The Apple macOS Blog

Ever looked at your computer screen and thought, "Yikes, that's a bit grimy"?
Not to worry because today I'm going to show you how to make your screen shine just like new.

What You'll Need for this mission

1. A clean super-soft cloth (microfiber is your best friend here!)
2. Some plain ol' water (but make it fancy by using distilled water)
3. A can of air (not the stuff you breathe, but the special kind for computers)

Big Screen Mac Cleaning Adventure

1. First things first, turn off your computer and unplug it. We don't want any shocking surprises!
2. Take your can of air and give your screen a gentle "whoosh" to blow away any dust bunnies.
3. Now, grab your soft cloth and make it slightly damp with water. Remember, we want damp, not soaking wet!
4. Gently wipe your screen in circular motions. Imagine you're polishing a magical mirror!
5. If there are stubborn spots, resist the urge to scrub hard. Just be patient and keep gently wiping.
6. Once you're done, use a dry part of the cloth to give it a final buff.

Ta-da! Your screen should now be sparkling clean!

Things to Avoid

(aka. How Not to Turn Your Screen-Cleaning into a Disaster Movie)

• Don't use window cleaner or any other household cleaners. Your screen is special and doesn't like that harsh nasty chemicals!
• Never spray anything directly on the screen. It's like giving your computer an unwanted shower!
• Avoid using paper towels or tissues. They might seem soft, but they can scratch your screen!
• Don't press too hard. Your Mac's screen isn't as tough as that of an iPhone or iPad, so be gentle!

Keeping Your Computer Happy on the Inside

While we're on a cleaning spree, why not give your computer a little internal pampering? Just like how a tidy room makes you feel better, a tidy computer runs better!
You could do it the slow, tedious way like I explained in my other Clean Mac article or just use one of the awesome tools out there that can help you clean up files you don't need and keep everything running smoothly — I personally prefer to cleanmymac with iBoostUp - it's freed up gigabytes of space for me and saved countless hours of messing around with my Mac.

Cleaning External Screens

Got an extra screen hooked up to your computer? No worries! You can clean it the same way. Just remember to turn it off and unplug it first.

FAQ Time

Q: How often should I clean my screen?
A: Whenever it looks dirty. Just don't go overboard — once a week should be plenty unless you're always eating at the computer or something!

Q: Can I use disinfectant wipes?
A: Nope! They're too harsh for your delicate screen. Stick to water and a soft cloth.

Q: Can I use baby wipes?
A: Nope! They'll leave unsightly residue on your screen. Stick to water and a soft cloth.

Q: Can I use a tissue?
A: Absolutely not! Never wipe your screen with a tissue — the paper is too rough and you'll end up with loads of tiny little scratches on your display.

Q: What if I accidentally spill something on my screen?
A: Uh-oh! Turn off your computer right away, unplug it, and let it dry completely. If you're worried, it's best to ask a computer technician for help.

Now you know what to do and what to avoid — you're totally a mac-screen-cleaning pro!

❤️ Maria