edgonx

Q: How do I remove dirt from the illuminated apple on the chassis?

Hi all -

 

Asking a fairly insignificant (with regards to functionality, though if you're obsessive over cleanliness like I am, not insignificant at all) question with regards to cleaning slight dirt buildup around the edges of the illuminated apple on the chassis of the MacBook (as I write this, I notice there's also slight buildup around the edges of the trackpad). These issues are entirely aesthetic - they haven't affected functionality in the slightest - but given that this is something I look at, regularly, I'd like to keep it in as good aesthetic condition as possible. I'm hesitant to do much to attempt to clean it out, with my initial attempts proving fruitless, and my fear of damaging anything preventing me from taking any further measures, since I really have no idea what to do. Has anyone had this problem? Can anyone help?

 

Thanks in advance!

MacBook Pro with Retina display

Posted on May 26, 2014 1:12 AM

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Q: How do I remove dirt from the illuminated apple on the chassis?

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Courcoul,

    Courcoul May 26, 2014 1:17 AM in response to edgonx
    Level 6 (14,193 points)
    May 26, 2014 1:17 AM in response to edgonx
  • by edgonx,

    edgonx edgonx May 26, 2014 1:28 AM in response to Courcoul
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 26, 2014 1:28 AM in response to Courcoul

    Thanks for the link, but I've read that already and followed the instructions. They worked wonderfully for cleaning everything except the things I've described above - the dirt is embedded in the edges such that a cloth cannot pick it up.

     

    Edit: here's an image that clarifies better, though my phone camera's not adequately representing the darkness of the buildup, to the point where much of it hasn't been picked up at all.

    chassisdirt.png

  • by Courcoul,

    Courcoul May 26, 2014 1:35 AM in response to edgonx
    Level 6 (14,193 points)
    May 26, 2014 1:35 AM in response to edgonx

    *sigh* I'll breathe in deeply 5 times and count to 10,000 to regain the calm and avoid a smart aleck retort....

     

    Have you tried blowing it out with a compressed air duster?

  • by edgonx,

    edgonx edgonx May 26, 2014 1:55 AM in response to Courcoul
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 26, 2014 1:55 AM in response to Courcoul

    Save your sigh, it doesn't suggest that anywhere on the page you linked to me and I've already made it clear I have no frame of reference on what to do. I'll try a compressed air duster in the morning when I can go pick one up.

     

    For reference:

     

    "Portables

    MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air

    When cleaning the outside of your MacBook, MacBook Pro, or MacBook Air, first shut down your computer and unplug the power adapter. Then use a damp, soft, lint-free cloth to clean the computer's exterior. Avoid getting moisture in any openings. Do not spray liquid directly on the computer. Don't use aerosol sprays, solvents, abrasives, or cleaners containing hydrogen peroxide that might damage the finish.

    To clean the screen on your MacBook, MacBook Pro, or MacBook Air, first shut down the computer and unplug the power adapter. Dampen the included cleaning cloth with just water and wipe the screen. Do not spray liquid directly onto the screen."

    THAT is what is on the page you linked to me. I have done all of those things. They have fixed a number of my problems. They have not fixed the problem I am inquiring about.

    Thank you for your time! Maybe in the future you'll learn to be less rude to people who don't know as much as you, or, alternatively, you'll learn to read through the links you send before attempting to make others feel bad for not catching information that was never provided.

  • by SimNico,

    SimNico SimNico Jan 23, 2015 6:53 AM in response to edgonx
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 23, 2015 6:53 AM in response to edgonx

    You can use the edges or a corner of a thin sheet of paper/plastic for instance. It works better with thin, hard paper like the one envelopes are made of.