If you don’t keep your MacBook clean, it’s bound to end up at the repair shop. And while reaching for the nearest cleaning supplies might seem like the solution, think again. One time, I decided to clean my Mac and ended up with an unresponsive trackpad, screen stains, and an expensive repair bill. You’d think I’d learn from the first mistake, but I didn’t become wiser until after two more disasters.

Cleaning your device isn’t just about maintaining aesthetics; dust clogs vents and causes overheating, while harsh cleaning chemicals can damage the screen. To help you extend your MacBook’s lifespan, here are four mistakes I made while cleaning mine so you can avoid them.

4 Using the wrong cleaning products

The wrong cleaning products can damage your screen

Don’t judge me, but I used a glass cleaner on my screen. I remember thinking, “If Windex works on glass surfaces, why not my laptop screen?” I didn’t realize that MacBook screens are made with delicate anti-reflective coatings that aren’t immune to harsh chemicals. In addition, cleaning products like Windex contain ammonia and can strip away your screen’s coating, causing discoloration or permanent stains.

If I had taken an official recommendation from Apple, I would have known that the only cleaning products a MacBook screen requires are a lint-free cloth and water. However, if you’re battling tougher grime, lightly spritz the cloth (not the screen) with a 70% isopropyl alcohol (IPA) solution. Make sure you avoid glass cleaners, bleach, vinegar, abrasives, or rough sponges that can damage your screen and the aluminum surfaces on your device.

3 Overlooking vents and ports

Don't ignore dusty vents!

A common mistake to avoid when cleaning PCs is ignoring dusty vents and USB ports, only focusing on the obvious dirt. In my initial cleaning attempts, I would clean only the screen and the exterior of my MacBook Pro and call it a day. You can imagine my surprise when I discovered dust building up in the vents. And it didn’t stop there; I realized that the fans on my Mac were working harder to maintain a safe operating temperature. Long story short, it was a sign of overheating.

Similarly, my friend had trouble with his accessories when using his Mac’s ports. The cause was some debris that had built up in his ports because he was making the same mistake as I did. To clean your dusty vents and ports, use a soft-bristled brush, like a clean makeup brush, to gently remove dust. You can also use compressed air to clean these areas, but be careful to avoid spraying moisture into your Mac.

2 Scrubbing too hard on the keyboard and trackpad

It’s a bad idea to scrub like you’re polishing a dirty frying pan

Some people may ask why anyone would scrub their keyboard aggressively, but not me. I almost ruined my keyboard by attacking a sticky key with a toothpick and scrubbing the trackpad like I was brushing my teeth. While my Mac survived, it now has battle scars (scratches) to show for it. If you’re trying to clean your MacBook keys, I do not recommend aggressive scrubbing because it can dislodge keys, scratch the trackpad, or destroy sensors.

Cleaning your keyboard and trackpad doesn’t require any force. To clean the keyboard, tilt the MacBook sideways and gently brush out any crumbs. Additionally, for sticky spots, dip a cotton swab in isopropyl alcohol and clean the keys. For the trackpad, moisten a microfiber cloth with water and wipe in circular motions. However, remember you don’t need to apply too much pressure to avoid damage.

1 Forgetting to power down

You only need a second to shut down your MacBook

In the past, I didn’t see the need to shut down my system before cleaning. I thought I could save time by cleaning my Mac while it was in sleep mode. If you have similar thoughts, this is where I tell you that it’s a risky move. Why? The answer is simple: if liquid seeps into active electronics, it can cause damage. That’s not all; you can trigger errors with accidental keystrokes like deleting files or changing system settings.

To avoid sad tales, ensure you shut down your MacBook, unplug it from the power outlet, and allow it to cool before you clean it. These steps are necessary to avoid issues like an electric shock when you use damp cleaning materials. Moreover, shutting down your Mac and allowing it to cool reduces any risk of moisture or static damage while cleaning. However, since MacBooks wake up at the slightest touch, it's best to avoid pressing any keys.

If it’s clean on the outside, it should be clean on the inside

I didn’t realize I was using so much space until my MacBook slowed down and apps started lagging. A quick storage check revealed only 12GB free on a 256GB drive on my barely two-year-old Mac. Duplicate photos, cached video files, and unused software were clogging my storage. Luckily, you can manually declutter by going to About This Mac -> Storage -> Manage to delete large files. You can also try cleaning software like CleanMyMac.

Small mistakes can have big consequences, and I learned the hard way, so you don’t have to. Keeping your MacBook clean inside and out ensures it runs smoothly for years. Always check Apple’s official cleaning guidelines, especially for newer M1/M2 models or those with nano-texture glass. Your MacBook is an investment, so treat it like one!