How do you look after your computer properly? ?
Every day, our technicians handle hundreds of Macs to diagnose, clean and refurbish them. This expertise enables us to quickly identify signs of wear and tear caused by a lack of maintenance.
When used on a daily basis, a computer is naturally subject to wear and tear: dust, overheating or a build-up of files. Although Macs are renowned for their durability, regular maintenance is essential to ensure they continue to perform well over time.
The lifespan of a Mac
Several factors directly influence the lifespan of a Mac. The first is keeping the operating system up to date. Keeping your Mac up to date not only ensures its security, but also optimises its overall performance and battery management. You also reduce the risk of it becoming obsolete..
The second factor depends on how the device is used on a daily basis. A Mac that is used intensively or with resource-intensive software will naturally be put under greater strain than a computer intended for occasional use. It is therefore essential to choose a model that suits your needs.
Finally, regular computer maintenance plays a crucial role. This includes both software maintenance and the physical upkeep of the device.
Now that you know the main factors that affect the lifespan of your Mac, discover our tips for maintaining it effectively on a daily basis.
External cleaning: best practices
Cleaning the outside of your computer regularly helps to keep it looking good and prevents the build-up of dust or debris that could eventually get inside the device.
Before you begin: switch off and unplug your Mac.
Clean the screen
The screen itself is the most delicate part to clean. It is important to avoid abrasive materials such as tea towels, hand towels or paper tissues, which can cause fine scratches.
Instead, use:
- a microfibre cloth, similar to those used for glasses
- a very slightly damp cloth, ideally with distilled water
- specialised screen wipes or cleaning products suitable for Macs
If the screen is particularly dirty, Apple states that you can use a small amount of 70% isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol), applied to the cloth.
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The casing can be cleaned simply using a slightly damp microfibre cloth.
For stubborn stains, a small amount of 70% isopropyl alcohol can also be applied to the cloth.
Clean the keyboard, ports and ventilation grilles
The keyboard and ventilation slots tend to collect dust and small particles.
To clean them:
- use a can of compressed air to dislodge the dust
- then wipe with a dry microfibre cloth (or one that is very slightly damp if necessary)
Finally, remember to protect your computer with a suitable case to minimise the risk of knocks, scratches and dust when you’re on the move.
Mistakes to avoid
Some common practices can damage your computer rather than maintain it. When cleaning, avoid in particular:
- blowing into the openings with your mouth, as this can introduce moisture into the device
- using standard household cleaning products, which are often too harsh for components and screens (glass cleaner, strong ammonia-based alcohol, soaps, etc.)
- vacuuming directly into ports or the keyboard, which risks creating static electricity
- opening your Mac without the appropriate tools or knowledge
- applying an excessive amount of liquid when cleaning
Internal cleaning: the often-overlooked task
Maintaining performance
Battery
The battery plays a vital role in a laptop’s performance and lifespan. Following a few best practices can help maintain optimal battery life for longer:
- Avoid repeated full discharges: ideally, recharge your Mac before the battery level drops below 20% and keep the charge level between 20% and 80%. To preserve its lifespan, also enable the ‘Optimised Battery Charging’ option in Settings > Battery > Battery Health
- Opt for moderate charging cycles, without keeping the device constantly plugged in when it is not necessary
- Alternate, where possible, between battery and mains power
- Switch off your Mac if you’re not using it for a prolonged period rather than leaving it on standby continuously
- Avoid exposing your computer to excessively hot or humid environments
Good to know: if you’re not using your Mac for a while, keep the battery charge at around 50%. A battery that is completely flat or kept at 100% for too long can wear out quickly and lose capacity.
Storage
Running out of storage space can gradually slow down your computer and affect its day-to-day performance:
- Check the available storage space on your Mac regularly
- Delete files, downloads or apps you no longer use
- Remember to empty the Trash
- Avoid filling the drive completely: keeping some free space (10% to 15%) allows the system to run optimally and leaves room in case of an OS update
Well-managed storage directly helps maintain your computer’s performance over time.
Ventilation
Avoid using your computer on a bed, sofa or any soft surface that might block the ventilation slots
Always use a flat, stable surface (desk, table) to ensure proper air circulation
When maintenance is no longer enough...
Despite regular maintenance, certain components naturally wear out over time: the battery may lose its performance, the computer may slow down, or your needs may have changed. Rather than leaving a computer unused in a drawer, you can give it a new lease of life. Our buy-back service allows you to sell it easily, at a fair price, whilst contributing to a more responsible approach.
✅ Quick valuation
✅ Collection by experts
✅ Device refurbished and reused
Any more questions?
Yes, but with care. If your Mac is still under warranty, it is best to avoid using alcohol, as improper handling could result in the warranty being voided. For a device that is no longer under warranty, you can use isopropyl alcohol (70%) in very small quantities, applied to a microfibre cloth and never directly onto the device.
Regular maintenance helps to minimise dust build-up and keep your computer clean and running smoothly.
Screen and keyboard: about once or twice a month to remove everyday smudges and dust.
Ports and ventilation grilles: every five to six months to prevent dust build-up that could obstruct ventilation.
The frequency may, of course, vary depending on the environment and how intensively the computer is used.
Opening a laptop is still a delicate operation. If your Mac is still under warranty, we strongly advise against opening it, as this could result in the manufacturer refusing to cover the repair.
Once the device is no longer under warranty, internal cleaning may be considered, but only if you have the appropriate equipment and the necessary knowledge. If in doubt, it is best to entrust this task to a professional to avoid damaging certain sensitive components.
There are certain signs that may indicate dust has built up in your computer’s cooling system:
- a fan that is noisier than usual,
- a computer that runs hotter than usual,
- unusual slowdowns whilst in use.
These symptoms may be due to reduced cooling efficiency. Cleaning the inside of the computer can help restore optimal performance.
Macs handle sleep mode very well, largely thanks to macOS’s optimised power management. So there’s no need to switch off your computer every day if you use it regularly. However, if you do not plan to use it for several days, it may be better to switch it off. From time to time, restarting the computer also helps to refresh the system, free up RAM and apply certain updates.