MP 1,1-5,1 Cleaning aluminium Mac Pro case

[GlynH]

I know this question must have been asked before but I did search for cleaning before posting only to find the first 5 of 25 pages of results almost entirely referred to a clean install of MacOS!

So...how do you guys recommend cleaning the aluminium case of your Mac Pro?

I have always used AF Foamclene inthe Silver/Blue can with good results on most everything in the past sprayed on to a clean, warm flannel and rubbed into the surfaces of computers, keyboards etc. before wiping with another clean, damp flannel and drying with a clean towel and finishing off with a microfibre cloth if need be.

Although this done a great job today on my 5,1 (and Unibody MacBooks & Magic Keyboards) I still see faint signs of 'streaking' that looks like someone might have used some sort of chemical in the past and faint traces of a number someone has written on the top of the front handle.

What is the best way to clean the aluminium casing not only on the cMP but on Unibody Macbooks as well?

Thanks & kind regards,
-=Glyn=-

 

[GLS]

I've done this the past 10 years or so and had no issues.

For the aluminum, get a Mr Clean magic eraser. Dampen with water. Wipe. Then dry off with a microfiber cloth.

Magic Eraser Original For a Powerful Cleaning | Mr. Clean®

Mr. Clean’s Durafoam Magic Eraser might look like a sponge, but it cleans like magic. Cleaning performance is 2X stronger than the leading all-purpose bleach spray.

www.mrclean.com

For the keyboard and trackpad, I use rubbing alcohol on a different microfiber cloth.

 

[philosopherdog]

lemon is the best thing I've found. use it straight. it's also not toxic and cheap.

 

[cdf]

Mineral oil. It also prevents corrosion.

 

[avro707]

Some of my bicycles have matte finishes, one in particular has clear coat over bare carbon fibre which is hell to keep clean. For those I use Muc-Off matte surface detailing spray. I tried it on the MP5,1 - with extremely nice results:

https://www.bikebug.com/muc-off-matt-finish-detailer---250ml.html

It kept the surface matte but it gave it a very nice look. It also has a bit of a protective ability but that's more for bicycles outside getting dirt and other grime all over them, less for a Mac Pro sitting on your desk.

 

[KeesMacPro]

Anodized aluminium can be cleaned with a PH-neutral detergent , avoid bleech,ammonia or acid containing liquids.
I use Isopropyl alcohol on a piece of cloth for a dirty MP case, which should dissolve the traces of a number you mentioned too.
To protect it after the cleanup , one can apply a very thin layer of wax.
Looks like the product @avro707 mentioned or similar would be perfect.

Note that the anodized surface is quite thin and porous so extreme contamination could remain visible after cleaning...

 

[GlynH]

Well that should cover just about every approach!

Thanks for the tips...I do have one of those Magic Erasers kicking around but I like the should of Muc Off if not only for the name alone! If it works I'm gonna call it Mac Off!?

Thanks & kind regards,
-=Glyn=-