Computer screen gives way to dust, food particles and other debris which makes computer screen look unattractive after some time. It’s crucial to use very gentle cleaning agents to clean the computer screen, as the LCD surface can easily be damaged.
If you don’t want to buy a special screen cleaner, a microfiber cloth and a simple solution of water and vinegar will do the trick.
Steps for Computer Screen Cleaning
- Cleaning the Screen with a Microfiber Cloth
- Using a Cleaning Solution
- Knowing What Not to Do
Cleaning the Screen with a Microfiber Cloth
Turn the computer power off and unplug the power adapter and battery. Cleaning a screen that is in use can lead to a permanent damage, therefore, to be on the safer side of circumstances, switch everything off. Putting the computer to sleep will be not enough.
Get a microfiber cloth. Microfiber is made with a type of fabric which never produces lint, in addition to being very soft and absorbing. If you use a washcloth, T-shirt cloth or another type of cloth material to clean, it could leave extra lint or debris on the screen or scratch it.
Avoid using paper napkins or towels as well. Never try to use a napkin, paper towel, toilet paper or another paper product, as these tend to be a little scratchy and damage the screen. A microfiber fabric is handy for cleaning every type of computer screen and lenses.
Wipe the screen slowly and gently with the cloth. Using one sweep of the cloth should take care of the dust and loose particles which stick to the screen. Wipe gently the surface. Try not to exert much pressure on the computer screen, because if you press too hard you may damage the screen. When you wipe with gentle circular motion, you’ll be able to lift up some of the tougher spots. Never apply pressure to scrub the screen, or you could cause pixel burnout to the computer screen.
Clean the laptop frame with gentle stroke with cleaning solution. If the area around the screen is dirty, you may use a standard household cleaning solution and a paper towel. You must remain just very careful not to let it touch the screen.
Using a Cleaning Solution
Turn the computer off and unplug the power supply adapter and battery. Because you are using a liquid to clean the screen in the proposed method, it is important to turn off the computer and unplug it from the power outlet.
Create a gentle cleaning solution. The ideal solution is plain distilled water that contains no chemicals and is gentle on the screen. If heavier cleaning is required, a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and distilled water can be used which is cost effective too. Ensure that you use plain white vinegar, not apple cider vinegar or any other kind of vinegar. Distilled water is better than tap water because it’s chemical-free. Manufacturers no longer recommend using any cleaners with alcohol, ammonia or strong solvents on LCD computer screens.
Fill a small atomizer bottle with the solution. This is the type of spray bottle which you push from the top to get a fine mist, much more like a perfume bottle. Fill some of the solution into the spray bottle and tightly screw on the top. Do not use the solution to spray on the screen itself, however, apply it to the cloth and then use the cloth having a mist of solution on it.
Apply a minimal amount of the solution to a microfiber cloth. A static-free, fiber-free cloth works the best in case of sweeping a surface. Remember not to use regular cloth, since other cloth material may scratch the screen. Do not soak the cloth. You just need to get it moist lightly, Tha is why we try to opt for the atomizer bottle to wet it. A wet cloth can drip or run while cleaning the screen and the solution can sweep behind the bezel and permanently damage your computer screen. Try applying the solution to just one side of the cloth at a time, to ensure you might not get it too wet to be used on the computer screen.
Try to wipe the cloth on the screen in a circular motion. Rapid circular movements typically eliminate streaks or dirt. Apply a gentle and even handed pressure to the cloth which will never hamper the screen. Use only enough pressure to keep the cloth in contact with the screen. Take care not to press your fingers into the cloth or screen, as application of too much force while cleaning the screen can cause permanent damage to the LCD matrix and render the screen unusable. Hold the screen toward the very top or very bottom to avoid re-smudging it as you work. You may require to pass over the screen multiple times before all the smudges have been properly removed. You may also required to re-dampen the cloth as you work, depending on how many passes over the screen you require to make.
Knowing What Not to Do
Never directly wet the screen. Do not spray water, under any circumstance, directly onto the computer screen. This significantly increases the odds of getting water into the machinery, thereby leading to some sort of short circuit situation and making a damage more likely and inevitable. Only use water while you apply it with a soft cloth.
Do not drench the cloth in water. A soaked cloth can drip as it is more likely to drip excess water into the machine, that could cause serious damage to the computer. If you accidentally use too much water, wring the cloth out well until it becomes slightly moist and non-drippy.
Do not use regular cleaning supplies on screen. The only cleaners safe for the computer screen are the light ones i.e., water and vinegar mixture or a special store-purchased cleaner meant for LCD computer screens. Do not use the following:
- Window cleaner
- All-purpose cleaner
- Dish soap, or soap
Never scrub your screen. If you press the computer screen too hard, you can permanently damage your computer screen. Use a gentle circular rubbing motion while you clean the computer screen. Avoid using a brush or anything. It is better to use a very soft cloth to clean your computer screen.
Hope the above piece of advice will help you to clean computer screen in a better and non-harmful way.