Best towels to clean MacBook Pro screen?

[Benz63amg]

I see a whole bunch of cloths/towels on Amazon each claiming to be the best. Which one do you guys use to clean the MacBook Pro’s screen? I heard that the velvety microfiber ones are the best but It’s still hard to go by the photos on the different product listings on Amazon. Would appreciate any feedback thanks

 

[coffeemilktea]

I'm a big fan of the big SpongeBob towel:

...but realistically, any microfiber cloth will do; all the different sellers on Amazon are likely sourcing them from the same cheap manufacturers. 🤪 So it doesn't really matter which one you get.

 

[FloridaScrubJay]

Zeiss Lens Wipes

 

[Benz63amg]

Zeiss Lens Wipes

The pre moistened ones? There seems to be two versions one for lenses and one for mobile screens which one is better?

 

[Fishrrman]

NONE.

Use "towels" to clean that screen, and before you know it... the thin, fragile, sprayed-on anti-glare coating will start flaking off, and you'll have...

STAINGATE.

Owners of MBP's should modify their behavior (if necessary) so that they need to "clean the display" as little as possible.

Use a very soft cloth to "dust off" the display (NO pressure).
If something still sticks, moisten the cloth and use as little pressure as possible to dislodge it.
Then, dust dry.

 

[Benz63amg]

NONE.

Use "towels" to clean that screen, and before you know it... the thin, fragile, sprayed-on anti-glare coating will start flaking off, and you'll have...

STAINGATE.

Owners of MBP's should modify their behavior (if necessary) so that they need to "clean the display" as little as possible.

Use a very soft cloth to "dust off" the display (NO pressure).
If something still sticks, moisten the cloth and use as little pressure as possible to dislodge it.
Then, dust dry.

There is oily buildup on the screen after a couple months. That can’t be cleaned by dusting. I use a blue velvety microfiber towel to clean the display about twice or 3 times a year but it’s really frustrating and time consuming. Are these Zeiss towels suggested by another member no good?

 

[dborja]

For me, it's this:

Windex Electronics Wipes, Pre-Moistened Screen Wipes Clean and Provide a Streak-Free Shine, 25 Count

Wondering how to clean your phone screen or flat screen TV? Windex Electronics Wipes are an effective and safe screen cleaner you can trust on even your most valuable devices. The advanced formula in these cleaning wipes gently removes smudges, fingerprints and dust without damaging your screens ...

www.amazon.com

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and then this:

SmoTecQ 12 Pack Assorted Colors Microfiber Cleaning Cloths - Safe and Effective Cleans Lenses, Glasses, Screens, Cameras, Eyeglasses, Cell Phone, LCD TV Screens and More (6X7)

12 Pack Assorted Colors Microfiber Cleaning Cloths - Cleans Lenses, Glasses, Screens, Cameras, Eyeglasses, Cell Phone, LCD TV Screens and More（7x6" ）

www.amazon.com

 

[bill-p]

Which one do you guys use to clean the MacBook Pro’s screen?

None. If you care about the screen, put a protector over it.

Absolutely... ZERO materials I have used over the years... since 2015 Macbooks... up to M1, has been able to protect the screen at all. And mind... I have Zeiss lens wipes (both types), microfiber clothes, heck, even the Apple cloth that I had to pay a hefty price for.

ALL of my Macbooks since 2015 have had the display scratched. Save with the exception of the current M2 Macbook Air that I have a screen protector on. ALL of the other ones have been scratched or have had staingate after just one year of use.

Again, if you care about the screen, either don't wipe it or just put a screen protector on.

 

[Benz63amg]

None. If you care about the screen, put a protector over it.

Absolutely... ZERO materials I have used over the years... since 2015 Macbooks... up to M1, has been able to protect the screen at all. And mind... I have Zeiss lens wipes (both types), microfiber clothes, heck, even the Apple cloth that I had to pay a hefty price for.

ALL of my Macbooks since 2015 have had the display scratched. Save with the exception of the current M2 Macbook Air that I have a screen protector on. ALL of the other ones have been scratched or have had staingate after just one year of use.

Again, if you care about the screen, either don't wipe it or just put a screen protector on.

What kind of screen protector do you have on? Is the installation process similar to installing one on an iPhone? Is it made of glass or plastic film?

 

[Alpha Centauri]

I use an anti-static duster for all removable particles. Now if there's more stubborn areas, IPA70/30 pre saturated wipes that Apple stores use here and then the Apple Cloth to dry. That cloth I dedicate only to screen use. And as Fishrrman already said, clean as little as possible.

Edit: if you can be bothered, wipe the palm-rests and track-pad before closing the lid to avoid natural oils ending up on the screen. But then, if you have key imprints on the screen, just use the thin paper the MBP came shipped with.

 

[Benz63amg]

I use an anti-static duster for all removable particles. Now if there's more stubborn areas, IPA70/30 pre saturated wipes that Apple stores use here and then the Apple Cloth to dry. That cloth I dedicate only to screen use. And as Fishrrman already said, clean as little as possible.

Edit: if you can be bothered, wipe the palm-rests and track-pad before closing the lid to avoid natural oils ending up on the screen. But then, if you have key imprints on the screen, just use the thin paper the MBP came shipped with.

I don’t have an issue with dust settling on the display as I have many ways of getting that dust off the display even just by dabbing a microfiber towel on the display without any force to get the dust particles off. The issue is the oily substance that builds up on the screen after a 1-5 month period that must be physically wiped off the display and requires abrasive contact with the display.

 

[bill-p]

What kind of screen protector do you have on? Is the installation process similar to installing one on an iPhone? Is it made of glass or plastic film?

Plastic film. I had a glass one too and that didn't close gracefully since there is very little clearance between the screen and the keyboard.

The installation process is similar to installing one on an iPad, actually.

 

[Alpha Centauri]

Plastic film. I had a glass one too and that didn't close gracefully since there is very little clearance between the screen and the keyboard.

The installation process is similar to installing one on an iPad, actually.

Is it a wet installation? Would you have a link or product name by any chance?

 

[Benz63amg]

Plastic film. I had a glass one too and that didn't close gracefully since there is very little clearance between the screen and the keyboard.

The installation process is similar to installing one on an iPad, actually.

It must be extremely difficult to line up the protector with the MacBook’s screen. Does it come with a lining up template?

 

[Flowstates]

I have been using antistatic eyewear cleaner with run of the mill microfiber cloth (the kind they give you to wash your glasses). No problems with staining whatsoever on my MBP 14''.

I sneeze alot.

YMMV

 

[Alpha Centauri]

It must be extremely difficult to line up the protector with the MacBook’s screen. Does it come with a lining up template?

My first thought if wanting a perfect finish. I struggle as it is to apply protective film on top and bottom case as it is.

 

[Benz63amg]

I have been using antistatic eyewear cleaner with run of the mill microfiber cloth (the kind they give you to wash your glasses). No problems with staining whatsoever on my MBP 14''.

I sneeze alot.

YMMV

Do you have a link to the product?

 

[bill-p]

Is it a wet installation? Would you have a link or product name by any chance?

No, just a regular install:

ZOEGAA Ultra-transparent Screen Protector Compatible with MacBook Pro 14 Inch M1 Pro/M1 Max A2442,for Ultra-High Definition MacBook 14 Inch Screen Protector

ZOEGAA Ultra-transparent Screen Protector Compatible with MacBook Pro 14 Inch M1 Pro/M1 Max A2442,for Ultra-High Definition MacBook 14 Inch Screen Protector

www.amazon.com

You can do it wet but you may want to be careful of liquid damage to the device. Best to make sure AppleCare is still effective.

 

[Alpha Centauri]

Do you have a link to the product?

I use these: https://www.amazon.com/8241-IPA-PRE...&dib_tag=se&sprefix=ipa70/30+mg+wipes,aps,243

 

[Alpha Centauri]

No, just a regular install:

ZOEGAA Ultra-transparent Screen Protector Compatible with MacBook Pro 14 Inch M1 Pro/M1 Max A2442,for Ultra-High Definition MacBook 14 Inch Screen Protector

ZOEGAA Ultra-transparent Screen Protector Compatible with MacBook Pro 14 Inch M1 Pro/M1 Max A2442,for Ultra-High Definition MacBook 14 Inch Screen Protector

www.amazon.com

You can do it wet but you may want to be careful of liquid damage to the device. Best to make sure AppleCare is still effective.

Thank you. And you got it on dry with no bubbles or creases?

The wet application: Yeah, I didn't have luck with wet application of film recently due to not using enough gel. Why? Fear, as I just had catastrophic damage from an unrelated and unfortunate (as is always) fluid spill. AC+ covered it all.

 

[bill-p]

Thank you. And you got it on dry with no bubbles or creases?

Yeah, it wasn't that hard. I just had to try a few times (so I bought 2-3 packs of those and just kept trying).

 

[cogzero]

This is Apple's own support page on how to clean all their products:
Cleaning Apple Products

 

[Mrkevinfinnerty]

use a beach towel with seawater.

 

[Flowstates]

Do you have a link to the product?

I don't buy online sorry

 

[bradman83]

I use two microfiber towels. One I get damp and add a tiny drop of dish soap and do an initial wipe of the screen. It should leave a slight bit of water but not be saturated. I then use the second microfiber towel to buff it dry.

I use this on the entire machine - screen, keyboard, body. I use this same approach with my iPad Pro and iPhone. As long as you’re not saturating the first towel and sloshing water all over it won’t cause any issues.