Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

hajime

macrumors G3
Original poster
Jul 23, 2007
8,134
1,394
Hi, when I turned it on few weeks ago, there was a very strange smell. I left it alone and tried again. Same thing. Anybody has an idea what it is? How to get rid of it? It is still a very very good laptop.
 
Hi, when I turned it on few weeks ago, there was a very strange smell. I left it alone and tried again. Same thing. Anybody has an idea what it is? How to get rid of it? It is still a very very good laptop.

What sort of ‘strange smell’? Electrical, burning or something else?
 
It is difficult to explain. At least does not smell like burning plastic. It is kind of like perfume. Have not encountered this kind of smell before. Could it be mole inside the computer? I can see dirt surrounding most keys. I guess if I am going to use it instead of buying a M1 Mac, I need to clean it.
 
Could it be mole inside the computer?

Assuming that was a typo for "mold", then I'd say I doubt it. I've never encountered mold that smelled like perfume before.

You might want to disassemble the computer a bit to "deep clean" it:

 
I was going to type, "could be a rat....."
as usagora stated, clean out the macbook pro and you should be fine.
and make sure the electric chord and power supply are not the cause.

Does not seem to be related to the cord and the power supply as it smells even without them.
 
  • Like
Reactions: MBAir2010
Could be some perfume or an air freshener that was in the same room that has attached to buildup in the fans. Like it was said above, take the back plate off and give it a good cleaning.
 
I don't use perfume nor air freshener. What is the proper way of good cleaning? That video just shows how to disassemble the laptop.
 
I don't know how, but if there is any arcing of a bad connection, it would produce small amounts of Ozone which has a "sweet" smell. Follow the suggested cleaning recommendations.
 
It could potentially be the battery. If I remember correctly Li-Ion batteries give off a sweet smell if they’ve swollen open. Double check yours for visible swelling.
 
It could potentially be the battery. If I remember correctly Li-Ion batteries give off a sweet smell if they’ve swollen open. Double check yours for visible swelling.
For a 12 year old laptop, I'd definitely consider a battery issue. And I'd get eyes on that battery before using the laptop. Honestly, if I really was going to use the laptop on a regular basis, I'd have the battery replaced. The battery must be shot at this point. It could, theoretically, be dangerous and that smell could be the warning.
 
For a 12 year old laptop, I'd definitely consider a battery issue. And I'd get eyes on that battery before using the laptop. Honestly, if I really was going to use the laptop on a regular basis, I'd have the battery replaced. The battery must be shot at this point. It could, theoretically, be dangerous and that smell could be the warning.
then again my MacBook air 2010 battery is still working great,
and will out last any of the one being sold online, OWC only promises 3 years.
i could not get a better battery today!

apple did a great job supping those Macbooks with long lasting batteries.
 
then again my MacBook air 2010 battery is still working great,
and will out last any of the one being sold online, OWC only promises 3 years.
i could not get a better battery today!

apple did a great job supping those Macbooks with long lasting batteries.
That is amazing! But I would guess that is not typical. Batteries degrade. They should not be executed to last forever. And there are good reasons to replace them prior to failure.
 
  • Like
Reactions: MBAir2010
That is amazing! But I would guess that is not typical. Batteries degrade. They should not be executed to last forever. And there are good reasons to replace them prior to failure.
i would, but if it aint broken......
My 2019 dell xps 13" needs a new one, but im waiting.
 
Maybe the battery is swelling? If it’s leaking it will have a sweet chemical smell if that makes sense
 
  • Like
Reactions: hajime
Hi @TallManNY and @MBAir2010

Today I replaced the battery. You are right. That strange smell is from the battery. What created that smell? Is it toxic?
Time to throw it away?

After taking it out, some residue smell remain in the battery compartment and the bottom of the trackpad. Is there a good way to get rid of that smell?
 
I would suggest to clean battery surroundings with acetone.

But honestly it's quite amazing how long it can generate the residual smell even after you've already replaced the battery for a new one.
 
  • Like
Reactions: hajime
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.