Microfibre cloth depleted my MacBook Pro's coating!

[cheesyappleuser]

Good morning,
I'd like to share my unfortunate experience with microfibre cloths, which led to a depletion of the screen's antiglare coating. This is pretty localised right now but I'm really afraid it spreads to the actual screen and forces me to buy a new computer.
EDIT: This was the cloth used:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B013R7Y1SE/ref=pdp_new_dp_review

After searching online in reputable websites for the easiest way to clean my television screens, I decided to purchase these and do so.
Seeing it had worked well in my televisions (since all I needed was a bit of water to moist the cloth and clean the screens) I decided to use this in a matte screen with no problem and, afterwards, in my MacBook Pro.
I would like to point out I own this computer for almost three years and have cleaned it countless times with IKlear's kit (spray and blue microfibre cloth) without any problem whatsoever. This time, having left the cloth in my other house, I decided to give this a try, as it had worked so well thus far. So, I was completely surprised when I was trying to clean a "stain" (and scrubbed it a bit harder) near the FaceTime camera and the stain started to get bigger! Not only that, but that "stain" also appeared in places where it didn't exist! Being aware that it meant - the antiglare coating was depleting - I decided to immediately stop cleaning the screen in order to avoid further damage that could render my screen useless (because it only affected the top bezel).
At the end of the day - and despite the clear fragility of Apple's screen - I am very disappointed with this product, that might mean I'll have to purchase a new computer a lot sooner than I expected.

Please post your experience if you're also unfortunate with this question, as it would help me to know what to do next, and all others to know how to avoid such an issue.

 

[keysofanxiety]

Sounds like Staingate. Apple should be able to fix it for free. Do you have an Apple Store or AASP you can go to? Even if you're out of warranty they could still help.

 

[cheesyappleuser]

Sounds like Staingate. Apple should be able to fix it for free. Do you have an Apple Store or AASP you can go to? Even if you're out of warranty they could still help.

Yes, I purchased this computer in August 2014, so it's possible. However, I purchased this in the US, and currently live in Europe in a country where there are only authorised resellers / repairers.

 

[keysofanxiety]

Yes, I purchased this computer in August 2014, so it's possible. However, I purchased this in the US, and currently live in Europe in a country where there are only authorised resellers / repairers.

Not to worry, AppleCare is global and any AASP can service a Mac regardless of where it was originally purchased. Worth going to an authorised repairer and see if it's something they can fix.

 

[cheesyappleuser]

Not to worry, AppleCare is global and any AASP can service a Mac regardless of where it was originally purchased. Worth going to an authorised repairer and see if it's something they can fix.

I believe I am: https://www.macrumors.com/2017/02/24/apple-extended-anti-reflective-repair-program/
Thank you for your advice!

 

[Merkava_4]

I use the 16x16 inch chamois microfiber cloth; not the terry one.
In this picture, the chamois cloth is in the front and the terry cloth is behind it.

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0734/9357/products/iK8_MK_COM.jpg?v=1426812479

 

[Fishrrman]

I bought a 2015 MacBook Pro, and I've been following StainGate for a while now.

I sense that ALL years of the retina MacBooks are susceptible to screen flaking/damage over time. This is due to the fact that the display uses a very thin "coating" (not a "solid piece of material" covering the glossy display). Despite all the "innovations" and improvements Apple may have tried to protect the coating over the long-term, in some cases it just doesn't help.

For that reason, my own personal routine is to be VERY careful about the display -- don't touch it, even when opening/closing the top cover.
I use a soft cotton cloth to "dust off" any dust -- not actually "wiping", but just lightly brushing across the surface of the display. A very few times I've wiped off spots using a soft tissue moistened with water, then the cloth as above.

I still can't predict whether this will prevent deterioration over the long term.
I sense that that is due as much to the design of the display, as it is to manufacturing tolerance variations or defects.

Moral of the story:
Be careful of retina displays, and try to touch/clean/wipe them as little as possible and ONLY when absolutely necessary...

 

[AZhappyjack]

Good morning,
I'd like to share my unfortunate experience with microfibre cloths, which led to a depletion of the screen's antiglare coating. This is pretty localised right now but I'm really afraid it spreads to the actual screen and forces me to buy a new computer.
EDIT: This was the cloth used:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B013R7Y1SE/ref=pdp_new_dp_review

After searching online in reputable websites for the easiest way to clean my television screens, I decided to purchase these and do so.
Seeing it had worked well in my televisions (since all I needed was a bit of water to moist the cloth and clean the screens) I decided to use this in a matte screen with no problem and, afterwards, in my MacBook Pro.
I would like to point out I own this computer for almost three years and have cleaned it countless times with IKlear's kit (spray and blue microfibre cloth) without any problem whatsoever. This time, having left the cloth in my other house, I decided to give this a try, as it had worked so well thus far. So, I was completely surprised when I was trying to clean a "stain" (and scrubbed it a bit harder) near the FaceTime camera and the stain started to get bigger! Not only that, but that "stain" also appeared in places where it didn't exist! Being aware that it meant - the antiglare coating was depleting - I decided to immediately stop cleaning the screen in order to avoid further damage that could render my screen useless (because it only affected the top bezel).
At the end of the day - and despite the clear fragility of Apple's screen - I am very disappointed with this product, that might mean I'll have to purchase a new computer a lot sooner than I expected.

Please post your experience if you're also unfortunate with this question, as it would help me to know what to do next, and all others to know how to avoid such an issue.

I bought a 2015 MacBook Pro, and I've been following StainGate for a while now.

I sense that ALL years of the retina MacBooks are susceptible to screen flaking/damage over time. This is due to the fact that the display uses a very thin "coating" (not a "solid piece of material" covering the glossy display). Despite all the "innovations" and improvements Apple may have tried to protect the coating over the long-term, in some cases it just doesn't help.

For that reason, my own personal routine is to be VERY careful about the display -- don't touch it, even when opening/closing the top cover.
I use a soft cotton cloth to "dust off" any dust -- not actually "wiping", but just lightly brushing across the surface of the display. A very few times I've wiped off spots using a soft tissue moistened with water, then the cloth as above.

I still can't predict whether this will prevent deterioration over the long term.
I sense that that is due as much to the design of the display, as it is to manufacturing tolerance variations or defects.

Moral of the story:
Be careful of retina displays, and try to touch/clean/wipe them as little as possible and ONLY when absolutely necessary...

I've been using those exact microfiber cloths on my eyeglasses, television screens, iPhone screens, iPad screens and iMac/Macbook Pro screens since I found them some 5-6 years ago... and have NO problems or issues to report. As others have reported, I'd strongly suggest the 'staingate' issue and take the MBP to Apple for assistance/remedy.

 

[PBG4 Dude]

You know that Apple recommends only using a soft damp cloth, right? I can't find any kind of screen cleaning chemicals on Apple's online store.

https://support.apple.com/kb/PH25437?locale=en_US

 

[vjobs]

You know that Apple recommends only using a soft damp cloth, right? I can't find any kind of screen cleaning chemicals on Apple's online store.

https://support.apple.com/kb/PH25437?locale=en_US

Please read that page again. They do recommend cleaning with a cleaner as well, but only cleaners intended for screens.

 

[pmau]

There is a lot of cheap microfiber on the market.
Search for photography lense cleaning or real glass cleaning fabrics that are used to polish glass.
I bought a cloth from an optician and one from camera supplies.
Cheap microfiber can damage real expensive equipment.

 

[Merkava_4]

You know that Apple recommends only using a soft damp cloth, right? I can't find any kind of screen cleaning chemicals on Apple's online store.

https://support.apple.com/kb/PH25437?locale=en_US

I've been using the iKlear spray and the iKlear chamois cloth on my matte screen Macs since 2003. Two fantastic products that when used together, clean very well and makes it impossible to damage your matte screen. If the Retina screen is anymore delicate than the previous matte screen, then that would be cause for great concern.

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0734/9357/products/iK8_MK_COM.jpg?v=1426812479

https://www.klearscreen.com/

 

[bigpoppamac31]

I might have this "staingate" issue as well. I used a Radtech keyboard cover to wipe down my rMBP including the screen. I dampened it with water only to wipe the screen. Now there are two spots on the screen which won't go away. One on the bottom and one on the ride side. They are easily noticeable with the screen off. It doesn't affect the screen function but it's annoying to see them. If I took it in and they did replace the screen how long would that take? Would I have to leave it for a few days or a week?

 

[Merkava_4]

I used a Radtech keyboard cover to wipe down my rMBP including the screen. I dampened it with water only to wipe the screen. Now there are two spots on the screen which won't go away.

That brings up the question: "Is the Radtech keyboard cover more abrasive than the iKlear chamois cloth?"
When used as a stationary barrier between the screen and the keyboard, the Radtech is probably safe. But when used as a wiping cloth for cleaning the screen, it may be too abrasive.

 

[bigpoppamac31]

That brings up the question: "Is the Radtech keyboard cover more abrasive than the iKlean chamois cloth?"
When used as a stationary barrier between the screen and the keyboard, the Radtech is probably safe. But when used as a wiping cloth for cleaning the screen, it may be too abrasive.

Possibly. Although they do claim it is okay to use as cleaning cloth. So would that mean it would be my fault and I'd have to pay for the repair?

 

[Merkava_4]

Possibly. Although they do claim it is okay to use as cleaning cloth. So would that mean it would be my fault and I'd have to pay for the repair?

I don't think it's your fault; I just mentioned it because it throws a variable into the mix. When you get the new screen, use the iKlear spray to dampen the iKlear cloth and then wipe the screen. I think the iKlear spray is more lubricative than water is.

 

[bigpoppamac31]

I don't think it's your fault; I just mentioned it because it throws a variable into the mix.

I know. I'm just curious if Apple would claim it's my fault and not cover the repair under "staingate". I'm sure a new screen would be very expensive.

 

[Merkava_4]

I know. I'm just curious if Apple would claim it's my fault and not cover the repair under "staingate". I'm sure a new screen would be very expensive.

I can't give you a concrete answer because I've never felt a Radtech cover, but my gut instinct tells me it shouldn't damage the screen even when used as a cleaning cloth. If Apple denies your claim because of the Radtech cover, then that would tell me the Retina screen is extremely delicate.

 

[bigpoppamac31]

I can't give you a concrete answer because I've never felt a Radtech cover, but my gut instinct tells me it shouldn't damage the screen even when used as a cleaning cloth. If Apple denies your claim because of the Radtech cover, then that would tell me the Retina screen is extremely delicate.

True and I'm sure it is. But how much would a new screen cost? I can imagine it being one of the more expensive part of the laptop.

 

[cheesyappleuser]

I use the 16x16 inch chamois microfiber cloth; not the terry one.
In this picture, the chamois cloth is in the front and the terry cloth is behind it.

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0734/9357/products/iK8_MK_COM.jpg?v=1426812479

Yup! I had always used that exact cloth, except for today. Imagine my frustration…

 

[Merkava_4]

True and I'm sure it is. But how much would a new screen cost? I can imagine it being one of the more expensive part of the laptop.

iFixit wants $425 for a used one which tells me Apple probably wants $900 for a new one.

 

[cheesyappleuser]

True and I'm sure it is. But how much would a new screen cost? I can imagine it being one of the more expensive part of the laptop.

Other users claimed it costs $450 to repair.

 

[Merkava_4]

Yup! I had always used that exact cloth, except for today. Imagine my frustration…

The iKlear company is recommending the terry cloth for pre-Retina glass glossy screens; that tells me that perhaps the terry cloth is too abrasive for matte and Retina screens.

 

[bigpoppamac31]

iFixit wants $425 for a used one which tells me Apple probably wants $900 for a new one.

That doesn't surprise me.

 

[whose]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B013R7Y1SE/

After searching online in reputable websites

Seems fitting to point out there are grades of microfiber. You chose a VERY inexpensive, problematic 'brand'. For future use you want a "70/30" blend with a weight of at least 600gsm. This is softness. If it won't scratch a well treated car it won't scratch my screen. Cost cutting supplies to care for a $5000 mbp does not seem prudently frugal.

The Rag Company - Eagle Edgeless 600 (3-Pack) Professional Korean 70/30 Blend Super Plush, Microfiber Auto Detailing Towels, Buffing & Polishing, 600gsm, 16in x 16in, Dark Grey

The Eagle Edgeless 600 is 600gsm of plushness, softness, and performance! The finest professional quality microfiber detailing towel and the #1 selling choice of numerous automobile manufacturers, collector car clubs, professional restorers, detailers, and car/truck/motorcycle/boat/airplane lover...

smile.amazon.com

The Rag Company - Everest 1100 - Ultra Plush Korean 70/30 Blend, Professional Microfiber Detailing Towels, 1100gsm, 16in x 16in, White (3-Pack)

REACHING NEW HEIGHTS in double plush microfiber detailing technology, the Everest 1100 is one of the thickest, softest, beastliest wax removal/buffing towels of them all that's ready to scale your loftiest detailing needs at over 1100 gsm (grams per square meter) and more than 700,000 fibers per ...

smile.amazon.com

Or similar reputable brands with independent, off-site reviews. It's not a review unless it both tests function, AND compares it to something else. Ergo most amazon reviews are devoid of value. You can thank amazon Community Team for their fecklessness. [Once you write more than 200 reviews you'll experience their grandeur dearth]

Find review sifting sites like reviewmeta and fakespot to narrow down reviews further.