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saintforlife

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Feb 25, 2011
1,046
329
The Aluminum enclosure of my MBA is dirty and has all kinds of spots and blemishes that is has picked up from the inside of my backpack including ball point ink marks and what looks like ink marks from a newspaper.

What is the best way to clean the MBA? Since it is Aluminum, I am thinking it will be resistant to fairly strong cleaning agents? Will appreciate any tips on this. TIA!
 
I use a microfiber cleaning cloth and normal water. So far it has cleaned everything. I would try that first then move to stronger substances if required.
 
I've used a magic eraser for this very reason and works absolutely amazingly. Given it is basically super fine sandpaper, I don't rub too hard and use it rarely, maybe once/year on my laptops.
 
I use a microfiber cleaning cloth and normal water. So far it has cleaned everything. I would try that first then move to stronger substances if required.

never use water around electronics, it's rule #1

rubbing alcohol or any alcohol based cleaners will work due to it evaporation point is nearly instant.
 
Where is the best place to find this cleaning alcohol? Sorry if it is a stupid question.
 
Mmm.. what cannot be found at Walgreens? :p

Oh you want to clean the cover not the wounds, lol.... So would Isopropyl Alcohol work?
 

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Do not use IPA on the screen. It will dissolve the anti-reflective coating on the screen.

That is for sure. I was just adding on buying Alcohol cleaner. Myself I only use a microfiber cloth and monster screen cleaner for the entire unit. If I had some real grub on the aluminum I would consider magic eraser.

The OP is asking about cleaning the Aluminum body, not the screen :)
 
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That is for sure. I was just adding on buying Alcohol cleaner. Myself I only use a microfiber cloth and monster screen cleaner for the entire unit. If I had some real grub on the aluminum I would consider magic eraser.

The OP is asking about cleaning the Aluminum body, not the screen :)

I see my mistake. Still worth mentioning to ensure if OP uses IPA he takes care not to let it contact the screen.
 
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