Inevitably, the more you use something \u2014 your Mac included \u2014 the more dirty and cluttered it\u2019s likely to become. At that point, you can buy a new machine, but the more economical move is to make what you have already work better. To help your computer feel new, or at least a little cleaner and less chaotic, we put together this guide with techniques and useful apps that have helped us maintain a more organized computer. I\u2019ve been using these tips since before I first published this guide in 2021, and they\u2019ve helped keep my 2018 MacBook Air looking and running (almost) like brand new.<\/p>\n
How to clean your Mac\u2019s screen and body<\/h2>\n
While there are many products out there from manufacturers claiming their one does it best, my advice is to keep things simple. It\u2019s also the one Apple recommends. To start, you will need some water in a spray bottle and a clean microfiber cloth. You can use regular water from the tap but I’ve found distilled water works best; it\u2019s far less likely to leave residue behind on your Mac, particularly on the display. You can buy distilled water at a grocery store or make it yourself with some simple cookware. Either way, it\u2019s more affordable than dedicated cleaning solutions. If you don\u2019t already own any microfiber towels, Amazon sells affordable 24-packs you can get for about $10.<\/p>\n
One other product I would recommend is a Giottos Rocket Blower. I can\u2019t say enough good things about this little tool. It will save you from buying expensive and wasteful cans of compressed air.<\/p>\n
As for the actual process of cleaning your Mac, remember to start with a clean cloth (that\u2019s part of the reason we recommend buying them in bulk). You\u2019ll save yourself time and frustration this way. Begin by turning off your computer and unplugging it. If you bought a Rocket Blower, use it now to remove any dust. If not, take a dry microfiber cloth and go over your computer. Take special care around the keys, particularly if you own an older Mac with a butterfly keyboard.<\/p>\n
Next, dampen one side of your cleaning cloth with water. Never spray any liquid directly on your computer. You\u2019ll have more control this way and you\u2019ll avoid getting any moisture into your Mac\u2019s internals. I always clean the display first since the last thing I want to do is create more work for myself by transferring dirt from some other part of my computer to the screen.<\/p>\n
The last step is to buff and polish your computer with the dry side of the cloth. Be gentle here as you don\u2019t want to scratch the screen or any other part of. That\u2019s it. Your Mac should be looking clean again.<\/p>\n