How to fix a malodorous laptop?

January 5, 2008 6:23 PM

How do you remove an odor from a laptop without killing the laptop (or yourself)?

I recently bought a new-to-me iBook G3 from somebody in the middle of Massachusetts. I didn't notice it when I got it, but I realized that the computer smelled like barbecue sauce. It isn't that big of a deal, but it's sooooo annoying.

I did read about the burning glue issue on iBook G3s, but I don't think that's the issue as
a) the whole computer smells like bbq sauce and
b) the cords that came with it smell like bbq sauce.

Thanks!

posted by speek to Computers & Internet (8 answers total)

Don't know if this will work, but I rubbed toothpaste on my laptop to get rid of stains. Maybe it would make your laptop minty-fresh?
posted by smoothhickory at 6:53 PM on January 5, 2008 [1 favorite]

As a one time sufferer of the G3 burning glue issue, I found (or maybe the internet found if I recall) that a laundry dryer sheet inserted under the keyboard helped (somewhat) with odors from within the computer. Said method's applications to barbecue odors left as an exercise for the reader.
posted by jjray at 7:17 PM on January 5, 2008

Maybe too obvious, but: stick it in an enclosed container with an open box of baking soda?
posted by misterbrandt at 7:44 PM on January 5, 2008

I did this to my laptop.
To remove the smell, put a dryer sheet (that you like the smell of) under the keyboard. To put it below the keyboard you remove the two latches at the top of the keyboard. I am not sure about the cord though.
posted by ooklala at 9:39 AM on January 6, 2008

I would try wiping it down with a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and water. Maybe start with the cable to see if that works- it make take a few treatments plus fresh air. There's a number of known carcinogens in dryer sheets, so I'm not a fan of having one right in my face.

Sounds like the previous owner had a wood stove for heat.
posted by oneirodynia at 12:20 PM on January 6, 2008

I'd try wiping it all over with a paper towel dipped in rubbing alcohol, to cut any BBQ-ey grease particles that are on there. Apparently teabags absorb weird smells, too- maybe a night in a plastic box with a handful of teabags? (I'd shake them over the sink to get the tea dust off first). Good luck.
posted by pseudostrabismus at 12:09 AM on January 7, 2008

Response by poster: Turns out that it was an issue with the keyboard... but it was so bad that it migrated around the whole computer + power cord... the power cord smells more like rubber (but it's new).

I've pretty much soaked the laptop in vinegar solution and it smells wonderful (cept for the keyboard, which I'm replacing).


Thanks for all the help!
posted by speek at 7:18 PM on January 7, 2008

Why is this a problem ;-)
posted by Gooberoo at 7:58 AM on January 28, 2008