Seriously? I started looking into this after I noticed that my tried and true iKlear screen cleaner acts completely different on a 2021 screen as opposed to being applied to a 2007 matte LCD screen. The iKlear spreads in effortlessly on the old matte screen, but on the 2021 screen, the iKlear smears around and feels sticky. It's a night/day difference while using the same exact cleaner on both screens. The towel is iKlear's own proprietary blue microfiber cloth. I have to admit, the 2021 screen feels like glass as I'm wiping on it. The 2007 screen feels like plastic.
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Apple Recommends 70% Isopropyl Alcohol for Cleaning the Screen
- Thread starter Merkava_4
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is it safe to clean the keyboard and around the keyboard with 99% alcohol? Just worried about the liquid getting into the machine. I used screen cleaner for the keyboard and although it cleaned it really well, it's quite sticky now as it's dried. not sure on the best way to make it not sticky without risking liquid contamination?
Well, why wouldn't Apple be qualified to make valid recommendations on products it designs and builds? I personally am more skeptical about claims made by makers of accessories and supplies that go against Apple's guidelines for whatever reason.
The safest thing to do is follow the cleaning instructions provided by Apple itself? Apple, obviously, has a lot of knowledge of the composition and tolerances of the materials used in its hardware? Whenever I want to know the proper method of doing something, I begin by searching Apple Support?
I use isopropyl alcohol on my car's glass windshield and it works great, but is it safe for the screen of a MacBook Pro?
Have you guys tried isopropyl alcohol on your MBP's screen?
Have you guys tried isopropyl alcohol on your MBP's screen?
When I used 70% isopropyl alcohol on my '14 MBP, it would leave streaks, which the only way to remove was hot water on a paper towel.
I used 70% isopropyl alcohol on my '20 M1 MBP and it does not leave streaks, so it seems there is something different on newer screens.
I used 70% isopropyl alcohol on my '20 M1 MBP and it does not leave streaks, so it seems there is something different on newer screens.
I'm sure Apple's guidance is sound, but the thought of using anything but a slightly damp or microfiber cloth on my screens makes me cringe. YMMV.
you asked a question and are surprised by a logical answer for some reason?
I would not use ANY alcohol on the screen of a MacBook Pro.
It has a sprayed-on anti-glare coating that is quite thin and fragile.
If you want to see the potential "results" of "over-cleaning" the screen, search for images using the phrase "StainGate", and see what you get...
It has a sprayed-on anti-glare coating that is quite thin and fragile.
If you want to see the potential "results" of "over-cleaning" the screen, search for images using the phrase "StainGate", and see what you get...
I personally would never use alcohol on my new MacBook Pro screen, however, reading the directions, it seems clear to me that for majority of cleanings they recommend a slightly damp microfiber cloth/towel. Most smudges and dust can be cleared with a dry cloth. Sounds like for really hard to clean areas, like disgusting sneeze explosions, they recommend the slightest amount of 70% on a microfiber towel. Reading between the lines, sounds like only use when all other methods have been exhausted.
For more than a decade, I've been using Whoosh on my Apple products and have had no ill effects. It was recommended to me years and years ago from the folks at Apple retail who, at least prior to the pandemic, were cleaning retail products with it in store. It works great on all surfaces.
For more than a decade, I've been using Whoosh on my Apple products and have had no ill effects. It was recommended to me years and years ago from the folks at Apple retail who, at least prior to the pandemic, were cleaning retail products with it in store. It works great on all surfaces.
There is recent thread here which describes an Apple Store service centre cleaning a MacRumors member's 2015 MacBook Pro screen after a battery replacement, and causing the screen coating to delaminate.
Yes, that particular model was prone to delamination, and I'm sure that screen was on the verge of delamination already, but nonetheless it was Apple that put it over the edge.
In the end, Apple replaced the screen too for the damage they caused.
Car windshields do not have any anti-reflective or other coating. You could use hydrochloric acid on your car windshield.
The issue is that the screen has an anti-reflective coating, which has apparently changed over the years, and is relatively fragile - experimenting with various solvents, other than water, is risky. I have always had good luck with water, patience and gentleness.
Do not use isopropyl alcohol on your MBP screen. It's not a good idea because doing so risks delamination. I have used it in the past to clean the chasis body and within the machine itself (to remove thermal paste) -- but I would never do so on the screen itself.
I think Apple may recommend it as a way to address concerns relating to the virus -- but it is not a best practice. It will likely not make the screen inoperative. So, even if you wipe of some of the anti-reflective coating, Apple probabaly views it as "safe" procedure. Plus, if something does go wrong, Apple will be sure to replace your screen for a fee. It's a win for Apple.
I think Apple may recommend it as a way to address concerns relating to the virus -- but it is not a best practice. It will likely not make the screen inoperative. So, even if you wipe of some of the anti-reflective coating, Apple probabaly views it as "safe" procedure. Plus, if something does go wrong, Apple will be sure to replace your screen for a fee. It's a win for Apple.
The problem is the fact that sometimes Apple has used crappy coatings. Cleaners that contain some isopropyl alcohol should not damage the coating if used appropriately but nonetheless with some Mac models they do.
This reminds me of the time I decided to cheap out and get glasses from LensCrafters. I got their top end lens and coatings. Optics were fine but within a year it had delaminated. Since then I’ve only got lenses from companies like Nikon, Zeiss, Essilor, and Shamir, and have never had that problem again. Now, the only time the coating comes off is when it gets scratched like from falling onto the pavement or something. The drawback is these lenses cost twice as much as the LensCrafters ones did.
FYI, using Whoosh on my 2021 MBP left streaks (never happened on my other machines), so it doesn’t work as well on the new displays.
Welcome to MacBook Pro Getting Started Guide
MacBook Pro Getting Started provides everything you need to quickly set up and start using your new MacBook Pro.
support.apple.com
"Cleaning the MacBook Pro screen. To clean the MacBook Pro screen, first shut down your MacBook Pro and unplug the charge cable and the power adapter. Then dampen a clean, soft, lint-free cloth with just water and wipe the screen. Don’t spray liquid directly on the screen."
For disinfecting:
How to clean your Apple products - Apple Support
Get recommendations and guidelines for cleaning your Mac, iPad, iPhone, Apple Vision Pro, display, or peripheral device.
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That’s normal, use the included towels to dry wipe away. Been doing this with my screens for a decade or more.
There's no way in hell I'm putting alcohol on my Macbook screen. I don't care what Apple says. I use a little spit and a polishing cloth to clean up dirty spots on the screen, and it works just fine. Yes, spit.
I usually use isopropyl alcohol on devices for sterilization. It does leave a film on the screens, of which I polish off with a microfiber cloth
Totally agree with you but I think the concern is to disinfect as oppose to clarity -- could be wrong though.
Isopropyl alcohol can and will deteriorate the oleo phobic coating on your screen after a while. On an iPhone Where most people have a screen protector alcohol is not the best idea unless absolutely necessary. Stick to water and liquid soap if you can