How to clean your Apple Studio Display the right way

Learn how to clean your Apple Studio Display, including the nano-texture version, to remove dust or smudges and keep it in pristine condition.

A still image from Apple's commercial for the Studio Display showcasing a creative professional editing an illustration on their Mac Studio and Studio Display, with the tagline "Introducing Studio Display" displayed near the top of the image — Image credit: Apple

Apple’s Studio Display is available with standard glass coating ($1,599) or with a nano-texture one (for an extra $300), which uses light scattering to further reduce glare and reflectivity. There are different sets of instructions to keep in mind when cleaning both these models.

Cleaning Studio Display with standard cover glass

If you’d only like to clean hard-to-remove smudges from time to time on nano-texture glass or standard glass, feel free to moisten the included cloth with a 70-percent isopropyl alcohol (IPA) solution. As for the base of the Studio Display, you’re welcome to clean it using a dry microfiber cloth.

Cleaning Studio Display with nano-texture glass

Apple monitors that can be purchased with a nano-texture glass option, such as the Studio Display, should only be cleaned with a special cleaning cloth that arrived in the box. “If your Apple Studio Display has nano-texture glass, clean it only using the included polishing cloth,” a support document on Apple’s website spells it out in black and white. “Never use any other cloth to clean the nano-texture glass.”

The Studio Display’s base can be wiped clean using a dry microfiber cloth. As for cleaning its standard glass cover, Apple advises using a microfiber cloth lightly dampened with water. As for “infrequent cleaning” of hard-to-remove substances on nano-texture glass, Apple says it’s OK to use a 70 percent Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) solution.

Clean Apple’s $19 polishing cloth

An image of Apple's $29 polishing cloth for cleaning Apple displays and devices

For wiping the nano-texture glass of your Studio Display or Pro Display XDR, be sure to only use Apple’s special polishing cloth. It’s bundled with your monitor or available standalone for $19.

“Made with soft, non-abrasive material, the polishing cloth cleans any Apple display, including nano-texture glass, safely and effectively,” reads Apple’s description. The cleaning accessory is actually two cloths glued together, with a feel similar to the inside of Apple’s iPad covers that have a microfiber lining.

Purchase Apple’s polishing cloth for $19

Apple has confirmed that you can actually clean this polishing wipe. First, hand-wash the cloth gently using dish soap and water. Rinse your polishing cloth thoroughly and let it air dry for at least 24 hours before using it again.

A clean sweep of your Apple gear

Smart people regularly wipe their Apple gear clean. After all, no one is going to take care of your equipment for you. Isn’t it a pleasure to sit at a tidy desk in the morning in front of a clean computer? For sure, but you have the responsibility to keep your home office tidy and your Apple devices clean.

Apple’s products are not like most other ones in terms of cleaning. Your iPhones, Macs, and more use special coatings to protect them from surface damage. Apple also uses sophisticated finishing processes to bring out that shine factor. That’s why it actually matters what kind of cleaning solution you use. Even the cleaning cloth matters; you don’t want to use abrasive pieces of cloth that might scratch your shiny Apple gadget.