Re: safe laptops - washing off plastic smell

May 27, 2009

>This really works? Then I am going to try a Dell-it's got a magnesium alloy

casing but everything else is plastic-I'm hoping for a reduced amount of toxins

that, as you say, maybe I can wash off. I'm in NYC so keeping it in the sun for

3 days will be tricky but I can hope for some nice weather.

Thanks, Surella

>

> For those mechanically inclined, there are repair manuals online that

> show you how to disassemble all the plastic parts off. Why do this?

> The plastic parts when made have a spray on release compound that

> is " safe " enough now, that it is not washed off. It dissolves in about

> 5 seconds in a spray of water. I brush with soap anyway. Towel

> dry, sun for 8 hours, and let dry overnight, just to be sure you do not

> put water into the re-assembled laptop. A visual inspection of all

> the small cavities is critical.

>

> Why do all this? The plastic smell is actually from the release compound.

> At least 95% of it.

>

> I take apart all my new electronics and wash the plastic. Monitors,

computers,

> calculator, phones, cell phones, remote controls... but then I am a qualified

> electronic technician, and putting them back together is easy for me.

> But some things I take digital pictures, where the screws came from,

> the wires were routed.

>

> Point of this post... if you can not take it apart, at least do what you can.

>

> And let dry outside for in the sun for 3 days!!!! You've been warned.

> Take it in at night so morning condensation is not a problem.

>

> Do not use any harsh chemicals. Water is enough. Soap is not needed.

>

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