How To Clean Your MacBook The Right Way

In this article, we’re providing the ultimate guide to learning how to clean MacBook the right way, making it simpler than ever to banish those stains, smudges, and sticker remnants.

Is your beloved MacBook starting to resemble a dust collector? Are stubborn smudges and sticker residue making your laptop look far from its shiny, pristine self? Well, you’re not alone.

Let’s face it, we all encounter these pesky issues sooner or later. But worry not, because today, we’re diving headfirst into the ultimate cleaning solutions to restore your MacBook’s glory.

Your Complete Guide on How to Clean a MacBook

We get it. Life happens, and so do spills, smudges, and crumbs. But here’s the good news. We’ve got the ultimate solution to give your MacBook the cleaning it deserves.

From how to clean a MacBook keyboard to how to clean MacBook screen, we’ve got answers to all your cleaning queries. Let’s dive in: 

Step 1: Gather the Supplies You’ll Need

Before we dive in to learn how to clean MacBook, let’s round up our cleaning squad:

1. A soft, lint-free cloth. We suggest getting your hands on a Microfiber cloth (those ones that came with eyeglasses work great)
2. Compressed air (optional but handy)
3. 70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipe, 75 percent ethyl alcohol wipe, or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes
4. A soft brush
5. A little patience

Step 2: Learn the Basics of Cleaning

Apple products come in various materials, so let’s start with some universal cleaning tips to properly learn how to clean MacBook:

1. Proper positioning is significant. When using compressed air to clean the keyboard, hold your MacBook at a 75-degree angle, not quite vertical, to avoid any liquid damage.3
2. Use a soft cloth, like microfiber, to avoid scratches.
3. Avoid excessive wiping, as it could harm the surface.
4. Unplug all power sources and cables.
5. Keep liquids away from your MacBook, unless instructed otherwise.
6. Don’t let moisture into any openings.
7. Say no to aerosol sprays, bleaches, or abrasives.
8. Don’t spray cleaners directly onto your MacBook.

Step 3: Power Down & Disconnect

First things first, ensure the safety of your device. Shut down your MacBook and unplug it from any power source. Remove the battery if possible. This helps avoid electrical mishaps during the cleaning process.

Step 4: Disinfecting Your MacBook

The Right Disinfectants

To maintain the pristine beauty of your Apple device, reach for a 70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipe, a 75 percent ethyl alcohol wipe, or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes. These heroes are your first essential step to learning how to clean MacBook. 

The Magic of Gently Wiping

With your chosen disinfectant in hand, it’s time to work some magic. Gently wipe down the hard, nonporous surfaces of your MacBook. This includes the display, keyboard, and other exterior surfaces where those unwanted germs tend to lurk.

Bleach and Hydrogen Peroxide: A Big No-No

While our disinfectant heroes are here to save the day, their counterparts, bleach and hydrogen peroxide, are not welcome in this cleaning party. Avoid products containing these substances at all costs, as they can cause more harm than good.

The “Moisture” Warning

Keep in mind the “moisture” rule. Don’t let any of your cleaning solutions find their way into openings, and never even think about giving your MacBook a swim in cleaning agents. We want a clean device, not a soggy one.

The Fabric and Leather Exclusion Zone

Lastly, steer clear of fabric or leather surfaces with your disinfectant. They need a different kind of love and care. 

Step 5: Cleaning Your MacBook Exterior

Your MacBook has been your trusty sidekick through thick and thin. Now, it’s time to give it a little spa day. In this step, we learn how to clean MacBook exterior:

1. Dry Microfiber Magic: Give your laptop a gentle wipe-down, caressing away the dust and those pesky minor scuffs. 

2. Zap Away Stubborn Dust: Sometimes, debris hides in the nooks and crannies, especially between the keys or in those chic design grooves. That’s when compressed air comes into play. A few short bursts will send those dust bunnies packing. But remember, keep the air can upright to avoid any unwanted condensation

3. Deeper Clean for Spills: Did a little coffee mishap or a fingerprint invasion occur? No worries, we’ve got your back. Lightly dampen your trusty microfiber cloth, but don’t go overboard. We don’t want any waterlogged MacBooks here. Carefully give your MacBook another wipe-down, paying special attention to the trackpad. 

Remember, never pour water directly onto your laptop – we’re aiming for a light sprinkle, not a monsoon.

Step 6: Cleaning the Screen & keyboard

Your MacBook is your trusty companion, but it’s no stranger to collecting dust and crumbs. If your keyboard’s looking a bit messy, and your screen has seen better days, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and give them a good clean. Here’s how to clean MacBook screen and keyboard:

How to Clean MacBook Screen

1. Always start by powering off your MacBook and unplugging it.
2. Dampen a soft, lint-free cloth with water (only).
3. Carefully wipe the screen. If it’s a glass screen, apply a bit of pressure while wiping. For non-glass screens, use a gentle touch to clear away the dust.

How to Clean MacBook Keyboard

1. First, hold your MacBook at a slight 75-degree angle, not completely upright. This angle helps keep debris from diving deeper into your laptop.
2. Grab a can of compressed air with the included straw. Keep the straw about half an inch away from the keyboard to control the airflow.
3. Start by gently spraying the keyboard, moving from left to right. This motion dislodges dust and crumbs stuck between the keys.
4. Rotate your MacBook to its right side and repeat the left-to-right spray. Get into every nook and cranny.
5. For any stubborn grime, use a soft brush or a toothbrush. Be gentle around the keys to avoid any mishaps.

Step 7: Cleaning the Insides (Optional)

Alright, folks, it’s time to deal with those noisy fans inside your MacBook. This step in learning how to clean MacBook is completely optional as it is a bit risky. Follow it only if you’re sure you can tackle the task!

Here’s the lowdown on how to give your laptop a little internal cleanup:

1. First things first, switch off your MacBook.
2. You’ll need a screwdriver for this job. Remove the bottom panel carefully, and be sure to remember where each screw goes. A little organization goes a long way.
3. Now, it’s time to get rid of that pesky dust. Use short bursts of compressed air to blow it away. Easy does it—don’t go too hard, and hold the fan blade to keep it from spinning too fast.

Note: If you can’t open your laptop, don’t sweat it. Trying to force it might make things worse. Leave it to the pros.

Bonus Tip: Dealing with Tough Stains, Smudges, and Sticker Residue

We’ve all been there – stubborn stains, smudges, and sticker residue making our MacBooks look less than stellar.

Stubborn Stains & Smudges

If you’ve got pesky stains or smudges, here’s how to clean MacBook without a hitch:

1. Dampen a cloth with a 70-percent isopropyl alcohol solution.
2. Gently wipe the display or enclosure.
3. Voilà, those pesky marks are gone! It’s like magic!

Dealing with Sticker Residue

Now, sticker residue – that’s a different kind of challenge. If you’re wondering how to clean sticker residue from MacBook, here’s the answer:

1. Start with a damp microfiber cloth.
2. If that sticky stuff won’t budge, try a bit of isopropyl alcohol.
3. And if you’re facing a real sticker monster, you can bring in the big guns – Goo Gone. But use it carefully, okay?

Important Note: Nano-Texture Glass on iMac

If you own an iMac with nano-texture glass, be sure to follow specific cleaning instructions for that.