White/stalt on palm rest area

[matttrick]

Ok, as discussed here https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/341592/ i am having concerns over what i can see as salt residue, im guessing from sweat, on the palm rest area of my MBP. It is only really visible at certain angles but i am sure i can see it.

I have searched for this specific problem without results. I have seen people mention iklear but i believe this requires more to get rid of the salt. i dont want it turning into stains. i dont sweat alot, but when playing wow it gets hot and after a while its bound to happen.

ive thought about removing the top panel and trying to use a wet rag and wash away the salt, but i dont know if there are rust concerns, nor how difficult it may be to remove the panel - or what might be connected to it.

i am of the belief that a lightly damp rag would just push the salt around, and id like to get it off completely.

if anyone has a confirmed safe way to clean this, i would really love to hear it.

 

[vicious7]

A damp cloth (warm) and a dry cloth to buff after should work. And to prevent this from happening again, maybe you should pick up an external KB and mouse.

 

[matttrick]

A damp cloth (warm) and a dry cloth to buff after should work. And to prevent this from happening again, maybe you should pick up an external KB and mouse.

but then there is the huge concern i have of water dripping. even when you wring something out, in order to have enough water to do the job there is the chance of dripping.

id rather know a decent cleaning method i could do every couple months. external stuff really defeats the purpose of a portable to me.

 

[ScottDrummer]

i normally rub it off with my finger.

 

[matttrick]

i appreciate the replies, but what i am really looking for is someone to say "yes/no, it is/is not safe to remove your top panel and give it a more thorough cleaning.

wiping it with my finger will just push it around. the salt sitting on the casing will eventually cause either a stain or pitting, of this i am sure. i just want to remove it safely.

 

[Toasties]

Use Mr. Clean's Magic Eraser. It works like a charm.

You won't need to remove the top panel using that, either.

 

[matttrick]

Use Mr. Clean's Magic Eraser. It works like a charm.

You won't need to remove the top panel using that, either.

someone said they used that in another thread and it left its own kind of residue

 

[ab2650]

Use Mr. Clean's Magic Eraser. It works like a charm.

You won't need to remove the top panel using that, either.

I've seen that recommended too, but I have serious concerns. The Magic Eraser is "Basotect" (made by BASF) which is melamine foam and works like micro-sandpaper. The box doesn't claim any other ingredients than the formaldehyde-melamine so I assume this is what's breaking up stains as well as the abrasion. I'd think twice before using this on a computer... until a 2-year old attacks it with crayons; then it's time for the big guns.

A damp soft towel is all I use.

 

[vicious7]

A damp soft towel is all I use.

Agreed. And with a soft dry towel handy for a quick buff afterwards, all should be well. The reason why I suggested an external KB and mouse was due to the assumption that the primary reason why this "salt" residue is appearing is because of your extensive gaming (i.e. WoW). The KB and mouse would not only make your gaming easier and more enjoyable but would also assist in preventing or diminishing the "salt" residue on your notebook. Afterall, you don't play mobile WoW, do you?