Keeping M3 MBP off during cleaning?

[OldGuyInTheClub]

I turn my MBP off to clean the keyboard and screen. The danged thing powers on at slightest provocation. This unnerves me when I have moisture on the surfaces. It is impossible to get any reasonable pressure on or inbetween the keys without having power come back on.

Is there a way to disable this "feature" so I can maintain the unit without fear of getting warranty-voiding liquid into it?

Procedure: Two microfiber cloths. Dampen one with distilled water and wring away excess moisture. Gently wipe screen/keyboard, repeating as needed to get gunk off. Use second dry microfiber cloth to wipe dry.

 

[zenmacx]

I turn my MBP off to clean the keyboard and screen. The danged thing powers on at slightest provocation. This unnerves me when I have moisture on the surfaces. It is impossible to get any reasonable pressure on or inbetween the keys without having power come back on.

Is there a way to disable this "feature" so I can maintain the unit without fear of getting warranty-voiding liquid into it?

Procedure: Two microfiber cloths. Damped one with distilled water and wring excess moisture. Gently wipe screen/keyboard, repeat as needed to get gunk off. Use second dry microfiber cloth to wipe.

I share your dislike of Apples “default” position or settings on many aspects of all of their products.

Although excellent and highly useful, having a full compliment of MacBooks, iPads, iPhones and accessories, the “Apple Way” can get tiring quickly.

The Cupertino companies “we know better than the customer” mentality can be another irritating aspect of their culture.

Focusing on the positive, their laptops especially have served me very well over the years.

 

[kitKAC]

I’ve cleaned dozens of Macs at work with wet wipes (drying off with a cloth afterwards) just by locking the screen, it’s not remotely a problem the machine being on.

 

[OldGuyInTheClub]

I'm concerned about fluid getting under the display seal over time.

Also, Apple docs say to clean with the power off.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

I'm concerned about fluid getting under the display seal over time.

Also, Apple docs say to clean with the power off.

I’m not understanding what “power” has to do with display seals?? If it gets under, it gets under whether on or off.

But yeah, pressing “any key” WILL power on the Mac. No way I know of to prevent that. Locking the keyboard from input (with power on) is the best solution when you want to clean the keyboard itself.

 

[ugahairydawgs]

I just clean mine with the laptop on and use CleanMyKeyboard to disable it during the process. Been using Mac laptops for 2 decades. Never had an issue.

 

[OldGuyInTheClub]

I’m not understanding what “power” has to do with display seals?? If it gets under, it gets under whether on or off.

But yeah, pressing “any key” WILL power on the Mac. No way I know of to prevent that. Locking the keyboard from input (with power on) is the best solution when you want to clean the keyboard itself.

Most electronic devices I have come across don't react well to water with the power on. Powering off, cleaning, and allowing time for drying makes sense to me. Apple specifically says to turn it off on the one hand and makes it impossible on the other. I guess I'll have to hope for the best.

 

[zenmacx]

Most electronic devices I have come across don't react well to water with the power on. Powering off, cleaning, and allowing time for drying makes sense to me.

Yes it’s true, water getting into an electronic device, or other electrical equipment ranges from not good to downright dangerous.

However it could also be said that some users have no clue about basic electricity and safe practices.

It could also be said that many believe that Apple can do no wrong so they defend the company no matter what.

In the end it’s Apples empire to do as they wish.

 

[Alpha Centauri]

I'm used to being able to power off my Macs also for cleaning purposes.

But when I got the M2 MBP, it powering on really wasn't such a hassle. I just shut down and clean the screen, a quadrant at a time using pre-soaked isopropyl wipes (what the Apple stores use in my country), then wipe dry immediately with an Apple cloth.

Then for the trackpad/ KB cleaning doesn't require much liquid solution to gently wipe the top of the keys. I suppose one can just have an empty desktop just in case the cleaning accidentally moves/ deletes current desktop files.

Yes. An option to totally shut down really is missed.