Apple is one of the largest technology companies in the world, known for its iconic devices like the iPhone, iPad, and MacBook [1]. Keeping these devices’ screens clean is important, as fingerprints, smudges, and dust can accumulate quickly and make the screen difficult to view. Apple even acknowledges the importance of cleaning screens in some of its support articles [2]. However, Apple does not often specify which cleaning products it officially recommends for its screens. This raises the question – what does Apple use to clean their computer screens?
In this article, we will explore the screen materials Apple uses, examine Apple’s official cleaning recommendations, discuss third-party cleaners, overview DIY options, and provide best practices for keeping Apple screens pristine.
Why Screen Cleaning is Important
Keeping computer and device screens clean is important for several reasons:
First, it helps prevent damage to screens. Dust, dirt, oil, and grime can actually scratch computer and smartphone screens if allowed to build up. Proper cleaning removes debris and helps protect the screen over time.
Second, cleaning improves visibility. Screens covered in smudges, fingerprints, and dust are difficult to read and use. A clean screen offers maximum clarity and readability.
Finally, regular cleaning extends the lifespan of devices. Letting dirt and grime accumulate can actually degrade display components over time. By cleaning regularly, you keep screens looking new and help devices last longer.
In summary, cleaning screens prevents damage, improves visibility for users, and helps devices last. For these reasons, it’s important to keep screens on computers, phones, tablets, and other devices clean.
Apple’s Screen Materials
Apple uses various types of display screens across its product lineup depending on the device. For iPhone, Apple uses LCD and OLED screens made of glass with an oleophobic coating to reduce fingerprints. The iPhone XR, 11, 12 mini, and 13 mini use LCD screens, while the iPhone X, XS, 11 Pro, 12 Pro, 13 Pro, and 14 Pro models use OLED screens.
For MacBooks and iMacs, Apple uses LCD and LED-backlit screens made of glass. MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models have Retina Displays made of glass with an anti-reflective coating for clearer viewing. The larger iMac displays are made of laminated glass to reduce reflections. Across Apple’s various screens, oleophobic coatings are applied to the glass surface to resist fingerprints and smudging.
Apple’s Cleaning Recommendations
Apple provides specific guidelines on how to safely and effectively clean your Apple devices’ screens. According to Apple Support, Apple recommends using a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth to wipe down your screen [1]. You can dampen the cloth with just water, or use a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution for more stubborn dirt or oil.
Apple cautions against using cleaners that contain acetone, household cleaners, aerosol sprays, solvents, ammonia, or abrasives. These chemicals and products can strip the oleophobic coating that helps reduce fingerprints and smudges. Instead, a soft microfiber cloth lightly dampened with water is the safest way to clean your Apple device’s screen [2].
The key is to be gentle. Don’t rub the screen vigorously or use excessive pressure. Lightly wipe in one direction, and flip the cloth to a clean side if needed. This helps avoid scratches or other damage to the screen coating and surface.
Third Party Screen Cleaners
Apple recommends using a slightly damp, soft, lint-free cloth to clean your Apple product’s screen. However, some people prefer using third party screen cleaning solutions for extra cleaning power on stubborn smudges and fingerprints. According to discussions on the Apple forums, popular third party screen cleaners for Apple products include:
Whoosh Screen Cleaner – Whoosh is a screen cleaner designed specifically for cleaning phone, tablet, laptop, and TV screens. It contains a non-toxic, anti-bacterial formula and comes in both a spray and wipes for convenience. The Apple Store carries Whoosh products for customers.
iKlear Apple Polish – iKlear makes a polish formulated for cleaning Apple screens and keyboards safely. The polish is streak-free, anti-static, and contains no alcohol that could damage screens.
RadTech Ice Creme – Ice Creme is an antistatic foam cleaner that gently lifts away oil, dust and fingerprints from Apple product screens without scratching or leaving residue.
Always check a screen cleaner is safe for your Apple device model before using. It’s also a good idea to test cleaners on a small area first to check for any damage to the screen coating.
DIY Natural Screen Cleaners
Many people prefer to use natural, homemade solutions for cleaning their Apple screens rather than commercial chemical cleaners. Some popular natural ingredients for DIY screen cleaners include:
- Distilled water – Provides a streak-free cleaning solution without mineral deposits
- Vinegar – Has antibacterial properties and helps dissolve grease and grime
- Isopropyl alcohol – Helps disinfect screens and evaporates quickly without streaking
- Essential oils like lavender or tea tree oil – Add a fresh scent naturally
The main benefits of natural screen cleaners are that they avoid harsh chemicals, are inexpensive to make at home, and are safer for the environment. However, they may not be as effective at cutting through tougher grease and dirt as commercial cleaners with stronger chemical agents.
Basic natural screen cleaners are easy to whip up with just a few ingredients. For example, a 50/50 mixture of distilled water and vinegar can effectively clean screens. Adding a couple drops of essential oil helps leave a pleasant aroma after cleaning. Some more involved recipes may also incorporate castile soap for extra cleaning power.
While convenient and affordable, natural screen cleaners have some downsides to consider. Their cleaning ability is generally less potent so they may require more scrubbing to lift away grime. There is also a risk of streaking if the right balance of ingredients is not used. Test any homemade solution on a small area first before applying to the entire screen.
Other Apple Cleaning Supplies
For the best results in keeping Apple screens clean and untouched, Apple store geniuses recommend using microfiber cloths and Apple’s own cleaning kits specifically designed for their devices. One of the main cleaning supplies used is the Apple Polishing Cloth, a soft, non-abrasive microfiber cloth that Apple sells to gently wipe screens and remove fingerprints and smudges without scratching. The iKlear Apple Polish is also recommended by Apple, a screen cleaner spray formulated to safely clean all Apple displays.
Apple store staff are trained on the best practices for keeping all Apple products clean using approved Apple cleaning supplies. Geniuses recommend using only microfiber cloths and avoiding paper towels or other rough materials that could scratch screens. Apple’s official cleaning kits contain microfiber cloths and appropriate screen cleaners tailored for use on iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, iMacs, and other devices. Using Apple’s own branded screen cleaning supplies ensures they are safe for use on Apple displays.
Cleaning Technique
When cleaning an Apple computer screen, it is important to use the proper technique to avoid damaging the screen. According to WebMD, you should wipe the screen gently in a linear motion using light pressure. Avoid circular or zig-zag motions as this can create scratches on the screen over time.
It is also important to avoid pressing too hard when wiping the screen. Apple recommends using a soft, lint-free cloth and wiping with gentle pressure. Pushing too hard on the screen can damage pixels or lead to cracked screens. The key is to be very delicate and maintain constant contact with the screen as you wipe to avoid abrasion.
For best results, lightly spray your cloth with the cleaning solution rather than directly spraying the screen. This will help evenly distribute the moisture. Gently glide the damp cloth across the screen and follow with a dry lint-free cloth to absorb any excess moisture. Take care not to let any liquids drip down into the seams or edges of the screen.
By using a proper wiping technique with a soft cloth and gentle pressure, you can safely clean Apple screens without causing scratches or other damage over time.
Avoiding Damage to the Screen
When cleaning an Apple computer screen, it is important to take precautions to avoid damaging the screen. Scratches, streaks, and other marks can easily occur if improper techniques or cleaning agents are used.
To prevent scratches, only use soft, lint-free cloths like microfiber on the screen. Do not use paper towels or other materials that could scratch the surface. It is also important to avoid applying too much pressure when wiping the screen. Gentle, light strokes are best.
Chemical cleaners like window cleaners, disinfecting wipes, and sprays should always be avoided as they can damage screen coatings and leave residue behind. Agents with ammonia, ethyl alcohol, acetone, or bleach are particularly harmful to screens. Even water should be used sparingly and cautiously.
To prevent streaks and smudges, use a very small amount of screen cleaner or distilled water applied to the cloth rather than directly on the screen. Wipe in a consistent pattern and gently buff the screen until it is completely dry and streak-free. Change cloths if too much cleaner or water is applied.
By being cautious and deliberate when cleaning, you can keep Apple screens looking their best while avoiding scratches, streaks, and other frustrating damage.
Conclusion
To summarize, Apple recommends using a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe the screens of their devices. Avoid applying liquids or cleaners directly to the screen. For stubborn smudges, Apple approves using a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution applied to the cloth, not the screen. Other options are to invest in screen cleaning wipes designed specifically for electronics or make your own cleaning solution using distilled water and a tiny amount of vinegar.
No matter what cleaning method you choose, be sure to apply only light pressure when wiping to avoid any damage to the screen. Make sure to unplug the device and turn it off before cleaning. With proper care and gentle cleaning, you can keep your Apple screens looking their best.