I must admit that my MacBook Air is really disgusting. There are far too many crumbs in and around the keyboard keys, and the screen is covered with fingerprints. Not to mention the dust that is concealed in the cracks.
Not regularly cleaning my gadgets is one of my worst tech habits. I’m terrible at dusting my TV and other big displays throughout the home and cleaning my iPhone on a regular basis. This negligence also applies to my MacBook.
Starting with my MacBook, I’ve made the decision to keep my gadgets clean as part of my yearly spring cleaning routine. Continue reading to learn how to properly clean your MacBook if you’d like to join me.
For further information, see our comprehensive guide on stove cleaning and how to properly clean your Keurig.
How to clean your screen
Apple recommends using a moist, lint-free cloth to clean your screen. It is essential that you limit the use of water to general screen cleaning. For tiny, more difficult-to-remove smudges, 70% isopropyl alcohol on a lint-free cloth is advised.
Turn off your computer and disconnect any charging wires before cleaning your screen.
To get rid of some of the most difficult-to-remove fingerprints or smudges, I have utilized tiny glasses cleaning wipes. Without using any water or isopropyl alcohol, you may make a dent (not literally) in the toughest smudges with some brisk but delicate wiping.
Use the same method you use to wipe your screen if your MacBook has a Touch Bar.
How to keep your MacBook’s exterior clean
Cleaning your MacBook’s exterior is quite similar to cleaning your screen; just use a moist, lint-free cloth. Just make sure that no moisture or water drips into your computer’s brains.
Apple advises staying away from solvents, abrasives, aerosol sprays (like Lysol), and anything that contains hydrogen peroxide. I’ve persisted with using the paper towel or slightly moist cloth as Apple suggests when I clean the exterior of my computer. For this process, once again, ensure sure your computer is off.
How to keep the keyboard on your MacBook clean
Cleaning your keyboard is a little more difficult than cleaning your computer’s screen or exterior. Fortunately, Apple provides instructions on how to clean your keyboard using compressed air.
Start by holding your MacBook with the keyboard pointed down at a 75-degree angle. Next, use the compressed air to spray the keyboard in a back-and-forth motion, keeping the nozzle approximately half an inch away and avoiding prolonged direct emphasis on any one spot.
Continue spraying the keyboard back and forth while rotating your MacBook.
This method usually works well for blowing the debris out from beneath the keys when I’ve left large crumbs or other junk on my keyboard.
Cleaning your MacBook charger
It’s likely that my MacBook chargers are as dirty as my PC. Apple advises doing this task with the same moist, lint-free towel. Make sure your charging wire is disconnected from your smartphone and the charging block before beginning any cleaning.
Using a moist towel, run it up and down your charging wire until all of the dust and filth has been removed. Make sure your cable is completely dry before using it again, and take care not to get any moisture on the charging components.
The block may be cleaned in the same manner as your MacBook’s exterior. Once again, take careful not to get water into the charging components and let the block dry completely before using it.