PSA: Don't use Whoosh! Screen Shine Wipes

[fessura]

I'd just put a screen protector on all of my MacBooks and call it a day.

Considering it. Any recommendations? Started looking a bit. Would prefer as clear as possible thus it seems no anti-glare blue light reducing etc.

 

[bill-p]

I don’t mean to be rude, but I can’t follow the link between one sentence and the next.
What does the cleaning method has to do with damage to the “coating” caused by the “keyboard and the trackpad”?
What does a screen protector has to do with Apple’s guidelines for cleaning the screen?
What does your choice of screen cleaning product (Zeiss wipes) has to do with anything if you are actually cleaning a protector film instead of the screen?

I follow Apple’s guidelines for cleaning the screen because they work best for me, and so far I’ve never had a damaged screen.
Everyone else can use whatever product they prefer, however anyone that does so should also be aware that if their chosen cleaning product damages the screen, they might not be able have a claim with Apple.

I'll make it simpler then:

1. 2016 to (potentially) 2021 MacBooks have much thinner glass coating than any MacBook before, and even relative to the iPhone and iPad.

2. The coating is so thin that it can be damaged by keyboard and trackpad, which should never be able to damage the screen, because they never did with any previous MacBook. They can with these generations.

3. Due to how thin the coating is, it is actually much easier to damage with random microfiber clothes than you may think. Again, shine a flashlight on the screen when the backlight is off. You can clearly see micro scratches. If you don't, consider yourself lucky. I do concede there may exist microfiber clothes that may work, but not any random one will.

4. Using Zeiss wipes on the screen directly does not damage the coating in my experience. This makes sense because these wipes are made for camera lenses, which also have delicate glass coating.

5. For peace of mind, I'd put a screen protector on the device and not have to worry about Zeiss lens wipe or microfiber cloth or my shirt or anything else.

You are free to follow Apple's guidelines. I'm just cautioning you and everyone else that I have followed those guidelines past my 2015 15" MacBook Pro, which I still have, and then on the 2016 MacBook, that actually caused micro scratches and other damages to the screen. It was bad enough that Apple replaced the screen on that model, citing "coating delamination" as the problem.

Then I got a 2017 MacBook and I followed Apple's guidelines again. Same problem. Screen replaced again.

So starting from 2018, I started putting a screen protector on my MacBook and never had to worry about the screen again.

Considering it. Any recommendations? Started looking a bit. Would prefer as clear as possible thus it seems no anti-glare blue light reducing etc.

For the 14" MacBook, I got this:

Supershieldz (3 Pack) Designed for MacBook Pro 14 inch (M3 / M3 Pro / M3 Max / M2 Pro / M2 Max / M1 Pro / M1 Max) Screen Protector, High Definition Clear Shield (PET)

Our screen protectors are made from Optical Grade Crystal Film which are custom cut to ensure a perfect fit every time. Constructed in five layers; a scratch resistant surface polymer, a hardened protective mask to prevent deep cuts damaging your device and finally a patented silicone gel that cr...

www.amazon.com

It seems clear enough and for me, peace of mind is the biggest reward. No more worrying about scratching/denting the screen.

 

[fessura]

For the 14" MacBook, I got this:

Supershieldz (3 Pack) Designed for MacBook Pro 14 inch (M3 / M3 Pro / M3 Max / M2 Pro / M2 Max / M1 Pro / M1 Max) Screen Protector, High Definition Clear Shield (PET)

Our screen protectors are made from Optical Grade Crystal Film which are custom cut to ensure a perfect fit every time. Constructed in five layers; a scratch resistant surface polymer, a hardened protective mask to prevent deep cuts damaging your device and finally a patented silicone gel that cr...

www.amazon.com

It seems clear enough and for me, peace of mind is the biggest reward. No more worrying about scratching/denting the screen.

I was considering the same. Still on the fence and undecided. My previous MacBook went without issues for many years save perhaps microscratchs until I made the mistake of carrying an unprotected microfiber cloth in my bag and then smearing dirt upon use which led to staingate-like wear. So if I am more careful this time, using Zeiss wipes and a dust blower, I may stick with that.

Some mention difficultly with protector application, or a slight change in screen quality. The former merely requires care; the latter I am unsure. My other devices I go without a case or protector though the MacBook is different. Perhaps I will go to a store, ask if any of the staff use a protector, and see if can take a look.

 

[whizkid11]

IMO Woosh! is garbage. Doesn't work well on macbooks or sunglasses. Streaks galore!

Be careful using alcohol. It will strip the coating quicker than you'd think.

I'm going to try Ecomoist.

 

[whizkid11]

If it bothers you that much you can buy a gallon of distilled water for 50 cents and put it in a spray bottle and that’s still infinitely cheaper than any cleaner you can buy.

Distilled water FTW!

 

[Radiomarko]

I've never had a problem, even with soft LCD screens.
I recommend Pro quality lint free lens cloths. Sometimes described as "chamois microfibre", Zeiss & Opticron are good.
- Keep them in separate plastic ziplock bags marked used and clean. Wash or replace them regularly.
- Distilled or filtered water for regular cleaning.
- iKlear if there is a mess.

Never alcohol. No no to window or surface cleaners as these are cheaply produced and often contain ammonia or strong anionic surfactants including phosphoric acid esters (mega- aargh!), paper lens wipes (aaargh) and so on.

Your screen will thank you