Water and a microfiber cloth. Nothing else.
Yes, that’s it.
Apple’s Retina displays have a delicate anti-reflective coating that hates harsh chemicals. Wipe it with a dry, clean microfiber cloth first. If there’s a stubborn smudge, barely dampen the cloth with distilled water — never spray directly on the screen.
No Windex, no alcohol wipes, no paper towels, no eyeglass cleaners with ammonia. Those will strip the coating over time, leaving splotchy patches that look worse than the dirt you were cleaning.
The coating is there to reduce glare. Treat it like you would a nice pair of sunglasses: gentle pressure, circular motion, no regrets.
If you need more than a damp cloth, you’re probably eating a sandwich over your keyboard. Just close the lid and move on.