Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Jenko

macrumors regular
Original poster
Jun 17, 2009
134
0
Hi guys,
Does anyone know how to clean a MBP without having to purchase special rags and wipes from apple. I need to clean the screen (it has not been cleaned in ages) and will have to take off my incase cover to clean around the MBP.
Thanks.
 
Hi guys,
Does anyone know how to clean a MBP without having to purchase special rags and wipes from apple. I need to clean the screen (it has not been cleaned in ages) and will have to take off my incase cover to clean around the MBP.
Thanks.

How to clean Apple products

Apple also gives instructions on how to clean your Mac in the User Guides for the MBA, MBP and iMac:
Cleaning your Mac When cleaning the outside of your Mac and its components, first shut down your Mac, and then unplug the power adapter. Then use a damp, soft, lint-free cloth to clean the Mac exterior. Avoid getting moisture in any openings. Do not spray liquid directly on the computer. Do not use aerosol sprays, solvents, or abrasives that might damage the finish.

Cleaning the Mac screen To clean your Mac screen, first shut down your Mac and unplug the power adapter. Then use a soft, lint-free cloth dampened with just water and wipe the screen. Do not spray liquid directly on the screen.
Also, you'll find plenty of suggestions by searching through the many existing threads on this topic.
 
How to clean Apple products

Apple also gives instructions on how to clean your Mac in the User Guides for the MBA, MBP and iMac:

Also, you'll find plenty of suggestions by searching through the many existing threads on this topic.


Don't know why dude was down voted on this response. The search function is really the best place to start on almost any question posed on MR. I get lazy or forgetful sometimes but the reminders are actually beneficial, especially when accompanied with factual info.
 
Whether right or wrong, I clean all my apple screens with a microfiber cloth. Looks as good as new.
 
I use Monster Screen Cleaner. I spread the cleaner onto the cloth coming with the box, and clean up my screen. It works great.
 
Worth knowing that expensive screen-cleaner sold in tiny bottles is exactly the same stuff as glass-cleaner sold in large bottles. :)

I use water for the screen, but glass cleaner works well for the aluminium body.
 
Worth knowing that expensive screen-cleaner sold in tiny bottles is exactly the same stuff as glass-cleaner sold in large bottles. :)

I use water for the screen, but glass cleaner works well for the aluminium body.

Yes, it's pretty pricey. I used to work at Retailer, so I had employee discount on it. I bought a few of them. lol
 
Any screen wipes will do from any brand.

Do NOT use anything with ammonia or other harsh chemicals on LCD or LCD LED backlit screens. It will destroy your screen.

If you're cheap you can use a damp cloth to wipe it but it might not fully clean it. This would be good to get the dust off or smudges.

Hi guys,
Does anyone know how to clean a MBP without having to purchase special rags and wipes from apple. I need to clean the screen (it has not been cleaned in ages) and will have to take off my incase cover to clean around the MBP.
Thanks.
 
I love iKlear. The only thing I've used that manages to leave no streaks, marks, or anything of the like. Use their gray cloth also. It's a different kind of microfiber and is awesome! Works great for the glass, the body, and the keys.
 
I used to use alcohol in a spray bottle diluted with purified water until I realized that I wanted a nice cloth to clean everything with too because Im really anal when it comes to my computer. So I put on my big boy pants and bought some iKlear because it came with a whole lot of cloths and wasn't all too expensive. I was actually surprised with how much stuff they give you. Now I use it all the time. If you've already got a nice microfiber then just use that and if you want, some diluted rubbing alcohol, but if you don't have any cloths I highly recommend iKlear. Their spray is nothing special but their cloths are excellent.The one thing I will add is that the spray seems to cause less dust and lint to be attracted to the screen. Not sure if that's the case but that's what it seems like to me.
 
I use a pressure washer and mix in a little dish soap.

Seriously I just use a damp towel to wipe down the case. Mainly the lid because that's all that gets dirty from setting things on top of it. Being the only one that uses my computer, I have no problem with the screen getting covered with fingerprints. Just don't touch it, and try not to let anyone else. The rag that came with the MBP would be fine for getting them out though.

And I should mention it would probably be a good idea to clean your MBP every few weeks if you're using a case. Dirt and debris can get in-between the case and the computer and scratch/bang it up pretty bad.
 
I NEVER use screen wipes. Or normal glass cleaners.

The best way I have found after years of trying chemicals etc is a fellowes screen cleaner, in a tall aluminium spray bottle from amazon.

Use this all over the computer with a closed weave micro fibre cloth, screen is 100% smear free and it also disinfects due to the alcohol content.
 
This is the BEST product I've ever used on cleaning Macs. When I worked at an Authorized Service Provider, this worked wonders on both the aluminum and polycarbonate cases of Apple notebooks. It takes out all kinds of grime and is a foam so it doesn't run. Makes screens look great too and doesn't contain ammonia, so it won't hurt your matte panels. I still use it for my own personal machines too.

http://www.blowoff.com/electronics/electronics_cleaner.htm
 
I love iKlear. The only thing I've used that manages to leave no streaks, marks, or anything of the like. Use their gray cloth also. It's a different kind of microfiber and is awesome! Works great for the glass, the body, and the keys.



x2 for iKlear I use it for my macs, iOS devices, tv & computer monitors. I notice if I spray, wait a second, and wipe in a circular motion with the microfiber cloth .. all the finger prints and gunk wipes clean. Then periodically I wipe w/o the spray to keep the areas clean. Or just use the other cloth in the kit.

Also washing my hands before using my Macbook
 
I just found this which is a compressed air blower but without the need to buy cans all the time - a electro vac which is a small mains powered compressed air blower thingy (sounds like a hair dryer when in use)

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/...p=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B003BZCOKK

Ive heard however that it's not fit for industrial usage - ie will be fine if you use now and again per year vs every other day in a big it dept.*

Available for around £82 from amazon uk with uk 3pin plug or $50 from America lol!!*
 
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
I have a can of compressed air.... is it recommended to use for the keyboard late 2011 MBP 15-in? Also being OCD, I want to clean the smudge marks for the outside & mouse pad area... is Windex ok to use? I really hate chemicals but soap & water will leave a residue
 
Fellowes do a LCD cleaner which has alcohol in it, a lot of the cleaners do not have alcohol which don't dry as well, have a look online, comes in a tall aluminium can with a cloth.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.