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

Matck06

macrumors member
Original poster
Oct 28, 2021
70
50
Hello everyone,

I have my macbook pro 16 m1 pro for 1 week, a while ago I cleaned my screen with a microfiber cloth (soft and clean) and then I checked with the flash of the phone and I noticed 4 small micro scratches I find it incredible because I did not press on the cloth ...

So I ordered a microfiber for camera optics if that can help no longer damage the screen
(https://www.amazon.com/Zeiss-Jumbo-...A8DI&dchild=1&keywords=zeiss&qid=1635945aps=2)

you can't see it you really have to tilt the screen and play with the light to see these small micro scratches, with the screen on you can't see anything
 
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
The key is a DAMP microfiber cloth. It's just like with glasses if you wipe them with a dry cloth it can scratch. I've learned this from experience. Also try not to be obsessive with cleaning the screen. I know it's easy to do with a new fancy gadget but every time you do anything there is a chance for wear or damage and if you do it multiple times a day it can cause problems. You don't touch the screen so unless you live somewhere exremely dusty then it shoudn't need frequent cleaning. If you're having a dust problem consider an air filter. It'll save your lungs as well ?
 
I personally use these for my glasses, devices, and displays. I buy packs of 30 and only use a newly opened one when it's time to clean my displays (then it's used for a ton of other glass surfaces).
 
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
La clé est un chiffon en microfibre HUMIDE. C'est comme avec des lunettes si vous les essuyez avec un chiffon sec, elles peuvent rayer. J'ai appris cela par expérience. Essayez également de ne pas être obsédé par le nettoyage de l'écran. Je sais que c'est facile à faire avec un nouveau gadget sophistiqué, mais chaque fois que vous faites quelque chose, il y a un risque d'usure ou de dommage et si vous le faites plusieurs fois par jour, cela peut causer des problèmes. Vous ne touchez pas l'écran, donc à moins que vous ne viviez dans un endroit extrêmement poussiéreux, il ne devrait pas être nettoyé fréquemment. Si vous rencontrez un problème de poussière, pensez à un filtre à air. Cela sauvera aussi vos poumons
Yes it is true at the beginning we tend to clean when the product is new, after a few micro scratches are not the end of the world as long as you do not see it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: russell_314
I'm wondering if the 2021 m1pro MBP's still use the "sprayed-on" anti-glare treatment that has proven to be problematical with earlier MPB's?
That is... "StainGate" ?

I am going to guess that nothing has changed (other than the "internals" of the display), and that they still spray on the anti-glare surface treatment...
 
Of course it's sensitive for scratches. It's glass. I use a soft cloth which i have for lcds from Hama. Micro scratches are maybe not 100% avoidable. You should threat this mac book like a oled or samsung tv with anti reflective coating. Only use a soft cotton cleaning cloth so you are safe, maybe also my Hama cloth could left micro scratches, i dont use it for my oleds, only for glass. For oleds i use gauze bandage.
 
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
So far I am doing my best to not even leave a fingerprint on the screen until I get the Apple Polishing Cloth. I used my glasses cloth just once to remove a fleck of dust :D
 
I'm wondering if the 2021 m1pro MBP's still use the "sprayed-on" anti-glare treatment that has proven to be problematical with earlier MPB's?
That is... "StainGate" ?

I am going to guess that nothing has changed (other than the "internals" of the display), and that they still spray on the anti-glare surface treatment...

My 2013 rMBP screen is shocking for this. Looks okay backlit, but it's wrecked.
 
Yeah, this is from experience of using MacBooks since 2016, but... these screens with bonded glass are very prone to scratches and damage. It's good that the lid is now thicker, much more solid, and doesn't cause the screen to press on to the keyboard anymore, but there are still limits to its durability.

I'd only use Zeiss cleaning wipes to clean it:

Anything else will most definitely cause damage to the screen. Even a damp microfiber cloth won't help much as it'll leave streaks on the screen.
 
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
  • Like
Reactions: drygioni and 3Rock
Yeah, this is from experience of using MacBooks since 2016, but... these screens with bonded glass are very prone to scratches and damage. It's good that the lid is now thicker, much more solid, and doesn't cause the screen to press on to the keyboard anymore, but there are still limits to its durability.

I'd only use Zeiss cleaning wipes to clean it:

Anything else will most definitely cause damage to the screen. Even a damp microfiber cloth won't help much as it'll leave streaks on the screen.
A friend of mine suggested these for my glasses and now I swear by them.
 
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
I use 2 inch pieces of scotch tape (eww, I know) for my 2013 and 2019 15". I haven't peeled off any display coating this way throughout 8 years of ownership and have been happy with the results.
 
I just exchanged my laptop because I found a small curved scratch on the screen. Got the last base 16 inch in the store. Looks good so far. Plus now I'm in the holiday return window - can return until Jan 8th
 
Has anyone considered using a protective cloth - like radtech- between the keyboard and screen when closing the laptop?

I am concerned about scratches from the keyboard keys.

I found my previous i9 16” screen scratched easily.
 
I just ordered this microfibre Zeiss the same one that I use for my fujifilm lens and nothing to say that does not make any trace or scratch like on my lenses, I recommend it, before going I spend a souffle de poire and after I pass without pressing the screen and the result is perfect.
 
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
Has anyone considered using a protective cloth - like radtech- between the keyboard and screen when closing the laptop?

I am concerned about scratches from the keyboard keys.

I found my previous i9 16” screen scratched easily.

Only one trip in but like the layer of protection. Also glad there is more of a gap between screen and keyboard when closed but that screen still has some bend so be careful how you travel with the thing in a bag or backpack
 
A friend of mine suggested these for my glasses and now I swear by them.
but those are wet ones, aren't they?
I am a little scared of any kind of liquids to touch the glass aka coating of the screen of my new MacBook... I got the advice to only use a dry cloth to clean the screen...
otherwise they would sound good...
 
I'm super anal about scratches -- unreasonably so. It borders on OCD. Once I see it, I can't unsee it.

I've decided not to clean it if I can help it. The #1 cause for my screen getting dirty is the oil that gets transferred from the keyboard onto the screen. So I've gotten into the habit of wiping down the keyboard with a microfiber cloth before closing the lid.
 

Only one trip in but like the layer of protection. Also glad there is more of a gap between screen and keyboard when closed but that screen still has some bend so be careful how you travel with the thing in a bag or backpack

Thanks. I am thinking about ordering.

Just to be clear: you're using this between the keyboard and the screen while transporting the computer, correct? There's no issues re pressure on the screen, etc.?

Thanks!
 
Thanks. I am thinking about ordering.

Just to be clear: you're using this between the keyboard and the screen while transporting the computer, correct? There's no issues re pressure on the screen, etc.?

Thanks!
Correct. It's between my screen and keyboard anytime I transport it which has one trip so far. No issues of MBP waking up, etc. It's a single trip but trying to be optimistic. I do not feel like the cloth is causing any pressure issues whatsoever but the whole setup is pretty new.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Redneck1089
Micro fiber cloths and MacBook screens do not mix. I don’t care what anyone says. Next time only wipe a small corner of the display then check with your flashlight if it is scratching. If you must. Trust me. Best bet is to never and I mean NEVER even an accidental brush, touch the screen. Least you end up here wondering how to clean the darn thing. Much luck
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Furfural and bill-p
Correct. It's between my screen and keyboard anytime I transport it which has one trip so far. No issues of MBP waking up, etc. It's a single trip but trying to be optimistic. I do not feel like the cloth is causing any pressure issues whatsoever but the whole setup is pretty new.

Thank you! I’ve decided to order a cloth. I appreciate you taking the time to answer my question. ?
 
FWIW, I use the cloth from this (https://www.amazon.com/Philips-SVC1...FQE0/ref=dp_prsubs_1?pd_rd_i=B013SIFQE0&psc=1) and put some distilled water in the sprayer.

The cloth for this is *super-soft*, feels like a chamois, and seemingly lasts forever and does not shed... w/ misted water, very effectively picks up all sorts of smudges and lint to get things super clean. Have cleaned all my MBP screens like this for years since having one rMBP screen replaced due to delamination around 2014 or so.
 
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
I just returned mine for a micro scratch today - and the replacement also has a scratch. I'm done returning though.
Yeah I lied - couldn't accept it. Exchanged again - not looking for scratches. Had to get another color though.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.