Is it safe to use 70% Spirit Ethanol to clean my MacBook Pro screen?

I edited my original post but the 0930 log-out bug bit me. This is the additional information:

As Apple now recommends only cleaners with ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL†, I would put that container of ETHANOL far from your computer station. Both are in the broad alcohol family but have different chemical structures. Organic chemistry is not my best subject so best practice is to follow Apple's recommendation.

The very compelling reason for following Apple recommendations for Retina Macbook Pros is REPAIR COST. Should the coating be damaged, you cannot simply replace just the screen cover as with pre-Retina Macbook Pros. The Retina display is one sealed assembly, and the entire assembly must be replaced in the case of damage. Costs for such mistakes in the US are US$500-650 based on reports here from people who have gone over the top with aggressive screen cleaning.

† — other names: isopropanol; propyl alcohol; n-propyl alcohol; rubbing alcohol.

I immediately wiped it dry with a clean, dry microfiber cloth. Will this damage my screen in the long run?

Based on my knowledge of solvents in delicate surfaces and not being privy to Apples reasons, I believe immediately wiping helps make it safer. Many solvents need a little time to start working on soluble solids like the coating on a computer screen.

A bit of history:

For years, Apple said ONLY a microfiber cloth slightly dampened with water on device screens. No solvents, not even alcohol.

Then, during COVID when everyone wanted to treat their entire office with alcohol-based disinfectants, Apple modified this slightly different article from the one Leroy posted:

How to clean your Apple products - Apple Support

to include isopropyl alcohol products with 75% or lower concentrations, even for screens.

I saw a query here this week where someone wanted to user 90%+ isopropanol on their notebook. That is too much.

Kushina2 wrote:

Hi everyone,

I have a 13-inch MacBook Pro, M2, 2022. I accidentally sprayed 70% Spirit Ethanol on a microfiber cloth and used it to wipe my MacBook screen. I immediately wiped it dry with a clean, dry microfiber cloth. Will this damage my screen in the long run?

Is it safe to use 70% Spirit Ethanol to clean my MacBook screen? If not, what should I use instead?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

https://discussions.apple.com/content/attachment/5aaee56f-614c-40de-ab73-4d5bd41058c7

I would not—unless absolutely necessary

ref: How to clean your Apple products

Please note according to APPLE®

"To clean hard-to-remove smudges or fingerprints on the display or exterior of your Mac, you can use a cloth moistened with a 70-percent isopropyl alcohol (IPA) solution to gently wipe the display or enclosure of your Mac laptop."

Clean your Mac computer's screen or display

https://www.sydneysolvents.com.au/blog/our-blog/have-you-ever-wondered-what-the-differences-betwee/

Kushina2 wrote:

so what it mean ?

Follow the Apple directions for cleaning, or go do what you are intent upon doing and are here seeking absolution* and let us know what happens.

*pun very much intended

Kushina2 wrote:

so what this mean ?

It means either “have at, and let us know what happens”, or “best use only what Apple recommends”, depending on your willingness to experiment with and to potentially damage expensive computer equipment.

Alcohols are solvents for some materials and some coatings. Will it damage the display? Donno. But I’m not going to try it.

Kushina2 wrote:

Thank you for your response. Can my screen be harmed in the future from my current usage? I won't do that in the future. I'd like to make sure