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Clean a laptop screen in 6 safe steps: power off, lint-free cloth, no direct spray

A gentle routine for fingerprints and dust on laptop displays. Never spray liquid onto the panel, and prioritize device-specific instructions for special coatings.

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Wikimedia Commons · SimonWaldherr / Wikimedia Commons — CC BY-SA 4.0; unmodified reference photo of 2016 MacBook Pro. · Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International ↗

Display coatings can be harmed by aggressive cleaners and pressure. Apple recommends a soft lint-free cloth lightly dampened with water for MacBook screens, while Microsoft also warns against spraying directly on Surface screens. Approved cleaners vary by device; do not assume alcohol is safe for every display.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

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1. Read the model guidance — Check whether your display has a special surface, such as nano-texture glass. If it requires a specific cloth or agent, follow the manufacturer first.
2. Shut down and unplug — Save your work, turn the laptop fully off and disconnect the charger and peripherals. Make sure the screen is not hot.
3. Remove dry dust first — Gently lift loose dust with a clean soft lint-free cloth. Avoid paper towels, abrasive pads and heavy pressure.
4. Slightly dampen only if needed — For stubborn fingerprints, dampen one area of the cloth with a little water. It should not drip. Never spray water or cleaner directly onto the display.
5. Wipe gently — Prevent moisture from reaching the display edges. Avoid window cleaner, ammonia, bleach, abrasives and aerosols. Use disinfectants only if your exact model's official guide permits them.
6. Dry and check — Remove remaining moisture with a dry part of the cloth and check the edges and ports before reconnecting power. If the coating appears damaged, stop rubbing and consult the maker.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

Further reading

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