Dust and dirt are your MacBook's worst enemy. In addition to making your expensive Mac look dirty, they also have other unwanted consequences, such as causing performance problems, scratches on the screen, connectivity problems, or keyboard malfunction, so today we will look at several tips to keep your MacBook clean.
These are several reasons why you should clean your MacBook periodically to keep it problem-free and running efficiently. Regularly cleaning your MacBook will also help extend its lifespan, allowing you to use it for a longer period of time. Let's see it!
How to clean your dirty MacBook
Before you get to cleaning your dirty MacBook, it's important to know how not to clean it. You should always avoid using any chemical-based solutions to clean the outer casing of your MacBook or its screen. Such solutions will do more harm than good, and are best avoided.
Similarly, avoid using sprays, bleach, bleaches or other abrasives, as they are not intended to clean your MacBook.
How to clean Apple's "Butterfly" keyboard
Since its introduction on the 2015 MacBook, the new slim-design keyboard from Apple with its “Butterfly” mechanism has become the standard across the entire Mac range. Due to the low travel of its keys, it has There have been a large number of bugs reported with this design, as the keys get stuck, they stop registering keystrokes or enter multiple registrations at the same time.
One way to prevent this from happening to your Mac is to follow the instructions that Apple sets out on how to clean them effectively. First of all, Tilt the MacBook at a 75-degree angle, then holding it that way, use a can of compressed air, or gun if you have one, to blow out any crumbs, dust, or other debris. Ideally, spray the keyboard in a left-to-right motion for a few seconds.
Next, place the MacBook on its side and repeat the process. Flip it over to the other side and blow it again with compressed air; any dirt that was causing the keyboard to not work properly should be gone.
If this is not the case, I suggest you contact Apple Support.
If you have an external keyboard, you can often remove the keys to thoroughly clean the keyboard. Don't apply the same formula on your MacBook keyboard as you would end up breaking it easily.
Use a microfiber cloth and water
The best and easiest way to clean your MacBook properly is by using a microfiber cloth and some water. Simply rub the microfiber cloth in water and then gently rub it over the outer case, screen, keyboard, and other areas of your MacBook.
Don't try to use any other cloth to clean your MacBook, especially ones with lint, as they will create a mess. Also, avoid spraying water directly on your MacBook. Always wet the cloth and then use it to clean your MacBook. You just need to slightly dampen the cloth.
A clean microfiber cloth will ensure that you don't end up accidentally scratching your MacBook screen while trying to clean it.
If your MacBook comes with a touch Bar, you can follow the same steps to clean it.
Use isopropyl alcohol
You can use a 70 percent or higher isopropyl alcohol solution to clean your MacBook. Put some isopropyl alcohol on a clean microfiber cloth and then use it to clean your MacBook. Don't rub too harshly, as it could have other unwanted consequences.
Additionally, you should always avoid using isopropyl alcohol on the screen.
Apple also recommends using disinfectant wipes on the hard surfaces of your MacBook to clean and disinfect your equipment. These wipes can be used to disinfect the trackpad and keyboard keys of your MacBook. However, we should avoid using them to clean the screen.
How to clean a Mac mouse
Fortunately, the days of ball mice are long gone, but even the rubber feet on the base of the mouse can collect dirt, and sometimes the sensor lens can get dirty, preventing the mouse from tracking movements properly.
If you have a click button or a wheel on top, those probably have a lot of germs on them too. So before passing your mouse on to someone else, you should disinfect it. Before cleaning your mouse, disconnect it from your computer.
To clean the wheel on top of the mouse and any other grooves, you can use a toothpick, but be careful not to break it. Clean the mouse with a microfiber cloth, but as before, avoid any harsh chemicals that could damage the finish.
Turn the mouse over and use a cotton swab to clean the rubber feet on the base. A toothpick might be helpful to break up the really dirty bits.
If your Mac isn't tracking movements correctly, there may be some dust or other dirt on the sensor lens. You can use compressed air to clean the sensor part or gently use a cotton swab, but be careful not to scratch the sensor or push too hard.
Finally, you could clean the mouse with a disinfectant wipe like those used for the keyboard.
Visit the nearest Apple Store
If you don't want to clean your dirty MacBook yourself, you can always take it to your nearest Apple Store or Apple service center. If your MacBook is under warranty, the Apple Store team should be happy to clean it.
As a bonus, you can even tell them to open your MacBook and clean the internals if you tend to use your Mac in dirty conditions or if it is relatively old. If your MacBook is under warranty, do not try to open it yourself, as you will end up voiding its warranty.
On the other hand, if you travel a lot or tend to use your MacBook in dusty and dirty conditions, it is highly recommended that you clean it from time to time to keep it working properly.