The Best Way to Clean a MacBook

Restoring your MacBook to its "like new" luster can be done with a few easy steps and household items.

An Apple MacBook or MacBook Pro should be cleaned using great care, but the process does not differ from most laptop computers. Liquids can be extremely damaging to electronic components, especially if they are allowed to seep into the circuitry. Vigilance must be taken to insure no moisture finds its way inside via keyboard keys, external ports, or any other area of the MacBook.

Things You'll Need

• Lint-free microfiber cloth
• Mr. Clean magic eraser
• White baking soda toothpaste (Arm & Hammer suggested)

Instructions

1. Shut down the MacBook completely. Unplug the power source from the machine and remove the battery.

2. Wet the micro fiber cloth and Magic Eraser with lukewarm water. Wring both of them out so that they are damp, not wet, and no excess moisture can be seen.

3. Wipe the screen and exterior of the MacBook using the damp microfiber cloth. This is the method recommended by Apple.

4. Use the magic eraser combined with a light dab of baking soda toothpaste to remove trouble spots in common areas like the track pad and palm rest areas. Use of white toothpaste only suggested with traditional white MacBook models.

Tips & Warnings

• Microfiber cloth can be easily found as a glasses cleaner and available at most optometrists or sunglasses merchants.

• Do not use sprays, aerosols, or other solutions that run a risk of seeping into the electrical components. Never directly spray any liquids directly onto the surface of your MacBook.

References

• Apple.com: MacBook Care, Use, and Safety Information
• Lifehacker: Remove Stains From a Macbook With Toothpaste
• NewMacOnline: How to Clean a Macbook with Household Supplies