Vomit On Early 2011 MBP 13"

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In a series of unfortunate events, my early 2011 13" MacBook Pro got some vomit "splash back" on it. Although it had dried by the time I found it, it appears that only a few isolated areas on the keyboard got some drips. I quickly and easily wiped off the keyboard with tissues and water, and for three days, the computer has been working flawlessly. This morning I noticed that it still smells a little, so I began to google the best way to clean under the keys. There I learned about the corrosion problem that often results from spills on laptops. I read that although the computer my function fine for months after a spill, it will eventually die due to corrosion. With that being said, is corrosion really something to worry about given the relatively small amount of vomit that got on it. I still have 2 years left on my AppleCare, so I would prefer to not void the warranty. Is it worth me individually prying up each key and cleaning the contacts for each? Should I go to ifixit and completely open it up? I am pretty computer-savy and have opened up many windows computers. However, I am sure apple will be able to tell I was in there, and I could very easily screw something else up. I know there is no easy answer here, but I would appreciate any. Advice. Thanks.
 
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I have a lot of experience removing laptop keys, it can be difficult and you will probably break at least 1. I worked for a repair shop, I fixed the laptops I would replace keys that were worn out very often, never had any trouble doing this, but I popped one key up on my personal laptop and cracked in in half. For this I recommend replacing the keyboard, it is also not super easy to remove and clean each key one at a time, you could spend several hours doing this.

As far a your warranty goes, it should be voided because of the vomit, however if they have no proof it happened, so they would never know. Don't walk in there and flat out tell them it was vomited on, they do make hidden notes in the corporate machine report database. It is the same for tearing the laptop apart, they expect some tampering, the hard drive and ram are user replaceable.

In 2011 apple did not use void stickers in the computers, the only way they could tell you were inside the laptop was if you made it obvious you were. Inside the laptop there is tape and thin plastic over things, only remove what you must and if you tear the tape leave it off, the plastic should be replaced if it is torn, but I believe the plastic is only on the under side of the keyboard in this model.

Also, check around for other prices to replace, powerbook medic is good as well. Also, some of this companies have an ebay account a sell a little cheaper on there, they just don't tell anyone. Hope this is helpful
 
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I would get this cleaned ASAP especially the inside as stomach acids are very corrosive!
 

pigoo3

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In 2011 apple did not use void stickers in the computers, the only way they could tell you were inside the laptop was if you made it obvious you were.

Depends on what sort of "intrusion" we are talking about. Physical intrusion or liquid intrusion.

Apple does use liquid detection indicators...and has since about 2008. Since the computer being discussed in this thread was vomited on...it's possible that one or more liquid detection indicators may have been triggered.

- Nick
 
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Apple does use liquid detection indicators...and has since about 2008.

That is true, I forgot about those, I am much more familiar with mid 2008 and older, everything before the liquid indicators.

Chances are if it really was just a few drops it would not go passed the keyboard, and would not trigger any of them. The placement looks to be out of the way of splashing a few drops. Here is a document that shows where they are located so you can check this out for your self. Liquid Contact Indicators for Macbook Pro 13-inch 2011
 
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One other consideration, vomit is considered a biohazard. If you take that in for repair, you should tell the repair shop that there is body fluid in the machine. Even dried vomit needs to be handled with care. I spent 35 years in the medical imaging business and laws are quite specific regarding body fluids, handling, cleaning, and even disposal.

Just food for thought....

Bill
 
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One other consideration, vomit is considered a biohazard. If you take that in for repair, you should tell the repair shop that there is body fluid in the machine. Even dried vomit needs to be handled with care. I spent 35 years in the medical imaging business and laws are quite specific regarding body fluids, handling, cleaning, and even disposal.

Just food for thought....

Bill

Never considered that, but I never had vomit on one of my laptops, so I have never been in that situation.
 

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