search for this.

I cleaned the top case, and have used a dry cloth on the keyboard, but don't want to risk cleaning the actual keyboard. The Mac works great, it doesn't smell at all when it's closed, but as soon as it opens it stinks. I've put sheets of fabric softener on the keyboard when it's running, left them on it overnight, left them on it for days at a time, and it still stinks. I've left the Mac open for days, etc. No luck.

Anyone have this issue before? Any suggestions? Since it's working perfectly I'm not that crazy about opening it up and replacing the top case/keyboard, but I would very much like to get rid of this smell.

 

[east85]

I bought a used Macbook 1.83 core duo online. It works perfectly, case is in nice condition, etc.

However, the keyboard/top case smells horrible, like musty sweat or B.O.

I know there was an issue with G3 iBook keyboards and the adhesive Apple used, but I haven't found any issues online when I search for this.

I cleaned the top case, and have used a dry cloth on the keyboard, but don't want to risk cleaning the actual keyboard. The Mac works great, it doesn't smell at all when it's closed, but as soon as it opens it stinks. I've put sheets of fabric softener on the keyboard when it's running, left them on it overnight, left them on it for days at a time, and it still stinks. I've left the Mac open for days, etc. No luck.

Anyone have this issue before? Any suggestions? Since it's working perfectly I'm not that crazy about opening it up and replacing the top case/keyboard, but I would very much like to get rid of this smell.

I would attempt to remove each key individually, obtain a q-tip and some rubbing alcohol (lightly add the rubbing alcohol to the q-tip, don't soak it) and clean the underside of each key, along with the framing under the keys.

A quick google search lead me to this demonstration of key removal on the white Macbook:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E--mfTViQVM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QhlpFIrIw0

Another user may be able to provide a better guide to key removal that's hosted here (as I'm sure there's one), but good luck. Honestly, if you do this and clean each key, but still have this issue I would be at a loss if opening the case is out of the question.

 

[cocacolakid]

I would attempt to remove each key individually, obtain a q-tip and some rubbing alcohol (lightly add the rubbing alcohol to the q-tip, don't soak it) and clean the underside of each key, along with the framing under the keys.

A quick google search lead me to this demonstration of key removal on the white Macbook:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E--mfTViQVM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QhlpFIrIw0

Another user may be able to provide a better guide to key removal that's hosted here (as I'm sure there's one), but good luck. Honestly, if you do this and clean each key, but still have this issue I would be at a loss if opening the case is out of the question.

Thanks. I just tried this on one key and I was surprised how dirty it was after the Q-Tip cleaning. I'll try it on the rest when I get time and see if that solves it. If it really is just the keys stinking from sweat or whatever, I don't want to picture how this was used. LOL.

 

[east85]

Thanks. I just tried this on one key and I was surprised how dirty it was after the Q-Tip cleaning. I'll try it on the rest when I get time and see if that solves it. If it really is just the keys stinking from sweat or whatever, I don't want to picture how this was used. LOL.

Hahaha I don't blame you, would not want to know either. I'd search around for info on some of the bigger keys though. I'm not absolutely sure because I've never done it before but the spacebar, caps, shift, enter, delete, tab, keys (bigger ones) might be a bit different. I'm really not sure.

 

[Macman45]

Maybe after a hard workout in a gym....Sweat pouring down on the keys...Yuch...Hope you get it fixed...

 

[rdowns]

First owner probably put his sweaty gym clothes and jock in his laptop bag.