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How To Clean MacBook Screen

Reviewed By: Kevin Pocock

Last Updated on July 15, 2024
How To Clean MacBook Screen
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Even the best and latest models of MacBook can accumulate dirt on their screens, which can really ruin the fantastic visibility they are known for. 

Despite this, many MacBook owners avoid cleaning their screens for fear that they will cause damage to them. As long as you follow guidelines and use the recommended products, cleaning your screen will not cause any damage to the device. 

Whether it is fingerprint markings or dust, giving your MacBook screen the occasional clean will really make a notable difference, and once you know how to do it properly, you’ll wonder why it took you so long to do! 


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This article will be showing you how to clean your MacBook screen without causing any damage to it! 

1

How To Clean A MacBook Screen

The following step-by-step guide can be done on any MacBook screen, such as the MacBook Air and Pro. It can also be done on the iMac, Mac Pro, and Mac Mini.

However, it shouldn’t bed used on any MacBook that has a nano-texture glass display. There will be a separate section discussing how to clean that kind of screen at the end of this article.

Step

1

Switch Off Your MacBook

The first thing you need to do is make sure your MacBook is switched off and has been unplugged from the wall.

Step

2

Use A Microfiber Cloth

Then, with a microfiber cloth, you are to wipe the screen softly to remove any dust. You should not use anything else other than a microfiber cloth, as paper towels can actually scratch your screen.

Step

3

Dampen The Cloth With Some Water

If you are still seeing some smudges, then dampen the cloth with some water, and lightly continue to wipe the screen. You must only dampen the cloth, not submerge it in water, and water should never be applied directly to the screen.

Step

4

Use Isopropyl Alcohol For Remaining Smudges

If there are still markings and smudges on the screen, then you can use a 70% isopropyl alcohol (IPA) solution. Again, this should only be applied to the microfiber cloth and not the screen, and no other kind of cloth or paper towels should be used.

Step

5

Let Your Laptop Air Dry

Once you have wiped your screen fully, you should let your laptop air dry.

2

How To Clean The Rest Of Your MacBook

If you would like to clean the rest of your MacBook, the process is very similar.

Step

1

Switch Off Your MacBook

You must ensure that it is unplugged and switched off, and wipe all areas with a lint-free microfiber cloth. This will remove any dust that is lingering.

Step

2

You Can Also Dampen The Cloth

You can also dampen the cloth for more of a clean, but you must ensure you aren’t allowing any moisture into the openings.

Step

3

Use Isopropyl Alcohol Wipes For A Deep Clean

If you’d like to clean your device further, you can use 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes to do this, as well as Clorox Disinfecting Wipes.

3

How To Clean A Laptop With Nano-Texture Glass

Laptops with nano-texture glass offer less glare and phenomenal image quality. However, because of this, you’ll have fewer options when it comes to cleaning the screen.

Laptops with this screen can only be cleaned using the cloth that was supplied along with your iMac or Pro Display XDR.

For more of a clean, you can dampen the cloth with a 70% isopropyl alcohol (IPA) solution as mentioned in the previous method. As mentioned earlier, this should only be applied to the cloth, and not to the actual screen.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning your MacBook screen every so often, will ensure that all dust, dirt, and fingerprints are kept at bay, enabling you to experience the top quality that these screens are known for. 

We hope you have found this step-by-step guide helpful and enjoy your newly cleaned laptop screens!

Kevin is the Editor of PC Guide. He has a broad interest and enthusiasm for consumer electronics, PCs and all things consumer tech - and more than 15 years experience in tech journalism.