How to clean a computer screen
Cleaning the computer screen is a simple task, yet very important. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s also about hygiene and caring for your equipment. Doing it correctly and with appropriate frequency will extend the life of your device and help avoid potential damage.
Next, you’ll discover how to safely and effectively clean your computer screen with just a few tools and simple steps. Are you ready to give it a try?
But if you’re unsure or hesitant because you think it might take a few minutes to clean, let me tell you in advance about the consequences of not cleaning the computer screen or doing it improperly.
What happens if I don’t clean the computer screen?
When the computer screen remains dirty for an extended period, or if you clean it using the wrong materials or techniques, the following can occur:
- Visibility and image quality deteriorate due to fingerprints, smudges, or dirt on the surface.
- Damage may occur from dirt, which can spread to the ventilation grill, leading to equipment overheating.
- Using excessive liquid or cleaning while the screen is on can cause serious damage.
- The use of inappropriate products such as solvents, acetone, or gasoline can damage the screen’s protective layer.
That’s why it’s crucial to know the right way to clean the computer screen. Let’s start by discussing the most suitable materials for the task.
What precautions should be taken?
Before starting to clean the computer screen, keep the following in mind:
- Do not use any unknown liquids, as contact with hardware parts may cause damage or hardware failure. Use liquid products specifically designed for cleaning computer screens, available in the market.
- Avoid using aerosol solvents, sprays, or abrasives. While they may clear the screen, they can damage the system irreparably.
- Use hot water without any additional substances.
- Use a soft cloth dampened with warm water to clean the screen. Avoid spraying water directly onto the screen, as it may pool in the corners and affect sensitive parts of the computer system.
- Refrain from using your shirt or t-shirt to clean the screen, as it may introduce lint or cause scratches.
Steps to Clean a Computer Screen
Here are the steps to easily clean your computer screen or laptop screen while keeping the above precautions in mind:
Step 1: Turn off the screen of the laptop or computer monitor without turning it on. This will help clear smudges and dust easily, and you’ll have a clearer view of what you’re doing. Cleaning the screen while it’s on can potentially damage the screen and result in an unpleasant electrical shock.
Step 2: Wipe the screen with a soft cloth, starting from the center and moving in a circular motion. For visible dust, a dry microfiber cloth is recommended. For stubborn stains, use a mild cleaning solution designed for monitors or warm, distilled, or filtered water. Spray the liquid onto the cloth, not directly onto the screen, and wipe gently. Avoid pressing too hard on the screen to prevent damage to the pixels.
Note: Avoid using excessive cleaning fluid; instead, wipe several times to allow the stain to dissolve.
Step 3: Allow the monitor to air dry. Use a soft, dry cloth for a final wipe to remove any moisture. Do not turn on the screen until it’s completely dry to prevent electrical damage. Avoid using blow dryers or heating techniques to speed up the drying process.
Note: If you don’t have a microfiber cloth, a new sponge can be used to wipe the screen. Additionally, distilled or warm water can be used as an alternative to expensive cleaning products.
How to Clean a Touch Screen Laptop
Touch screen laptops or computers are more sensitive than normal screen systems. Although such systems come with extra protective screens, more precautions and safety measures need to be taken when cleaning a touch screen system. To clean a touch screen system, you can use similar methods as described above but with added caution.
- Soften your hands while cleaning the screen, as the touch screen cannot bear pressured hands and it may affect or damage the sensors. Avoid pressing the screen firmly.
- Try to keep the screen clean by avoiding touching it with dirty hands. Always wash and sanitize your hands before using a touch screen system.
What You Need to Clean the Computer Screen
To clean the computer screen without causing damage, you don’t need to buy special products. You only need the following materials:
- A general-purpose microfiber cloth. Kitchen cleaning cloths are an example of this type of cloth and can be used as long as they are new. Such cloths are lint-free and clean surfaces without scratching.
- A cloth for cleaning glasses (optional). If you don’t have a microfiber cloth handy, those used to clean glasses are just as effective. Try to avoid disposable ones that come with cleaning fluid.
- A cleaning solution. You can buy one specifically for screens and TVs, or you can make your own with distilled water, isopropyl alcohol, and white vinegar. We’ll show you how to prepare it shortly.
You will need two cloths, one for applying the cleaning solution and one for drying. These materials are easy to find, inexpensive, and very effective at cleaning computer screens without causing damage. Now, we’ll explain how to prepare a homemade cleaning solution.
Microfiber Cloth
A very practical and simple solution is to use a microfiber cloth, typically used for cleaning eyeglass lenses. To begin, turn off the monitor and disconnect all its connections.
Next, it’s best to start by cleaning around the frame of the monitor. Once that’s done, fold the cloth to use a clean section and proceed to clean the rest of the screen.
It’s important to avoid moving the cloth in circular motions or applying excessive pressure, as this could potentially cause permanent scratches on the monitor.
After cleaning the main area of the screen, focus on removing any remaining traces of dirt around the edges. Use unused sections of the microfiber cloth for this, and avoid using your fingers directly on the screen.
Finally, inspect the surface to ensure it’s completely free of dust, and then you can reconnect your monitor and adjust any settings as needed.
Wet sponge
The above method is ideal for removing dust from monitors. However, it is recommended to use a damp sponge to remove dirt and stains.
First, you’ll need a brand new sponge, which should be moistened with distilled water, or if unavailable, filtered water. This is to avoid leaving mineral marks on the monitor.
At this point, ensure that the sponge is slightly damp and not wet by squeezing it well before starting to clean the monitor.
Gently pass the sponge over the entire surface of the screen. When finished, use a dry cloth to remove any remaining moisture.
It’s important to remember to turn off the monitor and even unplug the equipment from the power source before cleaning. Additionally, ensure that you move the sponge straight, side to side, and avoid circular motions. Also, avoid pressing the screen while cleaning it.
Screen spray
Fortunately, there are some special computer screen cleaning products on the market today, which are an excellent option when deciding to perform maintenance on our computer monitor.
Once we have purchased the spray of our choice, the next step is to turn off the monitor and unplug the appliance from the electrical connection.
Then, we begin to apply the product to a completely clean cloth or preferably a microfiber cloth, always making sure to remove excess water before starting to clean the monitor. The cloth should be slightly damp, but not wet, to prevent drops from falling on any other part of the instrument.
Next, we gently rub the surface of the monitor, always in the same straight direction. It is important to remember that we should not strain the screen.
If necessary, we repeat the procedure several times until we see no dirt or stains on the screen.
When finished, we can dry the monitor with a completely clean and dry cloth, or wait for it to dry itself. Finally, we check that there are no traces of dirt.
Home Solutions
If we do not have the availability to buy a commercial spray to clean our computer monitor, we should not worry; we will always find other options, such as homemade solutions.
A first formula is to mix equal parts distilled water with white vinegar, or distilled water with a larger portion of isopropyl alcohol. It also works to mix warm diluted water with a few drops of dishwasher liquid.
The next step is to apply the household solution to a cloth or preferably a microfiber cloth that is completely clean, always ensuring that it is not saturated with liquid but slightly damp. This is why it is recommended to wipe the computer monitor with a cloth before starting to clean it.
Then, we rub the surface of the screen in a straight motion from one side to the other, never in a circular manner and without applying too much pressure. If dirt or stains remain, we can repeat the process until we no longer find traces of dirt.
Finally, we dry the monitor screen with a clean and dry cloth. Another option is to let it air dry on its own.
Recommendations
Considering the different steps we can take on how to clean the computer screen, we cannot finish without first summarizing some important recommendations. These will allow us to keep the monitor in good condition while optimizing its visibility:
- Avoid using napkins or other types of paper, as they tend to scratch the screen, which may be virtually invisible to the eye but can still damage the monitor.
- Do not use household cleaning products such as household dust cleaners or glass cleaners.
- When cleaning the monitor, move straight, side to side, never in a circular motion.
- Be careful not to touch the monitor screen with your fingers.
- Avoid placing the monitor in areas where there may be moisture or high temperatures.
- Keep the computer screen away from windows and direct sunlight.
- If water is required to clean the monitor, do not use filtered water commonly known as tap water. Instead, use distilled water.
- Similarly, never apply water directly to the surface of the monitor. Use a cloth, sponge, or other appropriate cleaning tool.
- If you don’t plan to use the monitor for a long time, it is better to cover it with a plastic or cloth covering. This will protect it from dust accumulation.
Monitor Lifespan
As an interesting fact, we can discuss some aspects regarding the lifespan of a computer screen:
Firstly, the lifespan of a monitor depends on how we use it. For instance, a CRT screen can last for approximately 30,000 hours if used for an average of eight hours per day, which is equivalent to 10 years.
LCD screens, on the other hand, can be used for up to 50,000 hours at a daily rate of eight hours, while LED monitors can last around 60,000 hours, equivalent to approximately 20 years.