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Can't clean my Macbook screen! Help!

N

nalbagli

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Sep 11, 2014
310
35
Hi I was trying to clean my Macbook screen so I used a Microfiber cloth with a Zagg foam specially designed for screens, problem is screen ended up like with a layer of grease on top I haven't been able to remove, I've tried windex, screen wipes etc with no results.

Any tips on how to correctly clean my screen?
 
I use the cleaner that came with my expensive eyeglasses. It is safe to use because it contains no harmful chemicals like Ammonia that is found in Windex.
 
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I quit using Zagg's foam, just for that reason. Even if you just use a little (and...if you use too much, it for sure will leave a greasy coating) it does not come completely off. A good quality eyeglass cleaner and microfiber cloth should get it wiped off. NOTE: The cloth you used with Zagg will continue to lay down a greasy coating if used again, so, use new cloths, maybe a few, to clean off the residue.
 
nalbagli said:
I've tried windex, screen wipes etc with no results.
Click to expand...

Windex? Ack!

As others have said, the ammonia in Windex will *strip* the protective film off your screen. If I were you, I would get some clean microfibre cloths and wipe your screen down with plain old water - sooner, rather than later. Give it a very, very good cleaning to get whatever remains of that windex off there promptly.

Then, if you still have an issue with film, you can consider using ammonia-free eyeglass cleaner.
 
mkelly said:
Windex? Ack!

As others have said, the ammonia in Windex will *strip* the protective film off your screen. If I were you, I would get some clean microfibre cloths and wipe your screen down with plain old water - sooner, rather than later. Give it a very, very good cleaning to get whatever remains of that windex off there promptly.

Then, if you still have an issue with film, you can consider using ammonia-free eyeglass cleaner.
Click to expand...

That is exactly what I use — ammonia-free eye care cleaning solution. It works great.
 
old-wiz said:
never ever use windex on a computer screen or eyeglasses; it will scratch.
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Really why is that. I always use windex on my glasses and so far (probably 4 years now) my glasses are still scratch free.
 
maflynn said:
Really why is that. I always use windex on my glasses and so far (probably 4 years now) my glasses are still scratch free.
Click to expand...

It is all about the Ammonia in Windex. It destroys the protective UV coating on eyeglasses as well as the protective coating on computer screens.
 
Yes, it is all about the ammonia. So, purchase Windex without ammonia.
And, Windex Multi-surface (look for it!) uses vinegar instead of ammonia.
Not trying to advertise here, but pointing out that vinegar is effective, but much safer on those various kinds of coatings.
 
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I use iKlear. Is that okay for cleaning the rMB 2015's screen?

Sometimes, however, I just use a slightly damp cloth.
 
Windex is a brand name for an ammonia-based window cleaning spray that you buy in supermarkets to clean windows and mirrors. It's a terrible idea to use it on anything apart from just standard house windows, car windows, mirrors, things like that. A computer screen, an iPad or a TV screen (maybe not all of them) are coated with special surfaces that are going to get damaged if you use any strong cleaning product like Windex on them. There's information on how you should clean a computer display available everywhere including on Apple's site, google search is definitely your friend here. Me personally I use a cleaning spray that they sell at the Apple store which comes with a fine cloth suited for the job. Don't know how useful the spray really is - some people say that it's all the same to just use a cloth dampened with water. But you really do want to use a high quality fine-woven cloth suitable for cleaning screens because a kitchen cloth for example might be too hard and could eventually lead to some scratching..
 
im cleaning my screens with Moshi and little water sprayed on the cloth. No problems at all because of that since i fully switched to Apple products 3 years ago
 
polee said:
I use iKlear. Is that okay for cleaning the rMB 2015's screen?

Sometimes, however, I just use a slightly damp cloth.
Click to expand...
I've been using iKlear for years on all of my computers and I've been using it on my rMB for the past three months. Best stuff on the market.
 
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I just breathe on the screen and then wipe it with a soft microfiber cloth. Everything gets clean and comes off. No problems in 10+ years, whether the screen is glass, glossy, or matte. Sure, it's a lame, low tech solution though.
 
maflynn said:
Really why is that. I always use windex on my glasses and so far (probably 4 years now) my glasses are still scratch free.
Click to expand...

I also use Windex. It must be an old wives tale or something that was true on past implementations of MacBook glass.

Real world experience : I've been using Windex and my 2012 rMBP 13 and 2015 rMB since new. I clean the screens about twice a month. Same thing on my current iPhone and iPad combo (iPhone 6 and iPad Air 2).

I think the others that have had the AR coat peeling off is a manufacturing defect. Production aberrations aside, I've actually been very impressed with the quality of the glass with every Apple product I've owned since the 4S.

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Other real world (service shop) experience:
Windex is fine, if you stay away from Windex with ammonia.
Get Windex that is ammonia-free - usually has vinegar.
The ammonia will eventually damage any coatings on the glass, and can be quite harsh on the matte displays that some folks like.
I clean the displays on my Macbooks less often, maybe twice a year (unless I have some serious "touching" episodes :D ), and I use an old Lenspen screen cleaning kit that I bought maybe 10 years ago. They don't sell the same product now, but something like this one... Works good for me, and ultra safe for the display surface.
 
I suspect the technology and application process of the AR coating has also evolved through the years. After staingate they probably invested a ton into further R&D.
 
The only thing you need to clean off a Mac screen is warm water and a microfiber cloth..I never use any type of chemical or "solution" to clean any of my screens.
 
Let's hope the staingate issue has been resolved for the rmb 2015. So far, I have not read anything about it here.
 
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