Home | Work & Business | Computers | Laptops | The Best Ways to Clean Laptop Screens

The Best Ways to Clean Laptop Screens

by Brad Maddy

Overview

Greasy fingerprints and smudges don't have to be a permanent part of your laptop experience. Getting rid of those unsightly marks and disgusting stains doesn't have to be a difficult endeavor. The next time you see a big smudge on your laptop screen, use some everyday items found around the house to help you tackle the job.
Safety

Before cleaning the screen with any type of liquid cleaning solution, protect yourself by powering off the laptop and unplug if from the wall. Make sure you are in a clean, dry place to minimize the risk of electric shock to you, and damage to the laptop.

Light Cleaning

If the LCD screen has light smudges, use a cotton cloth to wipe the screen clean. Avoid using a cloth that has synthetic fibers, as it may actually scratch your LCD screen. Do not use paper towels because they contain stiff cellulose fibers that may scratch the display as well. Begin cleaning by using a dry cloth. Apply gentle pressure as you wipe to avoid cracking the display. If marks remain, lightly dampen the cloth with water and wipe again.
Cleaner

If a light cleaning does not adequately clean your screen, try a liquid cleaner. Use a commercially-available LCD cleaning solution, available for purchase at many electronics stores. Alternately, you can make a cleaning solution by combining one part distilled water and one part isopropyl alcohol. Another homemade solution can be made by combining one part white distilled vinegar and one part distilled water. Avoid using pure alcohol or ammonia-based glass cleaners because they can damage the delicate LCD screen. Dell recommends that you avoid using solvents that contain toluene, acetone, ethyl alcohol or methyl chloride because of potential long-term screen damage. Spray or gently pour some of the LCD cleaner or the homemade cleaning solution directly into the clean, lint-free cloth. Do not spray cleaner directly onto the screen because it can drip down into the base and damage the monitor. Wipe the damp cloth across the screen rather than in a circular motion.
Other Supplies

Microfiber cloths are appropriate for LCD cleaning and can be used with your homemade cleaning solution or commercial LCD cleaner. Check to make sure that the particular cloths you buy are safe for LCD screens. Anti-static cloths are designed to clean without using any liquid cleaner. They are generally used to clean optical equipment. A clean, anti-static cloth would also be an ideal choice for light cleaning. Purchase anti-static cloths from optical stores or from camera stores.