After working long hours in front of my computer screen, I noticed how the dust gets settled on it, attracted by the static electricity or by the surface itself, may be. I also noticed some finger prints on the screen and other spots of unknown origin. That happens to every computer user and requires our attention from time to time, so I decided to look for the best way to clean a computer screen and now I want to share what I found with you.
Before cleaning
As every thing that implies the use of delicate equipment, you have to make sure to take the necessary precautions to avoid damaging your computer screen.
First of all, find out the type of monitor you have, because that defines the kind of cleaning method to use. I will review each one in a while. Continue reading, please.
Don´t forget to unplug your monitor or laptop, electricity and water make a very bad combination.
Remember to choose the correct cleaner, because some cleaners may be abrasive and damage the surface, also if you use too much liquid you can cause a short in your monitor or laptop.
You need to be gentle in order to avoid annoying streaks on your screen.
Never use a glass cleaner like Windex, or similar.
The different monitors
The method you use for cleaning varies depending on the type of monitor because the surfaces are different. If you don´t follow the specifications for each type of screen, you can affect the screen quality or damage it altogether. The screen may show bad scratches or marks.
As regards screen types, you can find:
- BacKlit LED made with LCD pixels.
- Non-LCD glas coated surfaces.
- Matte Glass screens made with nano-texture glass, this is a very special case, because you have to clean these with the manufacturer´s special polishing cloth, and no other material.
The LCD screens are more vulnerable to cleaning materials, however, due to their common use, you can find plenty of appropriate cleaning products for this models. Remember to be gentle when cleaning these screens, so as not to damage the surface or LED components. The best material is an alcohol, acetone or ammonia free LCD cleaner. Always follow the manufacturer´s instructions.
In the case of the glass coated surfaces, these can be cleaned easily using glass cleaners, or a cloth gently sprayed with rubbing alcohol.
Finally, if it is a nano-texture glass screen remember to use the special polishing cloth sold by the manufacturer.
Methods
Remember, there are basically 2 types of computer screens:
- Non-LCD or glass-coated computer screens
- LCD or LED computer screens
Let´s review the best way to clean these computer screens.
Method 1. Non-LCD (Glass-Coated) Computer Screen
This is the first best way to clean a computer screen.
In order to clean this type of screen:
- Turn off your computer and screen and unplug it.
- Remove dust from the screen using a dry cloth made of microfiber.
- To remove smudges and fingerprints, spray isopropyl alcohol (70%) onto a cloth, or use a pre-moistened alcohol wipe. You can also use a Clorox Disinfecting Wipe, to clean surfaces that are non-porous like the screen; never use bleach.
- Clean the corners and glass surface, remember to be very careful and don´t let excess moisture get from the cloth into the device.
- Let the screen dry.
- if you find any remaining streak, use a microfiber cloth to wipe it off.
Method 2. LCD or LED Computer Screen
This is the second best way to clean a computer screen.
In order to clean this type of screen
- Turn off your computer and screen and unplug it.
- Remove dust from the screen using a dry cloth made of microfiber.
- Spray a dust free microfiber cloth with an LCD cleaning spray, use it to clean streaks and spots that appear on the surface of your screen.
- Clean the surface of the screen completely with the cloth avoiding to saturate the edges.
- Let the screen dry,
- Wipe the surface thoroughly but avoid saturation into the edges of the screen.
- Allow the screen to air dry.
- If you find any remaining streak, use a microfiber cloth to wipe it off.
Microfiber, the best cloth for cleaning your screen
MIcrofiber is definitely the best material for cleaning your computer screen. Other options as household rags, paper towels, old T-shirts, paper napkins or cloth napkins can scratch and damage your computer screen. Choose the best Microfiber cloth available in the market.
Suggested
These are some good produts to clean your screen. Click on the images for full description.
Best tips for Cleaning your computer screen
Make sure you know your type of screen, check the user´s manual for cleaning instructions.
Pay special attention to products listed as restricted for cleaning by the manufacturer.
Don´t forget to turn off your monitor and computer before cleaning.
Remove any dust with a microfiber cloth.
Avoid accumulating excess moisture, especially when cleaning close to the edges of the screen and around ports and plugs.
Don´t use anything abrasive or rough.
Use microfiber cloths that are lint-free and soft.
Avoid ever spraying cleaner directly on the screen . Spray a cloth and clean the screen with the cloth.
Pay special attention to products listed as restricted for cleaning by the manufacturer.
Cleaning your laptop screen
To clean your laptiop screen:
1. Get all your cleaning material ready.
2. Do not apply the cleaning solution irectly on your coputer screen.
3. Start cleaning in the center of your screen and move slowly outwards with slow circular motion.
4. Avoid cleaning the corners of the screen with the humid part of your cloth.
5. Keep wiping down the screen gently until all the surface gets clean and no traces of any dust or dirt remains.
In summary
It´s important to clean your computer screen regularly, be aware of the type of screen you have, use the cleaning material suggested by your computert screen´s manufacturer, follow a cleaning procedure that cleans your screen without damaging it in any way.
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