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PSA: If you vape by a computer all day, be sure to clean the internals every so often.

damndirtyvapes

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A few months ago, my laptop shut off and wouldn't turn on. I brought it into Apple who told me there was liquid damage despite my absolutely meticulous care and no-drink rule, quoted $1200.

My meticulous care of my computer doesn't extend to vaping near it, but I'm getting there.

Fortunately I know to get a second opinion before being shaken down, so I did. Long story short, what seemed to be a fried computer really just needed a good cleaning (for less than $50, fuck you very much Apple).

I work mostly from home and am in front of a computer all day. The Mac laptops are known for getting particularly warm due to their aluminum design, and thus fans are often running. Fans that suck in VG-laced vapor.

I have, at times, found VG residue trapped under my phone case, kindle case, places like that. While I am admittedly guessing, I can only imagine that is what made its way into my computer and the guy who cleaned it agreed. Literally nothing else makes sense with the way I treat my laptop, aka my access to livelihood.

The good news is that, again, all was fine in the end. Vaping did not ruin my computer. Vaping probably ruined nobody's computer.

However, it's good to keep in mind that electronics and the humid fog we collectively expel into our living spaces don't mix well. I doubt this would have been a problem if I didn't spend as much time in front of this exact computer as I do. So for most, this is a non-issue. For those who spend a significant chunk of time with especially laptops and especially Macs, I'd say it's a good policy to crack it open and clean it yourself every few months, or else have it done professionally.

That is all!
 

inspects

Squonkamaniac
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I had one of my laptops serviced a few months ago, it had dust glued to the internals. I had to assume it was due to the vapor mixing with dust, in time it just began to run hot. After it was cleaned, no problems. Now I make a habit of trying to exhale in the opposite direction with a fan on and the window open.
 

Mythical_OD

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Hmm, good call out! I never thought of that. I vape A LOT in my bedroom, where Im usually in front of my computer. In fact, I exclusively vape in my bedroom at home. I noticed my window getting "fogged" up aka a film of vape juice, but didnt think of the laptop at all. Ill have to crack it open and see whats up.
 

celticluvr

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Well the thing about laptops is their cramped (very!!) internals. I've had laptops, before vaping, that had the nasty sticky dusty stuff inside it. No moisture whatsoever had been around them. Laptops have to be cleaned more often just because of their mobility. Picking up all kinds of dirt and nasties.

Also I always recommend a cooling pad and to not rest your laptop on the bed amongst blankets. It will cause it to overheat.
 

inspects

Squonkamaniac
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Well the thing about laptops is their cramped (very!!) internals. I've had laptops, before vaping, that had the nasty sticky dusty stuff inside it. No moisture whatsoever had been around them. Laptops have to be cleaned more often just because of their mobility. Picking up all kinds of dirt and nasties.

Also I always recommend a cooling pad and to not rest your laptop on the bed amongst blankets. It will cause it to overheat.
That is also true as well.
 

damndirtyvapes

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Yes, absolutely, laptops have cramped internals and are more likely to pick up lots of crud from bringing them around, putting them in bags and even cases, etc. The bed thing is also true, that they are more likely to overheat in bed and thus the fan will be working overtime.

I've had the buildup of sticky dust before vaping too, but nothing quite like this. There was actual, visible liquid stains... or more like residue in the shape of a liquid stain. It was fairly unmistakable, as much as I wish it were something else. It was also worse around the fans themselves.

The good news is that it seems like an easy fix if you stay on top of it (if you're even someone who needs to "stay on top of it," [Mac] laptop users, high power computer users, those whose computers get extra hot etc.).

I am certainly not trying to scare anyone nor am I even really discouraging from vaping by the computer. It's just a good thing to be aware of, as when my computer first shat out, it didn't even cross my mind!
 
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damndirtyvapes

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Sorry for the double post, but if anyone who sees this DOES decide to open their computer and have a look, it would be awesome if you would post results whether it is sticky and gross or spick-and-span.
 

Whiskey

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LOL, not all of us are very savy with taking our laptops apart and doing a cleaning of the internals, I will say however, that I have been vaping 5 years now and have been using the same laptop the whole time and never had a cleaning of any kind done, that said, It is time to start looking for a new one because the only problem being is that the hinge on the left side is worn out and is starting to blink/short out once in a while.
 

damndirtyvapes

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Again, this is really a concern for those who spend all day in front of their computer. I personally tend to spend literally about 16-18 hours a day on it, most of my waking hours. It's just what work requires. There's very little question what caused the bulk of the problem, though it needed a serious cleaning regardless.

@Whiskey believe me, me neither! Some people are a) more savvy with that kind of stuff and b) have computers that are easily disassembled, the cases anyway. Newer macs have proprietary screws that I sure as shit wouldn't mess with either. I pay to have mine cleaned when I can afford it.
 

scalewiz

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I build my computers and clean them when necessary. Never really noticed any problem from vapor, but I only use desktops which aren't directly in front of my face. I could see how that may be a problem if it is fogged for hours on end.

Having cleaned them for other people too, my greatest caution is for candles and incense. Both are devastatingly dirty.

Vape away!
 

damndirtyvapes

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Yes, this definitely seems to be less of a problem with desktops based on discussions I've had with other vapers. I'm honestly not even sure if it's much of an issue with PC laptops. I know I'm repeating myself some, but even if you don't use it on a bed, the fans in a Mac laptop tend to work harder than many other makes. I would guess this has as much to do with it as anything. I blow out the window now!

I mean, most of us have seen/felt the residue that especially high-VG vapor can leave on windows, windshields, really any non-absorbent surface. It should come as no real surprise that this can happen with computers under certain circumstances, over time.
 

raymo2u

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Yes, this definitely seems to be less of a problem with desktops based on discussions I've had with other vapers. I'm honestly not even sure if it's much of an issue with PC laptops. I know I'm repeating myself some, but even if you don't use it on a bed, the fans in a Mac laptop tend to work harder than many other makes. I would guess this has as much to do with it as anything. I blow out the window now!

I mean, most of us have seen/felt the residue that especially high-VG vapor can leave on windows, windshields, really anything smooth and flat and non-absorbent. It should come as no real surprise that this can happen with computers under certain circumstances, over time.
I sit at my laptop all day and dont experience these issues...I tear it down to make sure it doesnt get clogged with dust and its fans are pretty over powered...

20160217_131203.jpg
 

Superjeep

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My PC as a AIO CPU water cooler and last time I cleaned it I had to take it completely out because the VG residue cakes the dust on the fins of the radiator so I had to actually run water through it then blow it out with air. If you vape around a Pc I would clean it at least every 6 months. It might look ok but once you get in and start handling parts you instantly notice the coating of oily VG.

Soon as you try to wipe the dust off it turns into wet sludge. I actually had visible small VG drops around my fans and when air would intake and exhaust. Crazy stuff. Keep in mind if you live in a newer house with less dust you wont have as big or any issue at all but in my older house its all sorts of dusty.
 

anavidfan

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A few months ago, my laptop shut off and wouldn't turn on. I brought it into Apple who told me there was liquid damage despite my absolutely meticulous care and no-drink rule, quoted $1200.

My meticulous care of my computer doesn't extend to vaping near it, but I'm getting there.

Fortunately I know to get a second opinion before being shaken down, so I did. Long story short, what seemed to be a fried computer really just needed a good cleaning (for less than $50, fuck you very much Apple).

I work mostly from home and am in front of a computer all day. The Mac laptops are known for getting particularly warm due to their aluminum design, and thus fans are often running. Fans that suck in VG-laced vapor.

I have, at times, found VG residue trapped under my phone case, kindle case, places like that. While I am admittedly guessing, I can only imagine that is what made its way into my computer and the guy who cleaned it agreed. Literally nothing else makes sense with the way I treat my laptop, aka my access to livelihood.

The good news is that, again, all was fine in the end. Vaping did not ruin my computer. Vaping probably ruined nobody's computer.

However, it's good to keep in mind that electronics and the humid fog we collectively expel into our living spaces don't mix well. I doubt this would have been a problem if I didn't spend as much time in front of this exact computer as I do. So for most, this is a non-issue. For those who spend a significant chunk of time with especially laptops and especially Macs, I'd say it's a good policy to crack it open and clean it yourself every few months, or else have it done professionally.

That is all!

Great thread, and thanks for reminding me to do a cleaning. I try to do it monthly, (cat) but I do vape a lot around it. This monster laptop is too expensive to replace, so I better get on with the cleaning.

Since I saw the Alienware, thought Id show you mine
 

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damndirtyvapes

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@Superjeep yes, your findings sound very similar to what we saw when we popped the bottom off mine.

@anavidfan no problem! Thank you for posting the photo.

I'm sure if I were capable of dismantling my own laptop enough to clean it, this would be less of an issue. However, I am not. I will also concede there seems to be no particular rhyme or reason regarding at what point this can become a real problem for someone. I have been vaping for more than six years and my computer only got dirty/VG-ed up enough to truly stop working once, recently. Nothing had changed with my vaping style for months prior to the problem; it's not as if this occurred a few weeks after I started subohming or after switching to mostly RDAs or anything like that.

If you're not on your computer that often or aren't concerned for another reason, then don't worry about it. For those that are either of those things, it's a good thing to keep in mind. We know that VG residue can remain on glass/smooth surfaces in poorly ventilated rooms and cars so it's no shocker that it's capable of building up in computer internals. Indeed, I am not the only person even in this thread who has found this.

It's also entirely possible-- likely, really-- that the problems some people have had in this regard are not solely from vaping, but rather exacerbated by it. As was mentioned above, that "sticky dust" that can get into laptops was equally capable of infiltrating the internals before vaping was even a thing. However, the last time my Mac got opened, it was much worse and definitely more sludgy. Not to mention the visible dried stains of sticky VG residue.

Whether its temporary coma was caused by the dust itself, the VG, or a combination of both, who can say? But I don't think there is anyone here who would argue that eliquid making its way into a computer's internal electronics by any route is a good thing for any reason.
 
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anavidfan

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The only big difference I can see in vapor being a problem or not is humidity/ condensation.

If you vape around, near or right on your laptop and have air conditioning it might not be such a problem as AC keeps the humidity down in a home.

I have a friend that has a beautiful all wood home ( logs and shit) she is a fanatic and runs the AC all year around to keep termites and other humidity problems at bay.

I dont have AC, so when the temp and humidity goes up , everything gets slimy and coated, even me.

All that vapor, mixed with condensation and other particles would eventually cause a problem, unless you pack a few silica bags in your lap top :)

Actually, I wonder.... I have a lot of silica packets.
 

damndirtyvapes

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@anavidfan I actually run an AC almost all year round (including the fan in the winter), or else a dehumidifier. Didn't seem to make a lick of difference for me.

Mind you, I'm not saying it wouldn't make a difference for someone else and I 100% agree that if you are vaping in a space with poor ventilation or can't open the windows for whatever reason, it's not going to hurt to run an AC or dehumidifier. There aren't a ton of reasons not to, but some of course. Whether or not it will help prevent/delay this particular problem, I don't know. In my case it didn't, but one single time is not exactly a large-scale study. :)
 

anavidfan

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Again, great thread, love computers , well I should say I like PCs-non MACS. Im a bit biased since Ive never owned a MAC, only been forced to use them in photo/ graphics classes.

I dont want to start a PC vs Mac mess, but I remember way back when a company sent me out to buy the computers for their digital dept which I was head of. They of course asked me what I preferred and told them I was fine with either if they wanted MACs it was their money, but was not familiar with the OP system etc.

They told me to go to the MAC store and check out the latest desktops and when I went in they were all friendly etc. THey of course told me how wonderful etc. I asked about processors and RAM, and graphics etc, got a kinda blank look and they got the booklet.

I asked if I could see inside, again, the sales person looked dumbfounded. The store manager came in and said, that If I wanted to they saw no problem.

He fiddled around, got the one of the genius's to come over and open it. All the components were covered with panels and there was a sticker that said do not open or warranty voided , or something of that sort. I smiled and left.

Told my boss that if he wanted MACs Id deal with it, but with PCs I can maintain and upgrade easily.

We went with some Dell Workstations.

PC or MAC Its just different, not necessarily better. I just like being able to take something apart and maintain add memory, storage, graphics etc.

Now when It comes to laptops, I can do basic things, but having to remove the keyboard to get at the graphics etc, worries me. So many new laptops are so light and thin that Im afraid I will crack them.

The laptop I have is a massive monster, but I love it , I can get at the bays for hard drives, ram etc. I can remove the battery which I cant do on my dads Surface pro ( it hate that little thing)

Well I could go on, Im no computer tech, but I do love them.
 

damndirtyvapes

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For me, it's really simple. I like both Macs and PC. However, I can easily install Windows on my Mac body and have access to both operating systems. I'm on Windows right now. It's not really possible to do it the other way around... or if it is, it is either outside of my technical expertise and/or a very recent capability which would definitely cause me to reconsider. There's just too much I like about the Mac operating system, and I've been using it too long, to let it go entirely. Frankly at this point I feel like I "put up" with the limitations of the Mac as I use the PC side probably 70% of the time, and I DEFINITELY put up with the cost, and I had to shell out a decent amount at the time I bought the computer to get all the specs I wanted right then and there. On the plus side, the original computer I purchased was having some really minor issues and they just replaced the whole damn thing, so it was worth it...

Beyond that, I'm pretty sure the fact that I'm operating with a Mac laptop body probably made the situation referenced in this thread worse in a number of ways. I'm not going to pretend like I never use my computer on my bed late at night, but not often and I try to use a lap thing. Still, it definitely gets hot, the fans whir, and obviously I vaped at it which was my own damn fault. Because it's a newer mac, it has weird ass screw heads that I can't remove, nor would I try with a computer that cost so much. I'm glad I didn't have to pay out my ass for the cleaning and have a good guy, but I was without it for almost a full month which for me is truly torture. Some of it I definitely brought upon myself in various ways, but on the other hand it's simply not always practical to have the windows open in the winter in Maine (or New Jersey, at my folks') and as I said, I do always run fan/AC/dehumidifier. So all I can really do is open the windows when it's not 2 degrees out, blow away from the computer, keep the door open, and just generally try to keep the fogging to a minimum.
 

AndriaD

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A few months ago, my laptop shut off and wouldn't turn on. I brought it into Apple who told me there was liquid damage despite my absolutely meticulous care and no-drink rule, quoted $1200.

My meticulous care of my computer doesn't extend to vaping near it, but I'm getting there.

Fortunately I know to get a second opinion before being shaken down, so I did. Long story short, what seemed to be a fried computer really just needed a good cleaning (for less than $50, fuck you very much Apple).

I work mostly from home and am in front of a computer all day. The Mac laptops are known for getting particularly warm due to their aluminum design, and thus fans are often running. Fans that suck in VG-laced vapor.

I have, at times, found VG residue trapped under my phone case, kindle case, places like that. While I am admittedly guessing, I can only imagine that is what made its way into my computer and the guy who cleaned it agreed. Literally nothing else makes sense with the way I treat my laptop, aka my access to livelihood.

The good news is that, again, all was fine in the end. Vaping did not ruin my computer. Vaping probably ruined nobody's computer.

However, it's good to keep in mind that electronics and the humid fog we collectively expel into our living spaces don't mix well. I doubt this would have been a problem if I didn't spend as much time in front of this exact computer as I do. So for most, this is a non-issue. For those who spend a significant chunk of time with especially laptops and especially Macs, I'd say it's a good policy to crack it open and clean it yourself every few months, or else have it done professionally.

That is all!

Another reason to be glad for my 85% PG. :D

Andria
 

damndirtyvapes

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Most definitely! I'm sensitive to PG though, even in high resistance toppers :( I don't believe I'm allergic and I don't have to use 100% VG or anything but the higher the PG, the worse it tends to make me feel. Just something I have to deal with... I know I'm not the only one who is sensitive or has a full out allergy. That's besides all the cloud chasers who simply prefer high levels of VG.

I DIY and usually aim for anywhere between 30/70 PG/VG and 60/40 PG/VG. 60% PG is a lot for me usually.
 
Sorry for the double post, but if anyone who sees this DOES decide to open their computer and have a look, it would be awesome if you would post results whether it is sticky and gross or spick-and-span.
I was moving rooms yesterday and had to move my pc. While moving it i thought id give it a clean from dust. Its a custom build witha massive case and like 8 large fans all over. The front and side fans had wet, (yes i said wet) dust all over them obviously vape juice is not conductive so it no worry to a computer minus temperture issues caused by the gungy dust. I probably have the worst case of it because my pc has a butt load of fans and sits nect to my monitor and i will spend 5 hours or so a night vaping right next to it. I daily use tfv8 and valyrian tanks so i can fog the room up in 10mins without thinking of it.
 

Canadian Vaper

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I don't think it stays in my computer long enough for it to stick with all the case fans I have, definitely no residue in mine even though I blow my vape pretty much in it.
 

SteveS45

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I have been vaping next to a 42U Network rack for years and any residue from e-Liquid Vapor is NOTHING compared to the brown dust that used to build up in any of the Workstations or Servers in the rack.
 
Hey guys,
I apologize in advance for digging up this thread back to life.
I vape a lot in my room in front of my new laptop, windows are closed and my room pretty much always gets full of vapor (when I turn on the lights I can see how fogged it is, it's like being in a concert).
Recently and for no particular reason, since my laptop is fine, I decided to open it up and clean whatever dust I might find. But instead, I found very tiny drops of condensation water around both fans and some on the plastic chassis around the vent holes.
I'm a little bit worried that this might happen again and if I don't look often enough, could fry some of my components.

My laptop uses a thick Clevo chassis that blows out a ton of air and heat, and both fans are located in the back of the machine.
I usually blow vapor away from the computer but since my room is so full of it, I wonder if that makes a difference.
I also use a Targus cooling pad for my computer to sit on when I'm in my bed, and by shining a light through its tiny holes, I can see the same tiny drops of condensation water on the fan blades themselves, and I can't really clean that without tearing the whole cooler apart. So I'm wondering if it's not the cooler that's blowing both water and air inside my laptop..

Anyway, do you think I could damage my computer over time ?
What do you guys think and/or recommend ?
I've been thinking about vaping with my windows fully open but it's winter right now so.. yeah.

Thank you !
 

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lordmage

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Hey guys,
I apologize in advance for digging up this thread back to life.
I vape a lot in my room in front of my new laptop, windows are closed and my room pretty much always gets full of vapor (when I turn on the lights I can see how fogged it is, it's like being in a concert).
Recently and for no particular reason, since my laptop is fine, I decided to open it up and clean whatever dust I might find. But instead, I found very tiny drops of condensation water around both fans and some on the plastic chassis around the vent holes.
I'm a little bit worried that this might happen again and if I don't look often enough, could fry some of my components.

My laptop uses a thick Clevo chassis that blows out a ton of air and heat, and both fans are located in the back of the machine.
I usually blow vapor away from the computer but since my room is so full of it, I wonder if that makes a difference.
I also use a Targus cooling pad for my computer to sit on when I'm in my bed, and by shining a light through its tiny holes, I can see the same tiny drops of condensation water on the fan blades themselves, and I can't really clean that without tearing the whole cooler apart. So I'm wondering if it's not the cooler that's blowing both water and air inside my laptop..

Anyway, do you think I could damage my computer over time ?
What do you guys think and/or recommend ?
I've been thinking about vaping with my windows fully open but it's winter right now so.. yeah.

Thank you !
if your vaping a sealed room to the extent is looks like a fog machine has gone off then yes those drops are moisture from vaping. either crack the window or run a fan with a filter medium to catch the vape. some thing like this can help https://www.survivopedia.com/how-to-diy-an-air-purifier/
 

bikerboogieman

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When I smoked, I never did in my house, always outside. But since I started vaping, I do vape in the house and have noticed my windows are fogged up. I figured it was from vaping. Now I have another spring cleaning chore to add to the list....
 
A few months ago, my laptop shut off and wouldn't turn on. I brought it into Apple who told me there was liquid damage despite my absolutely meticulous care and no-drink rule, quoted $1200.

My meticulous care of my computer doesn't extend to vaping near it, but I'm getting there.

Fortunately I know to get a second opinion before being shaken down, so I did. Long story short, what seemed to be a fried computer really just needed a good cleaning (for less than $50, fuck you very much Apple).

I work mostly from home and am in front of a computer all day. The Mac laptops are known for getting particularly warm due to their aluminum design, and thus fans are often running. Fans that suck in VG-laced vapor.

I have, at times, found VG residue trapped under my phone case, kindle case, places like that. While I am admittedly guessing, I can only imagine that is what made its way into my computer and the guy who cleaned it agreed. Literally nothing else makes sense with the way I treat my laptop, aka my access to livelihood.

The good news is that, again, all was fine in the end. Vaping did not ruin my computer. Vaping probably ruined nobody's computer.

However, it's good to keep in mind that electronics and the humid fog we collectively expel into our living spaces don't mix well. I doubt this would have been a problem if I didn't spend as much time in front of this exact computer as I do. So for most, this is a non-issue. For those who spend a significant chunk of time with especially laptops and especially Macs, I'd say it's a good policy to crack it open and clean it yourself every few months, or else have it done professionally.

That is all!
I have lost 3 computers due to this. Is there a solution because I chain vape and work at my computer all day? Who do you get to clean the computers (mine are all Macbooks) and I can't keep replacing them.
 

Synphul

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I have lost 3 computers due to this. Is there a solution because I chain vape and work at my computer all day? Who do you get to clean the computers (mine are all Macbooks) and I can't keep replacing them.
Not sure about laptops, hasn't been detrimental to my pc. Does it get a bit of a sticky film on things like fan blades? Sure, no worse than smoking. Nothing regular cleaning shouldn't take care of (which should be done anyway). I've smoked/vaped around my pc for over 2 decades, never killed any of my components yet.

I'm curious about the original post of 'liquid' damage. Having opened my cell phones or anything else never found 'liquid' inside anything. That sounds like a whole different issue. And not only do I vape around my pc with it sitting on my desk 2ft from me, have used my vapor to check airflow of my pc, have high humidity where I'm at. Often 60-70% humidity in summer.

Far as getting it cleaned normally I'd say just watch a yt vid on how to disassemble it and clean things out. Being a macbook it may not be that simple. Apple often likes to overcomplicate things or make sure the end user can't service them so it may have to go to an apple store. That would be the first place I'd check. Laptops could stand regular cleaning anyway just because they're more prone to dust, dirt and heat issues. Everything is cramped into a tight space, the fans are smaller, clog easier and have everything working against them.
 

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