Level 1

12 points

Brand new Macbook smells like mildew

Just purchased the brand new Macbook Air (2/2022) & when I opened the box it smelled like a wet basement! I decided to turn it on and start setting it up, and literally had to stop because the smell made me sick to my stomach! Also, there were scratches all over the shell of the computer! Did they send me a used laptop for $1,000 + ????

I contacted Apple Support, and after a VERY long conversation (and being laughed at) I was told I would receive a return label via e-mail...well, it's been 3 days, and the only email I got was telling me "there is a problem with your order, please contact us" ...beyond frustrated! We have been Apple fans for years (many iphones, computers, airpods, apple watches, etc.), and have NEVER had an experience like this!

I am not one to complain...I'm that person that always gives good reviews, very few bad...but this is unacceptable, and I'm just not sure what to do!

MacBook Air (2020 or later)

Posted on Feb 19, 2022 6:31 AM

Top-ranking reply

NannyGM123

Level 1

8 points

Posted on Jun 26, 2022 2:43 PM

I returned my horrible mold smelling brand new MacBook Air the next day and got a new one. Opened it up and yup, same smell, but MUCH MUCH less intense. I couldn’t get anywhere near the first one the smell was so bad. I decided to keep the lesser smelling one and I cleaning the cord (yes the problem IS the cord) with water and dish detergent and hung it to dry and air out. The smell is almost gone.

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30 replies

Mar 31, 2022 6:22 PM in response to John Galt

It’s the computer too. I’m now on my third. yes, i have had to send 2 Macbooks back already because they both smelled like mold. I hope this time is the charm. I will keep you posted.

Mar 31, 2022 6:25 PM in response to skoorey

It was not the glue in mine. It was the machine. Anyway, no one should accept mold spores in a new computer. The fact that they are present means moisture was present.

Gmomof5 Author

Level 1

12 points

Mar 26, 2022 1:19 PM in response to skoorey

I just don't get it..this is NOT the Apple that I knew & loved..we have been fans for years..everything Apple. I can't believe after all of the complaints that nothing is being done, and they just make excuses. The old Apple would have been contacting each customer with an apology, along with a gift card for your next purchase! So disappointed :(

May 2, 2022 2:05 PM in response to Gmomof5

I have the same problem with a very bad odor from the power cable of my brand new MacBookPro. I had to recharge the computer and when I took the cable from the box the odor of mildew actually made me gag. What is Apple going to do about this? Anything?

May 20, 2022 2:49 PM in response to BrendaTheCat

OMG I am in disbelief that I just dropped $1,000 and I am knocked over by the moldy musty mildew smell!!!! I simply cannot stomach using the computer! It’s going back but I fear I will just get another mildew smelling one!!!! WTF is going on here!!!!!!??????? My MacBook Pro from 2012 was beautiful and perfect and not smelly but unfortunately it just died.😞

Jun 1, 2022 5:29 AM in response to kcress8

i have called Apple three times and told them about this issue and every rep I speak with is unaware there is any smell problem at all. Maybe Apple should google. “Why does my MacBook Air smell like mildew?” and get educated!!!!

Jun 1, 2022 10:25 AM in response to skoorey

I took the new MacBook to the Apple Store. They tried to sell me another cable that smelled just as bad. I had to pay $35 dollars for a different cable. They should have replaced the cable free of charge. What is happening to Apple? They don't stand behind their loyal customers. They have made so many poor decisions with their newer MacBooks and software. Wish I had my old faithful MacBook back.

nync

Level 1

8 points

Jun 23, 2022 4:06 PM in response to Gmomof5

Just received mine June 22nd. 2022. Smelled immediately as I opened the box! Like mold or mildew. I am extremely sensitive. I had terrible dizziness at night, like vertigo. I did nothing else in the day that would have caused this. I am frustrated since it took all night to migrate all my data over to the new Mac. If your problem was solved please let me know what was done.

Jun 29, 2022 4:39 PM in response to kcress8

I would like to hear from APPLE with at least an acknowledgment of this problem and maybe an apology for all the trouble people are dealing with!!!!! It’s certainly was a major inconvenience for me having to travel a distance to return a brand new computer !

Gmomof5 Author

Level 1

12 points

Mar 7, 2022 5:14 PM in response to John Galt

Yes, I think the smell came from the cord

Gmomof5 Author

Level 1

12 points

Mar 7, 2022 5:15 PM in response to BrendaTheCat

So strange...I've been an Apple customer for years, and never had this issue!

Gmomof5 Author

Level 1

12 points

Mar 8, 2022 3:19 PM in response to John Galt

Yes John, my thought exactly..what's very strange is, I ordered directly from the Apple website!

Mar 31, 2022 6:26 PM in response to Gmomof5

I too ordered directly from Apple.

sandy526

Level 1

4 points

May 7, 2022 7:35 AM in response to cupcake917

My new MacBook Air was delivered yesterday. The box and cable reek like mold/mildew, but the computer itself does not smell. I am glad there are others with the issue, I thought it was just me.

May 20, 2022 2:36 PM in response to Gmomof5

Just bought a new MacBook Air and it STINKS LIKE MILDEW!!!!! I can’t stand it I must return it. This is absolutely a problem and it’s disgusting. I hope I can get one that doesn’t smell.

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Brand new Macbook smells like mildew