General Question

blastfamy's avatar

What is the best way to clean a Macbook?

Asked by blastfamy (2174points) August 22nd, 2008

My Macbook is starting to look less-than-white. I love the white, so you can see how this is mildly depressing. I have heard that there are some chemicals (including ordinary soaps) that mar the look of the plastic, so I would rather not jump headlong into a belated spring cleaning project.

Does anyone know of a safe, effective way to clean the exterior of the machine. I’m looking for something that will make it look brand new.

The screen could also use some work: With the screen off, you can see the outlines of some of the keys. What are safe, effective screen-cleaning techniques?

Again, I am looking for the brand-new look; I am also not afraid to put a little elbow grease into this. I just need to know what cleaners to use (safely).

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18 Answers

lefteh's avatar

I use this stuff. It works wonderfully. Makes my MacBook nice and shiny. And, you can use it on both the case and the screen.

Randy's avatar

The magic eraser sponges work pretty well.

kevbo's avatar

I use non-acetone nail polish remover on my white MacBook. Just plain water for the screen. In both cases, I’m talking about using the liquids to dampen a cloth or paper towel.

jrpowell's avatar

I 2nd lefteh. That is what I use on my iMac and it works great.

andrew's avatar

I third lefteh, I use it as well.

I advise against magic eraser, (even though i love them, @randy!), since they buff away the surface.

Randy's avatar

@andrew: I havnt tried it on my MacBook, but my roommate has a white one and the eraser does wonders for his. I won’t argue that lefteh’s solution is better though. ;)

blastfamy's avatar

Thanks, that sounds like a good solution!

Is it sold anywhere in a store? or just at the website?

lefteh's avatar

I get mine at the local Apple Store. MicroCenter also carries it. Here in central Ohio, anyway.

wilhel1812's avatar

Any alcohol wipes should do it.

lefteh's avatar

You could not pay me to rub alcohol on my MacBook.

ezraglenn's avatar

washing machine. works every time.

[I fourth iKlear]

wilhel1812's avatar

I wasn’t talking about bottom up your whisky, i meant something like this :p
Relax, i would never hurt your MacBook
I ♥ 

lefteh's avatar

I was talking about that too!

wilhel1812's avatar

oh, well… why wont you use them on your mac? did i miss something? :S

lefteh's avatar

Alcohol=abrasive

wilhel1812's avatar

well, it didn’t do anything bad to my mac or my neighbors mac.

lefteh's avatar

Eh, I’ve heard both success stories and horror stories. I don’t see any reason to use alcohol wipes when I can use a substance that is specifically designed for cleaning Macs.

benseven's avatar

Guess what.

I use toothpaste on the keys and it works a treat, followed by a slightly damp cloth.

And it smells minty fresh!

I’ve also used it on the surrounding bezel etc, avoiding the iSight.

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