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how to clean new 2021 MacBook Pro 16" screen?
- Thread starter erkanasu
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Use a microfiber cloth used for cleaning eyeglasses and dab it with a little water so that it is slightly damp.
As @Apple_Robert said, or if you want something just a little more fancy, maybe try Zeiss' pre-moistened lens wipes?
If it's just dust. I use a rechargeable Air duster to clean it. If I need to clean it because of accidental smudges. Usually microfiber cloth itself is good enough. It's prob because the screen coating is still intact. Tho if it's a smudge that will take a lot of effort I would use a damp microfiber to remove the smudge. Then use a dry one to buff it out so the damp water doesn't cause any dry marks
Stock up on Zeiss cleaning wipes and only use them:
ZEISS Pre-Moistened Lens Cleaning Wipes (600 Count)
ZEISS pre-moistened lens wipes safely and quickly clean eyeglasses and sunglasses plus other optics like camera lenses, webcams, binoculars and microscopes. Specially formulated with a unique, gentle cleaning solution, these wipes gently and effectively remove smudges and dirt, leaving optical su...
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DO NOT listen to other people and use a microfiber cloth, damp or otherwise. You WILL FOR SURE damage the coating with a microfiber cloth.
I don't know why people keep recommending a microfiber cloth. The coating in these MacBooks have been very thin and delicate ever since 2016 models. Those models got scratched up simply by having the lid closed. There was so very little clearance that the display was rubbing against the keyboard and trackpad. The new screens do not seem to touch the keyboard anymore, so that's a plus, but I would still be extra extra careful with them.
Ideally, put a screen protector on and keep using the device as normal, wipe with whatever... until the screen protector gives out.
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I use a light spritz of Zeiss Lens Cleaner and a clean microfiber lens cleaning cloth. Works on everything from MBP, iPad, phone, GoPro, glasses to motorcycle LED screen.
If you don't have an Apple cleaning cloth then a piece of the Shroud Of Turin is an acceptable alternative.
I also use and recommend Whoosh products.
From what i know, these products are used in Apple Stores to clean devices.
Someone posted this earlier and I tried them and they are fantastic. I've used them on both my iMac and MacBook Pro and they work wonderfully.
Zeiss Lens Wipes, White, 220 Count…
ZEISS pre-moistened lens wipes safely and quickly clean eyeglasses and sunglasses plus other optics like camera lenses, webcams, binoculars and microscopes. Specially formulated with a unique, gentle solution, these wipes gently and effectively remove smudges and dirt, leaving optical surfaces fr...
www.amazon.com
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The differences in opinion in this thread has pretty much sold me on Apple's polishing cloth.
I use these for my MacBook Pro Max and my iPhone, my glasses and my Apple Watch. Highly recommend themSomeone posted this earlier and I tried them and they are fantastic. I've used them on both my iMac and MacBook Pro and they work wonderfully.
Zeiss Lens Wipes, White, 220 Count…
ZEISS pre-moistened lens wipes safely and quickly clean eyeglasses and sunglasses plus other optics like camera lenses, webcams, binoculars and microscopes. Specially formulated with a unique, gentle solution, these wipes gently and effectively remove smudges and dirt, leaving optical surfaces fr...www.amazon.com
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
I'm going to guess that the displays on the 2021 MBP 14" and 16" use the same "sprayed-on" anti-glare coating as did retina Macs sold earlier.
In that case, you want to be VERY CAREFUL about "cleaning" the display, or even touching it.
ANYTHING you use on the surface of the display is going to run the risk of "flaking off" the sprayed-on coating... hence... "StainGate".
If there's dust on the surface, just use a soft cloth to "dust" across the surface (no real pressure).
If there's something on the surface that won't dust off, use a moistened cloth and AS LITTLE SURFACE PRESSURE AS POSSIBLE to dislodge it, then dust dry.
The best way to protect a retina display is to try one's best to NOT get it dirty in the first place...
In that case, you want to be VERY CAREFUL about "cleaning" the display, or even touching it.
ANYTHING you use on the surface of the display is going to run the risk of "flaking off" the sprayed-on coating... hence... "StainGate".
If there's dust on the surface, just use a soft cloth to "dust" across the surface (no real pressure).
If there's something on the surface that won't dust off, use a moistened cloth and AS LITTLE SURFACE PRESSURE AS POSSIBLE to dislodge it, then dust dry.
The best way to protect a retina display is to try one's best to NOT get it dirty in the first place...
It’s not a touch screen so it doesn’t require cleaning it much. iPads, iPhones on the other hand…
WARNING - WARNING - WARNING - WARNING - WARNING - WARNING - WARNING - WARNING
Such dry procedure to clean the Apple Mac matte nano-texture glass screen or whatever with a cloth will ruin (SCRATCH) the display if it contains dust; and mostly if it contains a lot of dust. It is better to remove such dust first, with a air blower, anti-static magic duster or hoover.
Such dry procedure to clean the Apple Mac matte nano-texture glass screen or whatever with a cloth will ruin (SCRATCH) the display if it contains dust; and mostly if it contains a lot of dust. It is better to remove such dust first, with a air blower, anti-static magic duster or hoover.
Thanks for this enlightened thread, folks. While we are here, MPB '16 M1 keyboard... inevitably it gets a little bit greasy / grimy - any tips on how to clean the keyboard to the apple store appearance?
LOL, karma does strike me. A few days ago I mentioned that iKlear worked great for me, oblivious to the various accounts that were already here. It appeared to work great for me probably because I clean my screen very infrequently; I was lucky.
Then yesterday I decided to give the display of my 16" i9 a final clean before I sold it. A wonderfully bad idea - spots and streaks started to appear, probably due to damaged anti-reflective coating. As a result I lost about $200 in trade-in value.
Thankfully I have not done the same for my new 14" and thus far just dusted the screen by swinging (not pressing) a clean microfibre cloth over the display - which I think is what @Fishrrman mentioned many times. That seems to be sufficient.
However, iKlear seems to work well with the rest of the MacBook parts - aluminium body, trackpad and the keyboard.
That aside, it is also important to keep the keyboard clean in order to keep the display clean. Debris may get trapped underneath the keyboard, and get dislodged and deposited onto the display when the lid is closed. I just tap the bottom cases every day and blow compress air underneath the keys every few days. While doing so, I always keep the display on a higher position than the keyboard to avoid debris falling onto the display.
Then yesterday I decided to give the display of my 16" i9 a final clean before I sold it. A wonderfully bad idea - spots and streaks started to appear, probably due to damaged anti-reflective coating. As a result I lost about $200 in trade-in value.
Thankfully I have not done the same for my new 14" and thus far just dusted the screen by swinging (not pressing) a clean microfibre cloth over the display - which I think is what @Fishrrman mentioned many times. That seems to be sufficient.
However, iKlear seems to work well with the rest of the MacBook parts - aluminium body, trackpad and the keyboard.
That aside, it is also important to keep the keyboard clean in order to keep the display clean. Debris may get trapped underneath the keyboard, and get dislodged and deposited onto the display when the lid is closed. I just tap the bottom cases every day and blow compress air underneath the keys every few days. While doing so, I always keep the display on a higher position than the keyboard to avoid debris falling onto the display.
iKlear does that smudging and smearing for me as well. You have to look at it as a polish. You apply it with one microfiber cloth and then buff it with 3 or 4 new microfiber cloths afterwards. The smudges can look really bad like a damaged coating but it really is just the dried on iKlear. I would apply more and buff with more clean cloths.
Is iKlear worth it? I like adding a protective coating to my screens with iKlear but Whoosh! Cleaner and Whoosh! Clothes takes the cake for being simple to use. iCloth wipes are another option for traveling.
Another question…what is the “Activated Cleaner” I am seeing in Clear bottles at the Apple Store? They say they mix it I the back and have to warm it as well. Sounds interesting and I would love to buy some.
Due to the flimsy anti-reflective coating Apple uses, I would never use a dry cloth of any sort on the screen. I agree with those saying to use moist lens wipes. I also agree that it's better to minimize the need to clean it.
But if you HAVE to use a cloth, make sure it's unused (re: brand new) and make sure it's moist.
But if you HAVE to use a cloth, make sure it's unused (re: brand new) and make sure it's moist.
I know …a microfiber cloth and water. Distilled water would probably work. The biggest roadblock for me is that water and electronics don’t go together so how am I going to store and dispense distilled water safely. Sounds ridiculous I know but how do I clean my MaxBook with water without slopping it everywhere from a gallon jug or risk residue from tap water? I guess I could get a little spray bottle, fill it with distilled water and call it Apple Device Cleaner Pro Max. Then there are stains like grease and oils that don’t come from easily with water.How about follow Apple's instructions for cleaning screens.
Works great.
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Answering my own question above, the Apple Store seems to be using something like this Force of Nature cleaner that is mixed and heated up to activate it.
www.forceofnatureclean.com
Force of Nature Non-Toxic & Sustainable Cleaning Essentials
Say hi to toxin-free cleaning that's carbon neutral, EPA registered, and Green Seal certified. Did we mention cost-saving too?
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