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Crafty Little Gnome

Published: Mar 6, 2022 | Last Modified: Mar 22, 2022 | Author: adrienne

How To Clean MacBook Screen

It’s no secret that laptops are prone to getting dirty. Whether it’s from spills or just normal wear and tear, they tend to accumulate a lot of dust and grime.

But how do you clean a MacBook screen? Is it really necessary? And what are the benefits of cleaning your MacBook screen?

Open MacBook with the screen visible on a wood table with a brick wall in the background.

Apple has always been known for its high quality products. In addition, they have strict guidelines regarding the care and maintenance of their devices.

Of course, sticky fingerprints on your screen are annoying. And it's natural to want to remove them as quickly as possible. They accumulate quickly, so cleaning your MacBook can become a regular task.

So, in this guide, we run through what to avoid when cleaning your MacBook screen, followed by a step-by-step process on how to clean your MacBook screen - the best way.

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What To Avoid

First of all, what to avoid when cleaning your MacBook screen.

Cleaning your MacBook screen doesn't have to be done by professionals. You can do it yourself, but there are things to be aware of.

These include rough cloths and towels as well as abrasive cleaners. At the same time, cleaning too often and excessively can even damage the screen.

Also, be careful not to spray too much liquid on the Mac. As MacBooks contain electric circuity, it is important not to use an excessive amount of liquid, or keep any bottles of cleaning liquid near your MacBook while cleaning.

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Paper Towels

Paper towels are the first thing you might grab to clean your MacBook screen. They are inexpensive, disposable, and absorbent. However, they could also damage your MacBook screen by scratching it or rubbing off the coating.

Microfiber cloths are better than other materials because they won't scratch your MacBook screen. Microfiber cloths are soft and designed for cleaning delicate surfaces like screens and lens.

Just make sure that the cloth itself is clean, with no dust or rough particles in the fabric.

Abrasive Cleaners

Apple MacBook screens are coated with a special layer called Corning Gorilla Glass. This layer protects the screen from scratches and keeps the colors bright.

Some cleaners contain abrasive particles that could damage the surface of the glass. Don't use any abrasive cleaner on your MacBook. Use a non-abrasive cleaner instead.

This includes bleach, which should never be sprayed on a MacBook Screen.

Excessive Cleaning

Don't clean your MacBook screen more than once a week. Cleaning it too often will damage the anti-reflective layer. It might be tempting to clean it regularly, but it is better to create a weekly or monthly routine.

If you take care to keep your MacBook screen clean by avoiding touching the screen and keeping it away from foods, liquids, or other sprays, you won't have to clean it that much.

Cleaning a Mac is not something you need to do regularly - only when it looks a bit dirty or every few weeks or months.

You may also like: How to Make Your Own DIY Disinfectant Wipes

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How To Clean MacBook Screen

So, what is the best way to clean a MacBook screen?

Cleaning the Macbook screen is easy and quick. You shouldn't be afraid to do this, or feel you need to get a professional, because it is safe and simple as long as you know the right methods.

First of all, always make sure your MacBook is off before you attempt to clean any part of it - especially if you are using water or a liquid cleaner. It's also worth removing all cables, accessories, and other electronics that might get damaged.

Supplies

  • Disinfectant wipes
  • Compressed air
  • 70% alcohol
  • Q-tips
Close up of hands cleaning a MacBook screen with a white cloth and small spray bottle.

How To Clean A MacBook Screen - Step by Step

  1. Turn your MacBook off and remove all cables and accessories attached to the MacBook. This is important to avoid any short-circuiting or electrical problems caused by water damage. If you are concerned, you can remove the battery.
  2. Clean your Macbook with a disinfectant, or use a disinfectant wipe if you don't want to use a disinfectant. If you are using a cleaner, a simple 70% Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) solution will do the trick.
  3. Apply a small amount of solution to the screen and let it sit for about 30 seconds before wiping off the excess liquid. If desired, you can use a dry cotton bud or Q-tip to clean the ports.
  4. Now that you've cleaned your laptop, you need to dry it. This step is very important because if you don't properly dry it, then you'll end up having to repeat this process again. So, set your MacBook on a flat surface, such as a table or desk.
  5. Using a soft, lint-free microfiber cloth, carefully wipe away any remaining dust or dirt. 
  6. When you're finished, reattach the battery and turn the computer back on. That's it! Your MacBook screen should now be sparkling clean.

How To Clean The Rest Of Your MacBook

The screen is not the only part of your MacBook that you need to keep clean. The keyboard can get quickly dirty, as well as the ports on the side and back of your MacBook.

In fact, the keyboard can accumulate more dirt and grime than the screen because it is the part that is touched the most. It is also important to know how to clean the keyboard properly, as doing it wrong can damage the electronics underneath the keys.

Cleaning MacBook Keyboard

Cleaning your laptop keyboard with a sponge and a small amount of distilled water is a good idea. Use a clean sponge every time you wipe down your keyboard. 

Do not use excessive amounts of liquid when cleaning your MacBook keyboard. The keys on a MacBook have holes that, if liquid seeps through, will go straight to the motherboard and other internal electrics. Due to this, use a slightly damp cloth only.

To clean between keys, you can use a can of compressed air to blow off dust and debris.

Ports

Dust is very bad for computers. It can clog up fans and cause the inside of the MacBook to overheat. MacBooks use air blowers to blow away dust, but the problem is that dust can also accumulate in the ports and on the fans.

You can blow into these areas to remove the dust, or use a can of compressed air. Another method is to use a dry Q-tip or cotton bud to carefully clean the ports of dust, dirt, and anything else that has accumulated inside the ports.

Conclusion

And that's it - now you know how to clean your MacBook screen, as well as other parts of your MacBook. It is very important to keep it clean, as things like dust and dirt can affect its performance.

The best way to keep your MacBook clean is to regularly clean it, but not to an excessive amount.

Just make sure to avoid using rough cloths or towels and abrasive cleaners to clean the MacBook screen. These can damage the screen irreversibly.

Last but not least, always make sure that the MacBook is off and not connected to any other electrics before you start cleaning it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you clean a MacBook with Windex?

As long as the screen is made of glass you can. Be aware that cleaning it too often with Windex may start to remove the protective coating.

Can you clean a MacBook with Clorox Wipes?

It is not recommended to use Clorox wipes. They may damage the screen.

Can you clean a MacBook with hand sanitizer

Hand sanitizer is mostly alcohol so it can be used if you have nothing else available. Use it sparingly and only on small areas.

Can you use lens cleaner to clean a MacBook screen?

Most lens cleaners contain 70% alcohol. This is OK to use on a MacBook per Apple.

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Hi I’m Adrienne Carrie Hubbard.I believe a rich life comes not from the things you have, but the things you do; the experiences you create and the people you meet along the way. Thanks for hanging out!

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