MacBook Hygiene

Wow, I never realized how similar my computer and my laundry could be.... I don't have any real use for these as I have a MBP, but does anyone have any good ways to clean the moitor? I use water and the cleaning cloth that came with my glasses, but feel like I could do better.

Wash your hands before you use your computer. Buy a can of air. Buy a bottle of screen cleaner and chamois wipes.

I would not use anything other than iKlear, which is sold at Apple Stores. They have a Web site. I've been using it on my Intel iMac 20" and my PowerBook G4 with excellent results. Supposedly, Apple support uses it. Check their Web site.

I know a guy that worked for Apple retail and they used Mr Clean magic erasers on just about everything except screens. They used the iKlear product they sell for that.

I just use a slightly wet microfiber cloth. Works like a charm.

For us "old-timers," obviously the Magic Eraser works great on the "old" iBooks too. I've never gotten a "stain" on the outside shell, just some accumulated dirt on the "palm rests" next to the trackpad.

I've used iCleaner on my old 4G U2 iPod, and it works great; the bottle says it'll work on iBooks/PowerBooks too, but haven't needed to try that yet (to remove scratches/etc.).

I don't recommend using the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. I used to use it on my iBook and it worked well, but when I used it on my MacBook it left faint scratches where I had rubbed with any pressure at all. I used it on a white MacBook so it may be different than the black, but the point is that it can be very abrasive and so I'd think twice before using it.

Marware makes a cleaning cloth that doubles as a screen protector for when you close the laptop. This cloth is like a chamois. Marware recommends using just plain water. So far this has worked just fine for my PowerBook, MacBook Pro, and my daughter's white MacBook.

Warm water and hand soap...


Remember, you can use old motor oil to fertilize your lawn too.

How is this new? The geniuses at the San Francisco apple store use magic eraser all the time. The told me about it several months ago.