How to Clean Computer Screen


The computer screen gets dirty easily and if not cleaned at the right time, dirt may settle on the screen and it then becomes very difficult to get it out. Modern computer screens like LCDs and plasmas have certain electric connections on them and therefore traditional materials like alcohol and ammonia cannot be used on these screens.

Cleaning Computer Screens Safely

Cleaning a computer monitor with distilled water is a good option, only if it is a little bit dirty. Simply, sprinkle few drops of distilled water on the screen and wipe the screen off with a piece of cloth, moving it in one direction. If the computer screen is very dirty you can use any aerosol product available in the market, or just add a few drops of white vinegar in distilled water, to clean the computer screen. Always remember to turn off the computer monitor before you start cleaning it.

Cleaning a Laptop's Screen

To clean a laptop computer screen, using alcohol or ammonia products is not an option, and therefore you will have to make your own solution. It's simple. Mix distilled water and white vinegar in the ratio of 1:1, and leave it for some time. Now, take a soft cotton cloth and dip it in this solution. Take care, not to make the piece of cloth really wet as it can harm your screen. Just get it moist enough. Gently rub this piece of cloth along the screen, either in a circular, horizontal or vertical motion. Keep the movement in the same direction throughout. Wipe off the screen with a dry cotton cloth after this, and your screen is sparkling new! Use the same method to clean a flat computer screen.

Cleaning an Apple Mac's Screen

To clean any apple computer screen, be it a desktop or a mac-book, the first thing to do is to switch off all power units and unplug the power supply wire from the socket to avoid getting electrocuted. Take a soft, cotton cloth and moisten it with water. It is advised that you use only water or other certified apple computer cleaning products and nothing else. Wipe the computer screen gently, in one consistent direction with the moist cloth first and, later on, with a dry cloth. Connect the computer back and start it to find your screen crystal clear. Doing this once a month is good to prevent any dirt from permanently settling on the screen.

Cleaning LCD Screens

To clean an LCD screen, you will use the same mixture of distilled water and vinegar as mentioned previously. Apply this mixture to a piece of soft cotton cloth and gently rub the LCD screen with it. Wipe off the screen with a dry cloth. Before starting, switch off the LCD screen to spot dirty areas on the screen better.

Tips and Warnings

  • Never ever spray anything directly on the computer screen as it may damage the screen, since some of these screens have electric connections on them. Apply water or any solution indirectly, through a piece of cloth.
  • Avoid using tissue papers for cleaning the screen as they are rough. It is always better to use a piece of soft cloth.
  • Tap water has a tendency of leaving mineral spots on the screen and hence should not be used to clean computer screens.
  • Don't be harsh on the computer screen while wiping it. Be smooth and gentle to get best results.
  • If your manufacturer has a line of computer cleaning products or recommends the use of a particular product, use it.
After learning these methods, you can easily try it at home. Cleaning and maintaining the computer screen periodically keeps it working well and gives you a better picture, always.

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