How to Clean a Laptop LCD Screen

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How to Clean a Laptop LCD Screen

When your to-do or honey-do list includes the entry, "clean laptop screen," you'll want to know how to get the job done without harming your monitor's LCD. Using common products found around the home—coupled with a few cautionary tips—are worth reviewing before starting the job.

Read This First:
• Do not use harsh glass cleaners like Windex, alcohol or ammonia
• Clean the display carefully
• If you apply a spray cleaner, do not spray directly onto the screen

What You'll Need:
1. The right cleaning cloth
The cloth used to clean the screen should be very soft and lint-free. Do not use paper towels, tissues or ordinary dish cloths, as harsh cloths may damage the soft surface of an LCD screen. It is strongly recommend that you use a cloth made from a high-grade microfiber. Using anything else can scratch and damage the screen over an extended period of time. Tissues, napkins and other paper products can contain wood fibers and may even scratch polished surfaces. Microfiber cloths may be used "wet" or dry. Use them dry to remove a coating of dust. They may also be used in conjunction with the correct cleaning spray to provide a "wet" cleaning.

2. The correct cleaning solution
The LCD displays are the most single most expensive component on a laptop. If cared for correctly, they should last the life of the computer. If subjected to the use of harmful cleaners, a screen may deteriorate rapidly and ultimately become unsightly and ruined.
What cleaners are considered harmful? Sprays such as glass cleaner contain ammonia or a chemical-and-alcohol mixture, which can cause irreparable damage. Using such cleaners will "yellow" the LCD surface and may also cause stress cracking. These types of cleaners are designed to clean glass. The LCD surface is made from specially coated plastics. Also, do not use tap or mineral water, which leave permanent white spots and streaks.
The best way to get a really clean laptop screen is to use isopropyl alcohol, containing 91% pure alcohol, with 9% de-ionized water, readily available at any drugstore or supermarket. It's perfectly safe for use on electronic equipment and LCD screens because it evaporates quickly and does not leave a residue. Do not use the lesser strength isopropyl alcohol 70%, which is used primarily for massage and muscle pain.
A 1:1 solution of distilled water and isopropyl alcohol 91% can be used to clean a laptop screen that is not heavily dusty or soiled with greasy fingerprints. Vinegar and distilled water in a 1:1 solution can also be used for light cleaning.

The Cleaning Process
Shut down laptop before cleaning. With the laptop shut down it is much easier to see the dust and dirt to be cleaned. Inspect the screen and take note of any special areas that need to be cleaned. Do not spray cleaner directly to screen. Spray an application on to the cleaning cloth and then allow the cloth to capture the dirt and contaminants. Apply very gentle pressure, cleaning the display in a circular motion. Gently buff away and rotate cloth until screen is clean. This process may need to be repeated on very dirty screens.

The Bottom Line
Get the right tools for the job and practice this as routine maintenance!

Sources: shaggymac; geekwithlaptop; wikihow