cliffmax

Q: the screen is glass --so why can't Windex be used to clean it

the screen is glass --so why can't Windex (on a soft cloth with unit unplugged) be used to clean it?

iMac, Mac OS X (10.7.5)

Posted on Jan 30, 2013 2:09 PM

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Q: the screen is glass --so why can't Windex be used to clean it

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  • by CaseyRaz,Helpful

    CaseyRaz CaseyRaz Jan 30, 2013 2:19 PM in response to cliffmax
    Level 2 (230 points)
    Jan 30, 2013 2:19 PM in response to cliffmax

    You just don't want to get any behind it. You might be able to use a very small amount to barely wet the cloth and wipe it down but you do not want much moisture on it at all.

  • by WZZZ,

    WZZZ WZZZ Jan 30, 2013 2:32 PM in response to cliffmax
    Level 6 (13,112 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jan 30, 2013 2:32 PM in response to cliffmax

    Don't even think about it. The screen is not just glass, it's treated and the Windex will leave a mess you won't be able to clear.

  • by Shootist007,

    Shootist007 Shootist007 Jan 30, 2013 2:51 PM in response to cliffmax
    Level 6 (16,660 points)
    Jan 30, 2013 2:51 PM in response to cliffmax

    I use Windex on my Macbook Pro screen all the time. No problems on my system.

     

    I do put it on a clothe and then clean the screen. But on an iMac you might be able to spray a small amount on the glass itself

  • by varjak paw,

    varjak paw varjak paw Jan 30, 2013 2:55 PM in response to cliffmax
    Level 10 (169,890 points)
    Jan 30, 2013 2:55 PM in response to cliffmax

    Apple says the following:

     

    Don’t use window cleaners, household cleaners, aerosol sprays, solvents, alcohol, ammonia, or abrasives to clean the display.

     

    Such cleaners can damage the coating on the display. Normally a soft cloth dampened with water is sufficient. Do not spray directly onto the screen whatever you use. It's too easy for liquid to get inside the case and that will void your warranty.

     

    Regards.

  • by WZZZ,

    WZZZ WZZZ Jan 30, 2013 2:59 PM in response to WZZZ
    Level 6 (13,112 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jan 30, 2013 2:59 PM in response to WZZZ

    Someone I know used Windex--at least that's what I think he used--on a brand new mid-2011 iMac and it was a disaster. I have never used more than a moistened Qtip, applying in small sections, and the black micofiber cloth to clean and dry.

  • by Shootist007,

    Shootist007 Shootist007 Jan 30, 2013 3:00 PM in response to WZZZ
    Level 6 (16,660 points)
    Jan 30, 2013 3:00 PM in response to WZZZ

    I just cleaned my MBP screen with Windex. Looks Great.

     

    If Windex can damage whatever coating Apple puts on the screen then is it a very cheap coating.

  • by WZZZ,

    WZZZ WZZZ Jan 30, 2013 3:09 PM in response to Shootist007
    Level 6 (13,112 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jan 30, 2013 3:09 PM in response to Shootist007

    Shootist007 wrote:

     

    I just cleaned my MBP screen with Windex. Looks Great.

     

    If Windex can damage whatever coating Apple puts on the screen then is it a very cheap coating.

    The MBP might use a different screen. And that remark is pointless and silly. I don't know if it's a cheap coating or not, but what difference does it make, if it's going to damage the screen? I would never dream of use Windex on my Leica camera lenses, and they are definitely not cheap coatings.

  • by MichelPM,

    MichelPM MichelPM Jan 30, 2013 3:09 PM in response to cliffmax
    Level 6 (14,189 points)
    iPad
    Jan 30, 2013 3:09 PM in response to cliffmax

    I use a microfiber cloth lightly dampened with warm water to clean my iMac screen.

    Works great and no drips or streaks.

  • by Shootist007,

    Shootist007 Shootist007 Jan 30, 2013 3:14 PM in response to WZZZ
    Level 6 (16,660 points)
    Jan 30, 2013 3:14 PM in response to WZZZ

    I wouldn't use Windex on my Summilux-M 50 f/1.4 either or any of the other leica lenses I own. But the glass on a Mac computer certainly isn't from Leica or have the Leica coatings on it and certainly doesn't cost upwards of $4000.

  • by WZZZ,

    WZZZ WZZZ Jan 30, 2013 3:26 PM in response to Shootist007
    Level 6 (13,112 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jan 30, 2013 3:26 PM in response to Shootist007

    OK, you buy a new iMac and you use Windex on the screen. But until you do that, don't suggest that anyone else do it.

  • by Shootist007,

    Shootist007 Shootist007 Jan 30, 2013 3:28 PM in response to WZZZ
    Level 6 (16,660 points)
    Jan 30, 2013 3:28 PM in response to WZZZ

    No thanks, I'm done buying Apple products. Just like the coating on the iMac screen most of the parts aren't worth what Apple charges for them.

  • by seventy one,

    seventy one seventy one Jan 30, 2013 4:13 PM in response to cliffmax
    Level 6 (15,302 points)
    Peripherals
    Jan 30, 2013 4:13 PM in response to cliffmax

    Apple supplied a small microfibre cloth with my iMac and I've only ever used that. 

     

    After 5 years, the screen is as good as day 1.

  • by cliffmax,

    cliffmax cliffmax Jan 30, 2013 4:54 PM in response to CaseyRaz
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 30, 2013 4:54 PM in response to CaseyRaz

    A number of people responded to my question.  Yours was the most "operational" answer -- and I will abide by it.  If you look at the other answers you will see a whole spectrum of ideas  --  from "it's OK" to "you will be cast into the lowest pits of ****."  The range of opinions is amazing.  Don't answer, but I wonder what's behind Apple's recommendation.  Can't help but feel they want to sell us something -- anything -- just so they get more bucks.   

  • by Mike Osborn,

    Mike Osborn Mike Osborn Jan 30, 2013 6:13 PM in response to cliffmax
    Level 4 (1,209 points)
    Apple Pay
    Jan 30, 2013 6:13 PM in response to cliffmax

    I would suggest you take a look at nearly any computer or monitor manufacturer's web site and see if ANY of them recommend Windex for cleaning the display screen.  The fact is that nearly all of them use some sort of coating on them. The same is true for camera lenses...they have coatings too. (And I've NEVER seen Windex recommended for cleaning them).

     

    Yes...Apple's not perfect. But their recommendation not to use a window cleaner on their display screens is simply to protect you, the consumer, from damaging the screen. It's not about a money grab, as Apple doesn't even sell a screen cleaning solution.

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