It’s no secret each iteration of the heavily sought-after MacBook Pro garners hordes of attention from brand devotees the world over. And why not? We’ve seen the MacBook Pro become thinner, sleeker and more powerful over a relatively short period of time – something you’d expect from a global tech brand now worth over $1 trillion. Needless to say, it’s a fine time to telework from home or abroad thanks to the reliable computing power these laptops have to offer.
One obvious caveat of such a versatile machine, however, is certainly the wear and tear you’ll put on the device over years of daily use. Not to mention the level or dirt, grime, dust, fingerprints, etc. that’ll accumulate to a debilitating degree over this time period as well. That is, of course, unless you take the effort to diligently keep this prized laptop clean throughout its lifespan. We all know the golden rule of tech is to treat it well and it’ll return the favor, so it should come as no surprise that regular cleanings are imperative to extending the lifespan of your MacBook Pro while getting the most bang for your buck. These things aren’t cheap as we all know. Here’s how it’s done.
How to Clean
8 Easy Steps
Believe it or not, you can clean almost every part of your MacBook Pro right from home. No need to take it into a specialist or pay an exorbitant amount of money to get it “detailed” so to speak. Instead, just some light elbow grease combined with a general knowledge of what not to do/substances to avoid will prove successful each and every time you decide to send some love to the MacBook Pro.
What You’ll Need
A soft microfiber cloth, small water bottle, distilled water, disinfectant wipes (no bleach).
The MacBook
For the general MacBook itself, this process is surprisingly straightforward. No need to get fancy here. There are delicate machines so a muted and delicate cleaning is in order to simply keep the surface area clean and the screen free from fingerprints, particles, grim, etc. which is ideal for anyone working in the design world.
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Before getting started, be sure to power down the MacBook Pro and unplug the power cable and any other accessories from the ports. You’ll be using water here, so this is a very important first step before pressing forward.
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Grab a microfiber or soft cloth free from lint. Make sure these are clean before using as well to avoid leaving dirty streaks rather than a fresh polished finish after all is said and done.
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Lightly spray or dampen the cloth with water. Distilled is the best option too since it’s free from minerals that could also leave streaks or water marks.
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Wipe down the MacBook exterior with the cloth. No need to get anything soaked. Think of this as a “wax-on wax-off” cleaning process. You’re using the damp microfiber cloth to buff out and clean the device, not give it a bath.
The Trackpad & Keypad
Now we’ll move onto the trackpad and keypad (and Touch Bar/Touch ID for 2016 or newer models). Here, we find a similar process to the exterior of the device but with a little something extra since, you guessed it, you’re in direct contact with this element of the MacBook Pro more than any other section of the laptop.
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Again, make sure the MacBook Pro is shut down and everything is unplugged. Odds are you’ve already completed this step at this point but emphasis never hurts in these instances.
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Grab your bleach-free disinfectant wipe and gently clean the trackpad and keyboard. It could be a good idea to wring these out a bit before using to help prevent any excess liquid from creeping underneath the keyboard.
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Take your dampened microfiber cloth and gently wipe the same area after you’ve disinfected everything. Again, be gentle when wiping. It would also be smart to use a clean microfiber cloth rather than the same one used to clean the surface area as well.
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Lastly, don’t leave any residue in this area. You want to use your microfiber cloth to leave the area completely dry after you’re finished. Remember, stagnant liquid and electronics don’t mix.
Pro Tip
For the power ports, we suggest seeking some outside help from the nearest Apple Store or service provider as these pivotal elements of your MacBook Pro require high caution and expertise when cleaning.
Maintenance
It's All About Longevity
Just like your car, gear, or other gadgets on hand, regular maintenance is key to extending the longevity of your MacBook Pro. And unlike your car or more involved pieces of gear, cleaning your MacBook Pro is an easy process that’s predominately chemical-free and should only take a few minutes when done right. And while cleaning a camping tent could span an afternoon, maintaining this device is surprisingly simple considering its complex nature.
From here, it’s important to understand what not to do when cleaning. For instance, never use disinfectant wipes containing bleach, don’t allow any liquid to pool on the device, don’t use rough towels to dry the laptop, and be sure to remain gentle throughout the process. Knowing these key pointers will result in a happy and well-kept laptop for years, resulting – of course – in a more productive you.
The Upgrade: 2018 MacBook Pro
Looking to trade in that older model for a serious upgrade? The 2018 MacBook Pro is one fine machine that proves just how far the lineup has come over the years. As the newest model currently available on the market, it features an eighth-generation Intel-6 core and quad-core processors, a stunning Retina display, up to 32GB of memory for running pro apps, a sleek touch bar for enhanced performance, and up to 10 hours of battery life. The perks go on so be sure to check out all the specs on the Apple site for more info.
