Considering I spent thousands of dollars on my MacBook, the last thing I want is to see scratches or scuff marks on it. Fortunately, with these preventive measures, I’ve managed to keep my MacBook in pristine condition for years since purchase.
1 I Use a Sleeve When Carrying My Mac Around
I usually carry my MacBook with me to college. While some people use a case to protect their MacBooks, I prefer to use mine without one. I’ve heard too many negative stories about cases trapping heat or stressing the Mac’s hinges.
However, using it without protection wasn’t an option since I usually slide my MacBook into my backpack filled with books, charging cables, stationary, and more.
While my backpack does have a dedicated space for laptops, I still don’t believe it’s secure enough. So, I invested in a well-cushioned and padded laptop sleeve. Now, whenever I travel, I place my MacBook in the sleeve and then slide it into my backpack, giving it an extra layer of protection.
2 I Clean My Mac Regularly Using a Microfiber Cloth
One of my biggest pet peeves is when someone touches my MacBook’s screen, especially with greasy fingers. My friends and family often comment on my obsession with keeping my MacBook’s screen clean.
The best way to clean a dirty MacBook, as recommended by Apple, is to use a clean, lint-free microfiber cloth. After turning off my MacBook’s screen, I use a damp cloth to wipe down the screen and the chassis.
Since microfiber cloths can get dirty quickly, I bought a six-pack to ensure I always have a clean one on hand. Besides, using a dirty microfiber cloth could accidentally scratch your MacBook’s display.
For tougher stains and smudges, a cloth with a 70 percent isopropyl alcohol solution works well. However, you should avoid certain cleaning products like nail polish remover, tissue paper, soap, and bleach. Excessive cleaning can also damage the screen’s anti-reflective and oleophobic coatings, so be cautious.
3 I Regularly Clean My Keyboard
Cleaning my MacBook’s screen would be pointless if my keyboard is dirty and greasy, as that can easily transfer to the display. Just like I use a microfiber cloth for the screen, I also use it to wipe down the keyboard. One of the biggest issues with modern Macs is that they turn on with just a single key press.
To counter that, you can use a tool like KeyboardCleanTool to disable all keyboard input, making it easy to clean the keyboard without accidentally turning the MacBook on. Even the smallest food crumbs can scratch the screen if they’re trapped between the keys and the display.
I highly recommend using a mini brush to remove tiny crumbs, debris, or particles from the keyboard. If you notice dirt or debris stuck under the keys, you may need to use compressed air to gently blow it out.
4 I Try to Use My Mac Only at My Desk
I’m a very clumsy person with a bad habit of dropping things. When using my MacBook at home, I make a point to use it primarily at my desk. I avoid walking around with it in my hand and do my best to keep it in a secure place to minimize the risk of dropping it. Similarly, I avoid placing it near the edge of the desk or on unstable surfaces.
While MacBooks are generally durable machines, they’re not any less prone to damage than other laptops out there. However, they can last for years if you look after them properly. The precautionary measures I mentioned above have helped me keep my MacBook looking brand new even after hours of daily use.
