The Best Way to Clean Your MacBook Screen: An Expert Guide
A dirty MacBook screen can be distracting, hiding the beautiful details of your Retina display behind a layer of dust, fingerprints, and smudges.
If you’re looking to clean your MacBook screen, you’ve come to the right place. As someone who has spent years understanding how Apple products are built and maintained, I’ll guide you through the safest and most effective ways to clean your display.
Whether you have a MacBook Pro or a MacBook Air, we’ll cover the right tools, like a microfiber cloth, the correct techniques, and what to avoid to prevent permanent damage to your screen or display1.
01
of 09Why You Must Clean Your MacBook Screen Correctly
It might seem like a simple task, but learning how to clean your screen properly is crucial.
Using the wrong cleaning products or an abrasive cloth can strip the anti-reflective coating on your MacBook Pro screen or even scratch the glass permanently.
Smudges and fingerprints from daily use are inevitable, but they can affect your viewing pleasure and the display’s performance over time. Taking a few minutes to clean a MacBook screen the right way will keep it looking brand new.
02
of 09The Only Tools You Need for a Perfect Screen Clean
Before you clean the screen, let’s gather your supplies. The good news is you don’t need an expensive screen cleaner kit. Apple’s own guidelines are simple and effective.
Essential Tools:
A soft, lint-free microfiber cloth: This is your most important tool. Do not use paper towels, dish towels, or any other abrasive material, as these can scratch your screen. You need one cloth to clean and ideally a second dry one to polish.
Distilled water: When you need a little more power to cut through grime, plain water is best. Use distilled water if possible to avoid mineral spots. You only need to slightly dampen the cloth, not soak it.
That’s it. For most cleaning jobs, this is all you will require to get rid of dust and fingerprints and keep your screen looking immaculate.
03
of 09How to Clean Your MacBook Screen: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps for a flawless, streak-free finish on your MacBook Air or MacBook Pro. This method is recommended by Apple and is safe for all displays2.
04
of 09Step 1: Power Down and Unplug
First, completely shut down your Mac.
It’s also critical to unplug the power cord and any connected devices. This is a safety precaution and also makes it much easier to see dust and smudge marks on the black screen.
05
of 09Step 2: The Initial Dry Wipe
Take your dry, soft, lint-free cloth and gently wipe the screen to remove any loose dust.
Move in a wide, sweeping motion, either side-to-side or top-to-bottom. This prevents you from just pushing dust around or grinding it into the screen.
06
of 09Step 3: The Damp Wipe for Stubborn Stains
If smudges or fingerprints remain, slightly dampen your microfiber cloth with water.
Remember, the cloth should be moist, not dripping wet. Never spray water or any cleaner directly on the screen, as moisture can drip into the openings and cause serious damage.
With the damp cloth, gently wipe the screen using light pressure. A broad circular motion or a side-to-side motion works best to lift the grime without leaving streaks.
You may need to support the back of the display with your other hand.
07
of 09Step 4: The Final Polish
Once the grime is gone, use a second, completely dry lint-free cloth to clean away any remaining moisture.
This final buff helps prevent water spots and ensures a perfect, streak-free shine. Let the screen air dry completely before closing the lid or turning your MacBook back on.
08
of 09What to NEVER Use to Clean Your MacBook
To clean your Apple products safely, knowing what to avoid is as important as knowing what to use. Using the wrong substance can cause permanent damage3.
Steer clear of these:
Forbidden Cleaning Products:
Household Cleaners: Window cleaners, all-purpose cleaners, and disinfectants are too harsh for your screen.
Aerosol Sprays & Solvents: Never use aerosol sprays, solvents, or abrasives.
Cleaners Containing Acetone or Hydrogen Peroxide: These chemicals are explicitly forbidden by Apple as they will damage the screen’s coating. The instruction to avoid cleaners containing hydrogen peroxide is a critical one to follow.
Abrasive Cloths: Do not use paper towels or any rough cloth. Stick to a microfiber cloth to avoid scratches.
09
of 09My First-Hand Test with a Screen Cleaner Solution
While water is usually enough, I decided to test a dedicated screen cleaner to see if it made a difference. I used the WHOOSH! Screen Shine kit, which comes with its own cloths.
When I first picked up the product, I appreciated that the solution is odorless and alcohol-free, which aligns with safety recommendations.
I sprayed a small amount onto the included microfiber cloth—never directly onto my MacBook Pro screen.
In my field test, I found the solution was very effective at breaking down a stubborn stain that water alone couldn’t lift. The result was a perfectly clean screen with zero streaks after polishing with the dry side of the cloth.
For those who want something more than water for a deep screen clean, a purpose-made, alcohol-free cleaner is a solid choice, but not a daily necessity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use 70% isopropyl alcohol to clean my MacBook screen?
For very stubborn spots, Apple says you can use a cloth lightly moistened with a 70% isopropyl alcohol (IPA) solution. However, this should be a last resort. For regular cleaning, water is safer and sufficient. Never apply the alcohol directly to the screen.
How often should I clean my MacBook’s screen?
You should perform a quick dry wipe with a microfiber cloth whenever you notice dust. A deeper clean with a damp cloth can be done whenever fingerprints and smudges become noticeable, perhaps once every week or two depending on your usage.
What should I do about keyboard marks on my screen?
Oils and dirt from your macbook keyboard and fingers can transfer to the screen when the lid is closed. A gentle wipe with a damp microfiber cloth will remove these marks. To prevent them, consider placing a thin microfiber cloth on your keyboard before closing the lid.
