How to Clean the Monitor Screen? – Do’s & Don’ts (2024 Guide)

We all know how frustrating it can be to use a computer with a dirty screen covered in dust and fingerprints. Sitting near the computer screen is a necessity when using it consistently. All of our coughs, sneezes, and touches tend to leave behind bacteria, dirt, and oil on the screen. However, this dust did not cause any long-term damage to your screen, but it still stinks.

Cleaning is necessary to remove both dirt and germs from the monitor screen. It not only makes the screen shiny but also helps keep our device running smoothly. Although, correct tools and procedures are crucial for cleaning computers effectively. This is because these screens have delicate surfaces that can be easily scratched or dented.  

But don’t worry. Here in this article, you’ll discover a complete guide on proper computer screen cleaning without damaging it. We hope to clear up any confusion you have about cleaning LCD screens by examining all the additional issues.

Why Is Cleaning Your Screen Important?

Cleaning your monitor screen is very important because it makes it work well and last a long time. For example, if your glasses are dirty, things will look blurry and unclear. However, the same thing happens with your monitor screen.

In the first place, let’s talk about dust. If it settles on your monitor screen, it can make it look hazy and less colorful. But if you clean your monitor screen regularly, you can get rid of that dust and make everything on the screen look sharp and colorful again.

Next, think about fingerprints and smudges. If you touch your screen a lot, your fingers can leave oily marks on the screen. Those marks can make it hard to see what’s on the screen and be annoying. But every problem has a solution, and yes, by cleaning your screen, you can make those marks disappear, which will give you a more precise and better view.

And here’s the important part: if you don’t clean your monitor, dust and oily stuff can get inside it and cause problems. If you take care of it by cleaning it, it will last longer and keep working like it should. So, remember to clean your monitor screen regularly.

What Are the Tools Required for Screen Cleaning?

If you want to clean your computer screen, having some useful tools at your home is a good idea. 

• Microfiber cloth: Keep a microfiber cloth to clean your monitor’s screen because microfiber cloth is gentle and will not cause any scratches on your screen.

• Air spray: This will help you to clean any dust or dirt from your computer screen or keyboard by applying air pressure.

• Mini vacuum: If you don’t want to spend that much on air spray, you can buy a mini vacuum. They are not as powerful as air sprays, but they can still help you to clear any dust or dirt from your computer’s screen.

• Distilled water: Use distilled water to dampen your microfiber cloth to remove any dirt strain from your monitor’s screen. But, remember to use a very small amount of it, because too much water can harm your computer screen.

How to Clean the Monitor Screen? Step by Step

Depending on the level of effort, we have categorized the cleaning in 3 different ways.

1. Easiest Method

To clean a dusty computer monitor, you can use a Swiffer Duster. It’s a really easy way to do it. Just gently move the Swiffer duster across the screen like you’re sweeping it. The special, tiny fibers on the duster will get all the dust off the screen. 

You can also use it to clean the other parts around the screen, like the edges, and the stand.

2. Pretty Low Effort Method

• Turn off your computer First, because when your computer is turned on, there’s electricity running through the screen, and we want to avoid damaging it. Turning it off also reduces the risk of electric shock or fire. 

• Always use a Microfiber Cloth for cleaning. Never use paper towels, old t-shirts, or napkins to clean your computer screen. These can actually scratch the screen or leave behind bits of lint. Instead, grab a microfiber cloth. It’s made from a special soft material that won’t harm your screen, and it’s great for removing dirt and smudges. 

• When you’re cleaning the monitor screen, be gentle. Use the microfiber cloth in a soft, circular motion to clean the screen. If you come across stubborn food or dirt, keep moving the cloth in a circular motion with a gentle press to clean it.

But always remember to never spray cleaners or use soap and water directly on your screen. Applying cleaning solutions to the cloth or paper towel is always safer.

3. More Moderate Effort Method

• First things first, turn off your computer. This is important because it helps you see all the dirt and dust on the screen more clearly, and it prevents any accidental damage to the screen. 

• Now for cleaning, you’ll need a cleaning solution. The easiest and safest option is distilled water, which doesn’t have any chemicals. If your screen is really dirty, you can make a slightly stronger solution by mixing equal parts of distilled water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. 

If you don’t have white vinegar, you can use equal parts of distilled water and rubbing alcohol instead. This mixture can also be used for cleaning other things like windows and shower doors. 

• Now, Spray your prepared cleaning solution onto a clean microfiber cloth or towel. Never spray the solution directly onto the computer screen, as this could damage the components or cause electrical problems. 

• Lastly, gently wipe the computer screen in a circular motion using the dampened microfiber cloth. Keep wiping until your screen is completely clean. This microfiber cloth is soft and won’t scratch your screen.

Do’s and Don’ts for Cleaning Monitor Screen

Computer screens are so delicate that when you clean them, you have to be careful not to damage them. Let’s review what you should and shouldn’t do when cleaning your computer screen.

Do’s:

• First, find out the type of your computer screen. Check the manufacturer’s guide for how to clean it. Different screens might need different cleaning methods.

• Before you start cleaning, make sure to turn off your computer and the monitor.

• Get a clean microfiber cloth. Put a small amount of cleaning solution on the cloth and gently clean your monitor’s screen.

Don’ts:

• Don’t use paper towels, tissues, rags, or old pieces of cloth to clean the screen. They can cause scratches on it.

• Avoid using makeup remover, dish soap, vinegar, alcohol, or regular household cleaning products because they can damage the screen badly.

• Don’t use too much cleaning liquid, and never put it directly on the screen, because it can damage the screen permanently.

• Lastly, always use a gentle touch. Never press too hard on the screen to remove dirt.

By following these simple rules, you can keep your computer screen clean without damaging it.

How Not to Clean Your Monitor Screen?

If you want to clean your monitor screen smoothly, let’s read this part carefully.

Avoid Spraying Cleaning Fluid Directly on the Screen

Commonly, when we do cleaning at our home, we directly spray cleaning liquid or polish onto surfaces and then wipe them out. But for the cleaning of monitor screens, this approach is a big no.

It’s because these monitor screens are incredibly thin, and spraying a liquid directly on them can lead to water damage. In this case, the liquid may go below the screen’s top layer, which can lead to serious pixel problems.

Don’t Use Window Cleaning Fluid or Rubbing Alcohol

You might assume that using window cleaning fluid or rubbing alcohol is an excellent idea for cleaning your monitor screen. However, these products can actually remove the protective reflective layer on top of your screen. 

This layer helps reduce glare, which is essential for a good viewing experience. If you keep using these products on your monitor, you’ll gradually strip away more layers, causing long-term damage.

Don’t Use Paper Towels or Regular Clothes

Grabbing a paper towel or any old cloth to clean your monitor might seem convenient, but this is a big mistake. These materials are not designed for delicate devices like monitors, and using them can lead to scratching and abrasion. This could harm your screen’s surface and affect its clarity.

How Do LCD Screens Differ from NON-LCD Screens When It Comes to Cleaning?

Most computers, like PCs, have LCD screens with LED backlighting. However, MacBooks are a bit different. They don’t have LCD screens, but they have a special glass coating on them to protect them. This means we need to clean them differently. 

To know what kind of screen your computer has, you should check the specifications of your particular device. 

How to Clean an LCD Computer Screen 

To clean a computer with an LCD screen, you’ll need a clean microfiber cloth and a special spray made for LCD screens

Here’s how you clean it: 

Remove the plug from the power source and shut off your computer. With the dry microfiber cloth, gently make small circles on the screen. This will get rid of most of the dust. Now spray a small amount of cleaning solution onto the microfiber cloth. Avoid spraying it straight on the screen. 

Use the cloth to clean the screen in an up-and-down or side-to-side motion to remove any stains or smudges. Wait until the screen is completely dry before turning your computer back on and using it again. 

How to Clean a Non-LCD Computer Screen 

Cleaning a non-LCD screen is different because of the glass coating. You can use some mild cleaning stuff like white vinegar or diluted alcohol, but you have to be careful not to use too much. 

Here’s what you do:

Turn off your computer and unplug it. Wipe away any dust using your microfiber cloth. Before you use any cleaning stuff, check the instructions from the manufacturer to make sure it’s okay. 

Put a small amount of the cleaning stuff on your microfiber cloth. Gently wipe the screen again to remove any fingerprints or smudges. After that, use a dry cloth again to ensure there aren’t any streaks. Wait for the screen to dry before you start using your computer again.

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