Clean a Macbook or Macbook Pro Computer

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Cleaning your Macbook and its components is essential to ensure the flawless operation of your Apple product. By regularly following a few simple cleaning procedures, you can keep your Macbook in great shape, and looking good.

Steps

  1. Purchase cleaning products. Only use products that are approved for computer use—Applying unapproved products could harm your computer, so check labels before making any purchases.
    • Don’t use any solvents, aerosol sprays, abrasives, or cleaners with hydrogen peroxide in them. This can damage the finish of the computer.
    • Use only lint-free, soft cloths. Avoid anything that might be abrasive, including paper towels or textured cloths.
  2. Power down computer completely. Cleaning a computer that is still running could compromise any open documents or programs. Be sure the computer is not in sleep mode, but completely powered down.
    • If you have a removable battery, remove it. Make sure you detach the power adapter, too.
  3. Remove dust from hard-to-reach areas using an air duster. Carefully blow air into the keyboard, screen and ports.
    • Go over those areas a few times if you haven’t cleaned the computer in a while.
    • Avoid allowing any liquid from the air duster to spill onto your computer. If this happens, dry the liquid, wait a few minutes and shake the can before re-applying.
  4. Brush the edges of the computer with your fan brush. This will brush away any dust that emerged from the air duster.
    • Brush outwards carefully at the ports to remove dust.
  5. Clean the screen with LCD cleaner or just water. Apply a small amount of water or cleaner to a soft cloth, not the screen; then use the cloth to polish. Avoid getting this liquid in any ports or openings.
    • Work in a circular motion to avoid streaking.
  6. Eliminate remaining oil or grime left on screen using LCD wipes. This is a great added touch for screens that are especially dirty.
  7. Use a damp, soft, lint-free cloth to clean the computer’s exterior. Avoid getting moisture in any openings. Do not spray any type of liquid directly on the computer.
    • Apply to the computer body, both inside and outside the laptop.
    • Polish the keyboard with a cloth that's only very slightly damp. Stick to only a small amount of water for best results; if you do decide to use a cleaner, make sure it's labeled as safe for computers, and use only a very small amount, applied to the cloth (not the keyboard itself). Remove any excess cleanser so that it doesn't damage the MacBook's finish.
    • You can also use dry cotton swabs to get any dirt that's stuck between keys.
    • For the trackpad, be especially careful not to use any cleaning solutions, since the area is very delicate. Use a barely damp, lint-free cloth to wipe it, and then make sure you dry it immediately with another clean, lint-free cloth.
    • Don’t neglect underneath the computer. Actually, that is one area that is certain to be dirty. For the nonslip rubber on the bottom of some Macbook models, make sure you use a dye-free cloth to prevent discoloration.
  8. Dry the entire computer using a clean (dry) microfiber cloth. At this stage you are polishing and removing any leftover cleaning agents.

Tips

  • The MacBook Pro power adapter port contains a magnet that can erase data on your credit card, iPod, or other device. To preserve your data, keep magnetically sensitive items away from the power adapter port.

Warnings

  • Electrical equipment may be hazardous if misused. Operation of this product, or similar products, must always be supervised by an adult. Do not allow children access to the interior of any electrical product and do not permit them to handle any cables.
  • The only way to disconnect power from your computer completely is to disconnect the power adapter and phone cord, and remove the battery. Make sure that at least one end of the power adapter is within easy reach so that you can detach it when necessary.
  • For your own safety and that of your equipment, always take the following precautions. Disconnect the power plug (by pulling the plug, not the cord), remove the battery, and disconnect your Ethernet cable and any other connected devices if any of the following conditions exist:
    • Your computer has been dropped or the case has been damaged.
    • You spill something into the case.
    • You want to remove any parts.
    • You want to install memory.
    • The power cable or plug becomes frayed or damaged.
    • You suspect that your computer needs service or repair.
    • You want to clean the case (use only the recommended procedure described above).
    • Your computer is exposed to rain or any other excess moisture.

Things You'll Need

  • Microfiber cloth
  • Air duster
  • LCD cleaner
  • Brush

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Sources and Citations

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