What NOT to use — these damage the screen coating
Window cleaner (Windex), ammonia-based cleaners, alcohol over 50%, paper towels, kitchen tissue, household cleaning sprays, aerosols. All of these dissolve or scratch the anti-reflective coating on Retina screens.
Once the coating is damaged, you'll see hazy patches and rainbow streaks. Repair requires full screen replacement — PKR 40,000+ depending on model.
Apple-approved cleaning method
Shut down the Mac. Unplug power and any cables. Lightly dampen a soft, lint-free microfiber cloth with water only. Wipe in straight lines (not circles) with no pressure — let the cloth do the work.
For sticky residue (food, fingerprints), Apple now approves 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes or Apple Polishing Cloth ONLY. Damp wipe + immediately dry with clean microfiber.
Apple Polishing Cloth — is it worth PKR 5,000?
It's a high-quality microfiber, no special magic. Any clean lint-free microfiber (camera/eyeglass cleaning cloths) works equally well at 1/10 the price. Just ensure it has no embedded grit.
Cleaning frequency
Light wipe weekly with dry microfiber. Damp clean monthly. After accidental contact with any liquid food or drink — immediately within minutes.
Special note: nano-texture displays (Pro 16" 2024+)
Nano-texture screens have anti-glare etching. NEVER use alcohol wipes or any solvent. Water + Apple-supplied cloth only. Other cloths can fill the etch and create permanent shiny patches.