Direct answer first: To safely clean a MacBook screen, use a soft, lint-free microfiber cloth lightly dampened with water, then wipe the screen gently. Avoid direct spraying on the screen, avoid harsh cleaners, and never use acetone, ammonia, window cleaners, or cleaning agents on the display. What to do, step by step

• Preparation
  • Shut down your MacBook and unplug power and any connected devices. This reduces the risk of moisture entering ports or speakers. [Apple guidance supports turning off and disconnecting before cleaning]

• Cleaning supplies
  • Use a clean, soft microfiber cloth. You can use the cloth dry to remove dust first, then use a cloth slightly dampened with water for smudges. Do not use household cleaners, solvents, or chemicals. [Apple guidance]

• Cleaning process
  • Lightly dampen the cloth with water (distilled water is fine if available), wring out excess moisture, and wipe the screen with gentle, even strokes. Follow with a dry microfiber cloth to remove any remaining moisture or streaks. [Apple guidance]

• What to avoid
  • Do not spray liquids directly onto the screen. Do not use acetone, ammonia, window cleaners, alcohol-based cleaners, or aerosols. These can damage coatings or seep into the device. [Apple guidance]

• External displays or iMacs
  • If cleaning an external Apple display, disconnect power and follow the same approach with the appropriate cloth; for nano-texture or special glass, refer to specific Apple guidance for that surface. [Apple support]

Practical tips and common questions

• Fingerprints and stubborn smudges
  • A single pass with a lightly dampened cloth followed by a dry pass typically removes most smudges without streaks. If needed, use a very slightly dampened cloth again and dry immediately. [Apple guidance]

• Post-cleaning care
  • Keep the display clean by avoiding touching the screen with dirty hands and placing the laptop in a clean, low-dust environment. Regular gentle cleaning habits reduce buildup. [Apple guidance]

• Model-specific notes
  • The standard approach works for MacBook laptops and Apple displays; if the device has nano-texture glass or other specialized coatings, consult the specific Apple cleaning instructions for those surfaces. [Apple support articles]

If you’d like, I can tailor these steps to your exact MacBook model (Air vs Pro, year) or walk through a quick video guide.