How to Clean a Computer/LCD Screen

Clean the screen

Turn off the screen. This not only reduces the risk of electrical accidents but also makes it easier for you to detect dust and dirt on the screen.

Wipe off dust with a dry cloth. Wipe slowly in circular motions and do not apply pressure to the screen. Make sure the towel you are wiping has a smooth surface and does not leave lint behind. A large towel will be more convenient because it limits the marks caused by your fingers pressing on the screen.

Some fabrics have smooth surfaces such as:

Microfiber

Cotton t-shirt

Cotton handkerchiefs

Warm cotton towel

Avoid using the following towels because they are quite rough:

Tissue

Dish towels

Facial tissue

Add cleaning solution to the towel. Do not spray cleaner directly onto the screen. Instead, spray cleaning solution onto the rag. You only need to apply a little solution at a time, as too much moisture can damage the screen in the long run.

If you want to make your own or buy cleaning solution, see below.

Wipe off dirt with a towel. Wipe gently in circular motions and avoid pressing directly on the screen. Don't scrape off the stains, let the cleaner break them down.

You may need to apply more solution and wipe again a few times for stubborn stains.

Wipe off any remaining moisture after cleaning the screen.

Let the screen dry. The screen must be completely dry before being turned back on. This is to limit the risk of moisture damaging internal components.

Do not use a dryer or any other heat-generating device to speed up the process. Let the screen air dry.

Make your own cleaning solution

Use appropriate water. You should not use tap water to mix cleaning solution, because tap water contains minerals that can damage the screen. You can make your own distilled water, or buy it at the grocery store.

Add detergent. The two most common substances used to make cleaning solutions at home are isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) and white vinegar. Both specialize in treating stubborn stains, so depending on your preference, you can choose which one you choose. However, don't mix the two together, you should just choose one of the two.

Do not use cleaning agents that contain ammonia, such as glass cleaner, as this may discolor the screen.

When choosing rubbing alcohol, do not mix it with distilled water in a ratio greater than 50/50. If you use vinegar, start with a 50/50 ratio and add more vinegar if the solution isn't strong enough.

Vodka can be used instead of rubbing alcohol.

Buy cleaning solution

Read reviews. Most manufacturers of cleaning solutions with proprietary formulas often claim that their products are the most effective. See what users say about the product before making a purchase.

Some solutions are more about polishing than cleaning, so you need to read the product description carefully.

Buy a complete cleaning kit. If you don't have a rag handy, buy a cleaning kit. These products often come with microfiber towels suitable for cleaning LCD screens.

Consider purchasing cleaning wipes. If you don't want to wash the cleaning cloth, you can buy disposable cleaning cloths designed specifically for LCD screens.

Kareem Winters

Update 27 May 2024