Cleaning a MagSafe port on MacBook Air Mid 2011

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Cleaning a MagSafe port on MacBook Air Mid 2011

Hey just a quick question, my girlfriend just had a horrible scare. Her MacBook Air was running perfectly this week and just got back yesterday from a work conference and we went to plug in the MagSafe adapter and all of a sudden it wouldn't light up amber or anything. It was strange! I had just purchased that adapter around a year ago and honestly it has been great. I had to replace the old one because there was a drink spilled on it. Her MagSafe port is a little dirty, and I'm just wondering if that may be causing the charging issues. It took around 30 seconds of it being connected for the amber light to light up. Never has that occurred with either that MacBook or my own. Any ideas let me know, I was going to use Hydrogen peroxide but I am a little weary of using it. I work for a repair place and we use 99% alcohol to clean most charge ports and components on mother boards. But because I am not at work obviously I don't have that. Is hydrogen peroxide okay to use for the port? Any good ideas let me know! Thank you!

MacBook Air, OS X Mavericks (10.9.2)

Posted on Aug 9, 2014 6:50 PM

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Answer 1

Aug 9, 2014 7:03 PM in response to benjames722

Dirt and corrosion will surely cause problems and mess up the charging...a great source of tips on dealing with MagSafe is the knowledge base article on troubleshooting:Apple Portables: Troubleshooting MagSafe adapters

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Answer 2

benjames722 Author

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Aug 9, 2014 7:08 PM in response to Ralph Landry1

Thank you for such a quick response! I've actually read that previous when I was trying to trouble shoot the old adapter with the spill on it. I ended up figuring it out, but sadly it would connect to the computer and keep it on but it wouldn't charge! Anyway, its working right now and her MacBook is charging fine. Do you know of anything good to clean the port with? Thanks again!

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Answer 3

Aug 9, 2014 7:16 PM in response to benjames722

Hydrogen Peroxide is fair, electronics grade alcohol is better as it contains much less water. Rubbing alcohol has a lot of water so you have to be careful.

I would try an electronic or computer supply for good quality alcohol, some places like Radio Shack or MicrCenter or Frye's in the US are pretty good.

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Answer 4

benjames722 Author

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Aug 9, 2014 7:20 PM in response to benjames722

Alright I'll have to bring it into work and clean it up good. I work for a Cell Phone Repair in Wisconsin and we have the electronics grade stuff everywhere in the shop! I've got about 3 on my bench alone. Just wondering though, I mean at work as far as motherboard corrosion or corrosion on other parts the phones/tablets/some laptops I have been using just either a soft bristle toothbrush or one that is a little stronger. That would be alright to use correct? I don't see why not. If you have any other suggestions I am more than open, thanks!

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Answer 5

Aug 9, 2014 7:25 PM in response to benjames722

That brush should work, and then a careful wipe-down with the electronics cleaner. I have used a Q-tip but a brush designed for electronics work is even better. It is rare to have fellow users with access to that kind of stuff 🙂

It is really a matter of using the knowledge you already have, unlike most folks, and the caution needed to not get moisture inside the computer.

The hardest part for me is a strong light that is small enough to REALLY see inside the port so I can get at the dirt and corrosion.

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