I built a macOS app that bricks your Mac for 30 seconds so you can clean it

Description and use

WashMyMac is a macOS utility that displays a black screen and blocks all input, enabling safe and efficient cleaning of a MacBook’s display without accidental shortcuts.

Problem

Cleaning a MacBook’s screen is difficult because the display remains active, making fingerprints invisible and risking accidental input during wiping.

Outcome

WashMyMac enables safe, efficient screen cleaning by providing a black overlay that blocks all input and guarantees a safe exit, eliminating accidental shortcuts and making fingerprints visible.

Workflow

• Launch WashMyMac via ⌃⌥⌘W or menu bar
• The screen turns black and all input is blocked
• Wipe the screen freely
• Exit by holding ⌃⌥⌘U for 1.5 s or use the auto‑exit after 5 minutes

Evidence

Every display goes flat black. Keyboard, trackpad and mouse go dead — including ⌘Space, ⌘Tab, ⌘Q, volume, brightness and trackpad gestures.

Source

The rule: ⌃⌥⌘U counts only when exactly those three modifiers and U are down. Not one extra key.

Source