How to Clean a Computer/LCD Screen

Regular cleaning of the computer screen will help you see the screen more clearly. Although there are many cleaners on the market, you can also make your own cleaning solution at home. To properly clean the computer screen, follow the instructions below.

Table of Contents

Clean the screen

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/8/89/Clean-a-Computer-Monitor_LCD-Screen-Step-1.jpg/v4-728px-Clean-a-Computer- Monitor_LCD-Screen-Step-1.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/8/89/Clean-a-Computer-Monitor_LCD-Screen-Step-1.jpg/ v4-728px-Clean-a-Computer-Monitor_LCD-Screen-Step-1.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:306,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:485,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

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

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/2/2c/Clean-a-Computer-Monitor_LCD-Screen-Step-2.jpg/v4-728px-Clean-a-Computer- Monitor_LCD-Screen-Step-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/2/2c/Clean-a-Computer-Monitor_LCD-Screen-Step-2.jpg/ v4-728px-Clean-a-Computer-Monitor_LCD-Screen-Step-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:306,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:485,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Wipe off dust with a dry cloth. Wipe slowly in a circular motion and do not press hard on the screen. Make sure that the towel you are wiping has a smooth surface and is free of lint. A large towel will be more convenient because it will limit the marks caused by your fingers resting on the screen.

Some fabrics have smooth surfaces such as:
- Microfiber
- Cotton T-shirt
- Cotton handkerchief
- Warm cotton towel
Avoid using the following towels because they are quite rough:
- Tissue
- Dish towel
- Facial tissue

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/4/42/Clean-a-Computer-Monitor_LCD-Screen-Step-3.jpg/v4-728px-Clean-a-Computer- Monitor_LCD-Screen-Step-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/4/42/Clean-a-Computer-Monitor_LCD-Screen-Step-3.jpg/ v4-728px-Clean-a-Computer-Monitor_LCD-Screen-Step-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:306,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:485,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Put the cleaning solution on the towel. Do not spray cleaners directly on the screen. Instead, spray the cleaning solution onto the rags. You only need to soak 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 a cleaning solution, see the section below.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/d/dd/Clean-a-Computer-Monitor_LCD-Screen-Step-4.jpg/v4-728px-Clean-a-Computer- Monitor_LCD-Screen-Step-4.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/dd/Clean-a-Computer-Monitor_LCD-Screen-Step-4.jpg/ v4-728px-Clean-a-Computer-Monitor_LCD-Screen-Step-4.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:306,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:485,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

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

You may need to apply more solution and re-wipe a few times for stubborn stains.
Wipe away any remaining moisture after cleaning the screen.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/5/50/Clean-a-Computer-Monitor_LCD-Screen-Step-5.jpg/v4-728px-Clean-a-Computer- Monitor_LCD-Screen-Step-5.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/5/50/Clean-a-Computer-Monitor_LCD-Screen-Step-5.jpg/ v4-728px-Clean-a-Computer-Monitor_LCD-Screen-Step-5.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:306,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:485,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

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 on its own.

Make your own cleaning solution

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/f/f7/Clean-a-Computer-Monitor_LCD-Screen-Step-6.jpg/v4-728px-Clean-a-Computer- Monitor_LCD-Screen-Step-6.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/f/f7/Clean-a-Computer-Monitor_LCD-Screen-Step-6.jpg/ v4-728px-Clean-a-Computer-Monitor_LCD-Screen-Step-6.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:306,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:485,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

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

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/9/9b/Clean-a-Computer-Monitor_LCD-Screen-Step-7.jpg/v4-728px-Clean-a-Computer- Monitor_LCD-Screen-Step-7.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/9b/Clean-a-Computer-Monitor_LCD-Screen-Step-7.jpg/ v4-728px-Clean-a-Computer-Monitor_LCD-Screen-Step-7.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:306,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:485,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Add detergent. The two most commonly used substances to make cleaning solutions at home are isopropyl alcohol (cleaning alcohol) and white vinegar. Both specialize in stubborn stains, so depending on your preference, you can choose any type. However, do not mix the two together, you should only choose one of the two.

Do not use cleaners containing ammonia, such as glass cleaner, as this may discolor the screen.
When choosing rubbing alcohol, do not mix with distilled water more than 50/50. If you’re using 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

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/4/49/Clean-a-Computer-Monitor_LCD-Screen-Step-8.jpg/v4-728px-Clean-a-Computer- Monitor_LCD-Screen-Step-8.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/4/49/Clean-a-Computer-Monitor_LCD-Screen-Step-8.jpg/ v4-728px-Clean-a-Computer-Monitor_LCD-Screen-Step-8.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:306,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:485,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

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

Some solutions are more about polishing than cleaning, so read product descriptions carefully.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/2/21/Clean-a-Computer-Monitor_LCD-Screen-Step-9.jpg/v4-728px-Clean-a-Computer- Monitor_LCD-Screen-Step-9.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/2/21/Clean-a-Computer-Monitor_LCD-Screen-Step-9.jpg/ v4-728px-Clean-a-Computer-Monitor_LCD-Screen-Step-9.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:306,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:485,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Buy a complete cleaning kit. If you don’t have a cleaning cloth available, buy a cleaning kit. These products usually come with microfiber towels suitable for cleaning LCD screens.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/9/91/Clean-a-Computer-Monitor_LCD-Screen-Step-10.jpg/v4-728px-Clean-a-Computer- Monitor_LCD-Screen-Step-10.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/91/Clean-a-Computer-Monitor_LCD-Screen-Step-10.jpg/ v4-728px-Clean-a-Computer-Monitor_LCD-Screen-Step-10.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:306,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:485,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Consider buying wipes. If you don’t want to wash the wipes, you can purchase disposable wipes designed specifically for LCD screens.

Warning

Make sure the monitor is turned off and unplugged during cleaning. Do not plug in the power again until the screen is completely dry. Do not allow liquid to get inside the monitor or come into contact with other parts of the computer.

Things you need

Soft towel
Cleaning fluid

Source & Citation

http://www.cleanlcds.com/

Steps