When it comes to cleaning your MacBook screen, using water is generally not recommended. Apple advises against using any liquids when cleaning their screens, as water can damage the anti-reflective coating and lead to stains or discoloration. However, there may be some exceptions where using a small amount of water can be safe and effective if done properly.
Quick Overview: Is Water Safe for Cleaning MacBook Screens?
The quick answer is no, you should not use water to clean a MacBook screen. Apple officially recommends using a soft, lint-free cloth dampened with only water to clean the exterior aluminum surfaces of their laptops. For the screens, they advise using a dry microfiber cloth to avoid any damage to the coating.
Why You Should Not Use Water on a MacBook Screen
Here are the main reasons why getting water on your MacBook screen is not advisable:
- Can damage anti-reflective (AR) coating – MacBook screens have an oleophobic anti-reflective coating that water can wear away.
- Can leave water stains – Water minerals and impurities may leave visible stains on the screen as they dry.
- Potential water damage – If liquid seeps beneath screen, it can cause serious harm to laptop components.
- Apple does not recommend it – Using water to clean screens goes against Apple’s official cleaning guidelines.
The anti-reflective coating on MacBook screens gives them their crisp, clear image quality. Exposing this coating repeatedly to water or liquids can break it down over time. As the coating wears off, you may notice the screen looking less sharp and more prone to smudges.
Even purified or distilled water can leave behind mineral deposits as it evaporates. These water stains may be faint, but can obscure the screen image and be difficult to remove later.
Finally, allowing any amount of moisture beneath the display introduces potential for water damage to the screen and internal components. Liquid could cause corrosion or electrical shorts, so it should always be kept away from the inner workings of your MacBook.
Apple’s Official Screen Cleaning Recommendations
In all of their product manuals and cleaning guides, Apple repeatedly cautions against getting moisture on screens. Here is their official guidance:
- Use only a dry, soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe the screen.
- Do not use any type of liquids, sprays, glass cleaners or chemicals.
- Make sure no moisture gets on openings like the keyboard, ports, etc.
- Slightly dampen cloth with water to clean exterior aluminum surfaces only.
Apple is very clear about avoiding liquids, including water, when cleaning their screens. They know that even a small amount of water carries a risk of being absorbed below the glass and causing irreversible damage over time.
When Can You Use Water to Clean a Screen?
Although Apple recommends dry cleaning only, there are a few exceptions where using a tiny amount of water can be done safely:
- Distilled water – Contains no minerals so evaporates cleanly without spots.
- Damp microfiber cloth – Barely wet cloth can wipe away oil and dirt.
- Soft cloth – Prevents pressure damage to coating or glass.
- Dry immediately – Don’t let water pool on screen.
The keys here are using the bare minimum of water needed, being very gentle, and immediately drying the screen to avoid direct exposure. This should only be done occasionally for dried-on grime, not for routine cleaning.
How to Safely Clean a MacBook Screen
Here are some step-by-step recommendations for cleaning your MacBook screen safely and effectively:
- Power down and unplug the MacBook.
- Use a soft microfiber cloth specially designed for screens. Fold it to make a cleaning surface with padding.
- Gently brush away any loose dirt or debris from the screen surface.
- For dried spots, carefully dampen a corner of the cloth with a tiny amount of distilled water.
- Gently glide the damp corner across stained areas in light motions. Avoid scrubbing forcefully.
- Immediately follow up with the dry areas of the cloth to absorb any moisture.
- Buff the screen in circular motions with a dry cloth to eliminate streaks and water residue.
- Avoid getting any moisture in openings like the keyboard, vents, ports, etc.
Be sure to use an extremely light touch. Pressing too hard against the screen can damage or crack it over time. Check that no liquids reach the internal components or metal housing.
Alternatives to Using Water on a MacBook Screen
If you want to steer clear of water entirely when cleaning your MacBook screen, here are a few good options to try:
Microfiber Cloths
High-quality microfiber cloths are designed to lift dirt, oil, and fingerprints without liquids. The extremely fine fibers almost act like a magnet, trapping debris you wipe away. This makes them ideal for tech screens.
Lens Cleaners
Non-abrasive cleaners made for glasses, camera lenses, or screens can dissolve oil and grime without damaging coatings. Avoid cleaners containing ammonia or alcohol.
Screen Wipes
Pre-moistened screen wipes have special cleaning solutions that evaporate quickly without leaving streaks or stains. However, some contain trace amounts of alcohol.
Anti-Static Cloths
Dry electrostatic cloths can attract and trap dust and particles based on their slight static charge. These are gentle and residue-free.
How to Fix Water-Damaged MacBook Screens
If you’ve already used water to clean your MacBook screen and are noticing issues like the following, it may have become damaged:
- Visible water stains or spotting
- Degraded anti-reflective coating
- Magenta or green discoloration
- Cracks, scratches or weakened glass
Here are some potential ways to fix water-related screen damage:
- Replace just the screen – Apple can replace only damaged display.
- Replace entire display assembly – More cost, but resolves other issues.
- Use abrasive gel – Can remove some mineral deposits or stains.
- Re-apply oleophobic coating – Kits can restore anti-reflective protection.
- Get a screen protector – Covers flaws and prevents further damage.
For serious delamination, color distortion, or glass damage, replacing part or all of the display assembly may be required. Contact Apple Support to explore your options.
How to Prevent Water Damage to a MacBook
To keep your MacBook screen looking its best, follow these tips to avoid water damage:
- Use dry microfiber cloths only to gently clean the screen.
- Never spray cleaner directly on the screen or use excessive solution.
- Immediately dry off any moisture that gets on the computer.
- Keep water away from ports, vents and other openings.
- Don’t eat or drink around your open MacBook.
- Store your laptop in a protective case when traveling.
- Keep the MacBook out of humid environments like bathrooms.
- Work in dry, climate-controlled spaces when possible.
- Shut down MacBook if there is risk of water spills nearby.
Avoiding exposure to moisture and liquids will greatly reduce the chance of water seeping beneath your screen or into other components. Handle your MacBook carefully when cleaning and when moving it between locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Windex or glass cleaner on my MacBook screen?
No, you should avoid using commercial glass cleaners like Windex to clean your MacBook screen. The chemicals and additives in these cleaners, including ammonia, ethanol and fragrances, can wear away and damage the anti-reflective coating on the screen over repeat use.
What happens if I accidentally scratch my MacBook screen?
Scratches can appear on a MacBook screen if too much pressure is applied while cleaning with a dry cloth. Light surface scratches may be removable with an abrasive gel or nano-cloth designed for screens. Deeper scratches likely mean the glass itself is damaged and would require a full screen replacement.
Will Apple replace my MacBook screen if I cause water damage?
No, Apple’s limited 1-year warranty does not cover any kind of accidental damage from liquid or user error. You can pay for an extended AppleCare warranty for up to 3 years of coverage including up to 2 incidents of accidental damage. Water damage repairs can be very costly without warranty coverage.
Can I just get a new MacBook screen instead of a whole new laptop?
Yes, Apple and many third-party repair shops can replace just the MacBook screen at a lower parts cost than a full replacement laptop. However, there is labor involved for disassembly and proper screen installation. Also, other components may have related water damage.
Will water damage show up right away on my MacBook?
Not necessarily. Water damage can produce immediate screen malfunctions, but it may also seem to function normally initially and then begin showing issues days or weeks later as corrosion advances internally. Any exposure to moisture should be checked out.
| Liquid | Safe for Screen? |
|---|---|
| Water | No |
| Distilled Water | Limited Use |
| Alcohol | No |
| Lens Cleaner | Yes |
| Vinegar | No |
| Glass Cleaner | No |
Conclusion
Cleaning your MacBook screen with water is generally not a good idea, according to Apple. The anti-reflective coating can be damaged, mineral deposits or stains may be left behind, and moisture seeping beneath the glass poses risks. Use only a slightly damp soft cloth rarely, and wipe dry immediately. For routine cleaning, a microfiber cloth alone does a great job keeping your MacBook screen looking like new without any liquids needed.