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Cleaning the screen of my new M1

81Tiger04

81Tiger04

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Aug 11, 2009
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I love my new M1 and want to take care of it. I keep it really clean but get spots on the screen nonetheless.

I’ve read a lot about the Apple cloth and got one. But as I was just cleaning it and trying to remove a spot, I may have pressed too hard as there was a brief “discoloration”.

I quickly stopped and it went away but I can’t help but wonder if I damaged the screen??
 
I use a 1:1 solution of distilled water and isopropyl (rubbing) alcholol (either a 70% or 90% solution - doesn't really matter). Just get yourself a small spray bottle and fill it halfway with distilled water and the other half with rubbing alcohol, that way you have a ready solution on hand. Spray the solution directly onto a microfiber cloth (I only use the kind like this, not the silky smooth kind) and wipe from top to bottom in straight motions with light to medium-light pressure as needed to remove spots. Use a dry area on the cloth in the same motion to ensure the screen is 100% dry before closing the lid or re-waking/starting your computer.

If you've turned your computer back on and notice no issues in the area of the screen you were worried about, then your screen is fine.
 
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DON'T "over-clean" the screen!

That's the surest way to get "StainGate" (if you don't know what that means, you'd better look it up).

The MacBook Pro's have a VERY THIN "sprayed-on" anti-glare coating. It's just small "particles" sprayed onto the surface.

The WORST THING you can do is to clean the surface of the display "too vigorously" or use too much pressure. The coating will start to wear down and flake off.

You should actually endeavour to clean the display as little as possible.
That means, taking extra care not to "get it dirty" in the first place.

Try using a soft cloth to "dust away" particles on the surface first. NO PRESSURE.

If that won't work, moisten the cloth with water. DON'T use alcohol.
Use as little pressure as possible to dislodge the item.
Then, "dust dry" (as above).

Some users over-clean the screen and as a result seem to end up with StainGate quickly.
Take care, and it will keep looking good a long time.
 
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Fishrrman said:
DON'T "over-clean" the screen!

That's the surest way to get "StainGate" (if you don't know what that means, you'd better look it up).

The MacBook Pro's have a VERY THIN "sprayed-on" anti-glare coating. It's just small "particles" sprayed onto the surface.

The WORST THING you can do is to clean the surface of the display "too vigorously" or use too much pressure. The coating will start to wear down and flake off.

You should actually endeavour to clean the display as little as possible.
That means, taking extra care not to "get it dirty" in the first place.

Try using a soft cloth to "dust away" particles on the surface first. NO PRESSURE.

If that won't work, moisten the cloth with water. DON'T use alcohol.
Use as little pressure as possible to dislodge the item.
Then, "dust dry" (as above).

Some users over-clean the screen and as a result seem to end up with StainGate quickly.
Take care, and it will keep looking good a long time.
Click to expand...
Geez you just scared the **** out of me 😨
 
i use a microfiber cloth, wet it, wring it out completely, and lightly wipe the screen. I would never put any cleaning substances on the screen, for the reason given above regarding the anti-glare coating. This has been discussed in the archives.
 
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Thank you all for help with how to clean the screen (I’ve only used the Apple microfiber and cleaned just once so far).

As far as my original question, though, did I damage anything by pressing too hard?
 
I completely disagree with the folks saying to use any isopropyl alcohol. I would instead recommend getting a cleaning kit called WHOOSH-comes with a cleaning cloth. It's what is used in Apple stores on the floor products. Works like magic.

Great on MacBooks, Phones, iPads, whatever.

Available on Amazon.

www.amazon.com

WHOOSH! Screen Cleaner Spray and Wipe - 3.4 oz + 0.3 oz + 2 Microfiber Cloth Wipes - Duo with Large & Travel Size Bottles for TV, Car, Computer, Laptop, MacBook, iPad, Phone, Camera, Eyeglass, Watch

A POWERFUL SCREEN CLEANER specifically designed to clean all your smartphone & consumer electronic screens and make them shine like new! ODORLESS FORMULA – Use Screen Shine at home at work or on the road WHOOSH will not harm you your family or our environment Plus it’s alcohol and ammonia free GO...
www.amazon.com
 
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I always use a slightly damp microfiber cloth with light pressure, then dry with another microfiber cloth.

I would think any damage would be visible to you, dark/light spots, etc.
 
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LCDs react in alarming ways when you press on them. If it doesn't persist on the screen I wouldn't worry about it.
 
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vinsalducci said:
I completely disagree with the folks saying to use any isopropyl alcohol. I would instead recommend getting a cleaning kit called WHOOSH-comes with a cleaning cloth. It's what is used in Apple stores on the floor products. Works like magic.

Great on MacBooks, Phones, iPads, whatever.

Available on Amazon.

www.amazon.com

WHOOSH! Screen Cleaner Spray and Wipe - 3.4 oz + 0.3 oz + 2 Microfiber Cloth Wipes - Duo with Large & Travel Size Bottles for TV, Car, Computer, Laptop, MacBook, iPad, Phone, Camera, Eyeglass, Watch

A POWERFUL SCREEN CLEANER specifically designed to clean all your smartphone & consumer electronic screens and make them shine like new! ODORLESS FORMULA – Use Screen Shine at home at work or on the road WHOOSH will not harm you your family or our environment Plus it’s alcohol and ammonia free GO...
www.amazon.com
Click to expand...
Woosh is Garbage.

It leaves awful streaks on the screen that are almost impossible to get rid off. My god even their Cleaning cloth they include is abrasive. I sent that right back to Amazon! Read the reviews and look at photos of what your screen would look like if you choose to use that product.

Apple does not use Woosh anymore at their stores AFAIK or do they endorse them.



My advice is just stick to using a clean washed microfiber cloth slightly damp on a mix of pure distilled water and maybe a bit of soapy water. Even a little bit of alcohol solution can be used when done properly.


How to clean your nano-texture Apple display - Apple Support

If your Apple Studio Display, Apple Pro Display XDR, iMac, MacBook Pro or iPad Pro (M4) has a nano-texture display, follow these important guidelines to prevent damage when cleaning the screen.
support.apple.com support.apple.com

Clean your Mac computer’s screen or display

Clean your Mac computer screen or external display properly and safely.
support.apple.com
 
Last edited:
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Woosh doesn't seem to clean very well and leaves streaks. The TechArmor gel formula is my go too now. Leaves the screen spotless.

Tech Armor Screen Cleaner Kit [3.4oz +0.8oz] - Best for Smartphones, iPhones, iPads, Eyeglasses, e-Readers, Laptops, TV Screens and Monitors – Includes 3 Premium Microfiber Cloths https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FTP8TYJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_D15AN42C1B8AFTXYG3RT
 
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81Tiger04 said:
I love my new M1 and want to take care of it. I keep it really clean but get spots on the screen nonetheless.

I’ve read a lot about the Apple cloth and got one. But as I was just cleaning it and trying to remove a spot, I may have pressed too hard as there was a brief “discoloration”.

I quickly stopped and it went away but I can’t help but wonder if I damaged the screen??
Click to expand...
Have you ever pressed on a TV or PC screen?
If it went away you didn’t damage it. Just don’t do that too often.
Also don’t clean your screen too often either. Once a few weeks at most.
 
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why they don't make a glass screen like iphone or ipad
maybe i am ignorant on the subject but sure a glass screen would be more durable than a phone screen
the same with TVs, ****ing hate to clean my 1100 paunds Sony flimsy screen
 
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Reggaenald said:
Have you ever pressed on a TV or PC screen?
If it went away you didn’t damage it. Just don’t do that too often.
Also don’t clean your screen too often either. Once a few weeks at most.
Click to expand...
Doesn’t seem that I caused any damage as it went away #sighofrelief
 
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Fishrrman said:
DON'T "over-clean" the screen!

That's the surest way to get "StainGate" (if you don't know what that means, you'd better look it up).

The MacBook Pro's have a VERY THIN "sprayed-on" anti-glare coating. It's just small "particles" sprayed onto the surface.

The WORST THING you can do is to clean the surface of the display "too vigorously" or use too much pressure. The coating will start to wear down and flake off.

You should actually endeavour to clean the display as little as possible.
That means, taking extra care not to "get it dirty" in the first place.

Try using a soft cloth to "dust away" particles on the surface first. NO PRESSURE.

If that won't work, moisten the cloth with water. DON'T use alcohol.
Use as little pressure as possible to dislodge the item.
Then, "dust dry" (as above).

Some users over-clean the screen and as a result seem to end up with StainGate quickly.
Take care, and it will keep looking good a long time.
Click to expand...
Some solid pointers there thanks. So far I haven't cleaned my screen, meaning the occasional spot or accidental fingerprint was lightly wiped away with a dry clean lens micro fiber cloth. However, perhaps a mistake, one or two spots I used one of those wet Zeiss wet wipes, I basically gently dabbed the spot and did the same with the micro fibre to remove any "wet" residue within seconds. But little to no pressure used. I believe those Ziess lens wipes contain alcohol, so I ll refrain from using those for spot cleaning / dabbing in the future.
 
vinsalducci said:
I completely disagree with the folks saying to use any isopropyl alcohol.
Click to expand...

Been doing it for years with zero issues, so not sure why you'd disagree. I'm not saying it's the only option but it's a perfectly fine option. As mentioned, I mix it 1:1 with distilled water so it's milder yet still evaporates quickly. Always leaves my screens spotless.
 
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