Dust and dirt are your MacBook's worst enemy. Apart from making your expensive Mac look dirty, they also have other unintended consequences like causing performance issues, scratches on the display, connectivity issues, and more.

This is why you must clean your MacBook periodically to keep it free from issues and running efficiently. Regularly cleaning your MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro will also help extend its lifespan, thereby allowing you to use it for a longer period of time.

Here's how you can clean your dirty MacBook properly.

How Not to Clean Your Dirty MacBook

Before you get around to cleaning your dirty MacBook, it is important to know how you should not clean it. You should always avoid using any chemical-based solution for cleaning your MacBook's outer shell or its display. Such solutions will do more harm than good, and it is best to avoid them.

Similarly, avoid using aerosol sprays, bleaches, or other abrasives, as they are not meant for cleaning your MacBook.

You will find some solutions in Best Buy or your nearest electronics store meant for cleaning your MacBook and other PC components. They are nothing special, and you can get the same result by using a microfiber cloth and water.

So, how do you clean your MacBook then? There are a few methods you can use to restore your MacBook to its former glory again.

Cleaning Your Dirty MacBook: What to Know

MacBook with Glowing Logo

2016 to 2019 MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro models come with a butterfly keyboard. This MacBook keyboard is known to be extremely unreliable and can stop working properly if dirt or dust gets underneath one of the keys.

So, if you own a 2016 to 2019 MacBook, you should definitely clean it regularly to avoid all keyboard issues.

Before you start cleaning your dirty MacBook, you should always shut it down and unplug the power adapter. Start cleaning your MacBook only after this to avoid accidentally frying any of the components. In any situation, avoid spraying any liquid directly on your MacBook's display or keyboard.

On an external keyboard, you can often take out the keycaps to thoroughly clean the keyboard. Do not apply the same formula on your MacBook's keyboard, as you would easily end up breaking it.

Always use a lint-free microfiber cloth to clean your dirty MacBook. Using any other type of cloth can do more harm than good. In some cases, you can end up with scratches on your MacBook's display if you don't take proper precautions.

If you want to avoid cleaning your dirty MacBook regularly, you should try carrying it in a protective sleeve or bag. Also, avoid using it in outdoor dusty conditions. As a rule of thumb, I do not eat near my MacBook as food crumbs can get in some hard-to-reach places, which can be quite difficult to clean.

Related: The Best MacBook Pro Cases

Use a Microfiber Cloth and Water

The best and easiest way to clean your MacBook properly is using a microfiber cloth and some water. Simply dab the microfiber cloth in water and then gently rub it over your MacBook's outer shell, display, keyboard, and other areas.

Do not try to use any other cloth to clean your MacBook, especially ones that have lint, as they will create a mess. Also, avoid spraying water directly on your MacBook. Always wet the cloth and then use it to clean your MacBook. You only need to slightly dampen the cloth, definitely don't use it if it's dripping wet.

Typing on MacBook

A clean microfiber cloth will ensure that you do not end up accidentally scratching your MacBook's display while trying to clean it.

If your MacBook comes with a Touch Bar, you can follow the same steps to clean it.

Related: The Pros and Cons of Getting a Keyboard Cover for Your MacBook

Use Compressed Air

You can use a microfiber cloth and water to clean your MacBook. However, to remove dirt from hard-to-reach areas like from under the keys, the crevices of the display, and the hinge, you need a can of compressed air.

You can buy a can of compressed air online or get one from your nearest hardware store. Simply use the can and spray in the area from where you want to remove the dirt and dust. You can also find other ways to clean dust from your MacBook or iMac by opening it up.

You can also use compressed air to clean the ports of your MacBook Pro. Alternatively, you can use a cotton swab to clean the ports, though be careful it doesn't push any dirt further in or get stuck.

Do not use any liquid or a damp cloth to clean the ports of your MacBook.

Similarly, do not use anything other than compressed air for blowing air on your MacBook. Vacuum cleaners, for example, are a strict no-no as the static electricity generated can fry your MacBook for good.

A can of compressed air is a great way to clean the dust and dirt from under the keys of your MacBook Pro's keyboard. However, be careful as the force of compressed air might end up damaging the finicky butterfly keys if you have one of those models

MacBook on Desk

Use Isopropyl Alcohol

You can use a 70 percent or higher isopropyl alcohol solution to clean your MacBook. Put some isopropyl alcohol on a clean microfiber cloth and then use it to clean your MacBook Air or MacBook Pro. Do not rub too harshly as it might have some other unintended consequences.

Also, avoid using isopropyl alcohol on the display.

Apple also recommends using Clorox disinfecting wipes on hard surfaces of your MacBook to clean and disinfect your MacBook Pro. These wipes can be used to disinfect the trackpad and keycaps of your MacBook's keyboard. However, avoid using them to clean the display as they might rub off various coatings on it.

Visit Your Nearest Apple Store

If you do not want to clean your dirty MacBook yourself, you can always take it to your nearest Apple Store or Apple Service Center. If your MacBook is in warranty, the team at Apple Store should gladly clean it for you.

As a bonus, you can even tell them to open your MacBook and clean the internals if you tend to use your Mac in dirty conditions or if it is relatively old. If your MacBook is under warranty, do not attempt to open it yourself, as you would end up voiding its warranty.

Regularly Clean Your Dirty MacBook

If you travel a lot or tend to use your MacBook in dusty and dirty conditions, it is strongly recommended that you clean it from time to time to keep it working properly. This basic maintenance will be enough to extend the lifespan of your MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro by a few years easily.