Cleaning the Screen of Your Mac Air or Mac Powerbook

My Mac Air screen can get dirty and I am a bit worried about cleaning it due to the warnings that using various cleaning products of methods can damage your screen. From what I have been able to determine the best strategy is just using water and a microfiber fabric. I use one microfiber which I get wet with water and clean the screen. Then I dry it off with another microfiber. Using chemicals can damage the screen. And using even paper towels can result in scratches on the screen.

I have had very good success with just water and the microfiber cloth. I imagine water and microfiber cloth is the best way to clean an iPad (when kids and cats play with it) but I haven’t tried it myself.

From Apple’s web site:

The materials used to make Apple products vary; in some cases each product may have specific cleaning requirements, which may vary by the part you are cleaning. Here are some tips that apply to all products to get you started:

Use only a soft, lint-free cloth. Abrasive cloths, towels, paper towels, and similar items may cause damage to the item.
Disconnect your Apple product from any external power sources.
Disconnect any external devices and other cabling from the product.
Keep liquids away from the product.
Don’t get moisture into any openings, and don’t use aerosol sprays, solvents, or abrasives.
Do not spray cleaners directly onto the item.

Disconnect the display from power, from its connection to a computer, and from any external devices. Next use the cloth that came with your display or another soft, dry cloth to wipe dust from the screen. If additional cleaning of the display panel or case is required use a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth. Avoid getting moisture in openings. Don’t use window cleaners, household cleaners, aerosol sprays, solvents, alcohol, ammonia, or abrasives to clean the display.

Warning: Don’t clean the screen with a cleaner containing alcohol or acetone. Use a cleaner intended for use with a screen or display. Never spray cleaner directly on the screen. It may drip inside the display and cause damage.

When cleaning the outside of your Mac mini, first shut down your Mac mini and unplug the power cord along with other connected devices. Then use a damp, soft, lint-free cloth to clean the computer’s exterior. Avoid getting moisture in any openings. Do not spray liquid directly on the computer. Do not use aerosol sprays, solvents, or abrasives that might damage the finish.