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Regularly cleaning your LCD monitor keeps it free of dust, smudges, and germs. Wiping with a dry microfiber cloth is the safest cleaning option and is surprisingly effective at removing germs. You may need to use a dampened microfiber cloth to get rid of stubborn smudges and stuck-on debris, though. If you're worried about germs, consider using a vinegar and water solution or a Lysol wipe on the screen. Be sure to check the device’s user manual first to make sure it’s okay to use liquids!
Steps
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Turn off your monitor to prevent screen damage. Wiping the surface of your LCD screen while it’s on can cause pixel damage, so be sure to turn it off before you get started. It’s also easier to see the dust and smudges when the screen is black.
- If you want to be extra careful, go ahead and power your device down completely.
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Grab a clean, dry microfiber cloth. Microfiber cloths are essential for this because they are lint-free and gentle on an LCD surface. Regular cloths, rags, paper towels, and T-shirts are more abrasive than you think and can damage your screen. [1] X Research source
- Lint-free cloths meant to clean eye glasses work well but any microfiber cloth will do.
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Sweep the cloth gently across the top of the screen in 1 smooth motion. Start at the top of the LCD screen and lightly wipe from one side of the monitor to the other using 1 broad stroke. This should be enough to lift away dust and minor smudges. [2] X Research source -
Continue using smooth strokes as you work your way to the bottom. Move down the screen slightly and use another long, smooth stroke to lift dust from the surface. Repeat this motion as you work your way down to the bottom of the LCD screen. [3] X Research source
- Dust the screen as often as you’d like, just remember to be gentle!
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Check the user manual before using liquids on LCD screens. It’s easy to assume all LCD monitors are created equal, but that’s not the case. Some LCD screens have a thin layer of glass over the surface that makes it safer to use liquids and cleaners sparingly. Some manufacturers caution against using liquids of any kind. [4] X Research source
- Most Apple devices have a thin glass layer over their LCD screens. PC desktops and laptops usually don't. The only way to know for sure is to check the user manual or manufacturer’s website for information on your specific device.
- Most warranties won’t be honored by the manufacturer if you damage an LCD screen with liquid or cleaner. [5] X Research source
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Power down the monitor and unplug the device to avoid damage. Wiping an LCD screen with a damp cloth while it’s on can damage it and possibly even shock you. Avoid this by turning off the screen and unplugging your device. [6] X Research source
- Plus, it’s easier to see smudges and gunk when the screen is totally black.
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Wipe the screen with a dampened lint-free cloth for a safe option. Wet the microfiber cloth with plain water and wring it out thoroughly. Then, wipe across the screen in long, sweeping motions starting at the top and working your way to the bottom. [7] X Research source Let the screen dry before you turn the device back on to prevent damage and electrocution. [8] X Research source
- This is usually safe to do on most LCD screens unless the manufacturer specifically says not to.
- Using tap water occasionally isn’t a big deal, but distilled water is preferable since it doesn’t contain minerals. [9] X Research source
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Use a solution of dish soap and water if plain water doesn't work. Mix 1-2 drops of mild dish soap into a bowl of plain water. Moisten a lint-free cloth with the solution and wring it out thoroughly. Wipe across the screen in long motions, working from the top down. Then, rinse the cloth with water, wring it out, and wipe the screen down again to remove soap residue. [10] X Research source
- For most devices, soap and water is fine as long as you don’t do it often.
- Give the screen a few minutes to dry before turning the device back on.
- If you want to disinfect your screen, soap and water isn’t a good option. In fact, a dry lint-free cloth will remove more germs than soap and water.
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Moisten a lint-free cloth with LCD cleaner to remove stubborn smudges. If the previous techniques don’t get rid of smudges and gunk, move on to a commercial LCD cleaner. Dampen a microfiber cloth with the cleaner and wipe the screen using broad strokes from one side of the screen to the other. Start at the top of the screen and work your way to the bottom. [11] X Research source
- Never spray LCD cleaner directly on the screen since the liquid can trickle down into the screen frame and damage it. [12] X Research source
- Do not use commercial cleaners with alcohol in them.
- If you want to sanitize your screen, LCD cleaner probably will not be effective.
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Get rid of tough dirt and stickiness with a vinegar and water solution. Mix equal parts distilled white vinegar and plain water in a bowl. Then, moisten a lint-free cloth with the solution and wring it out. Starting at the top, wipe along the screen from one side to the other using broad, smooth strokes. Repeat this as you work your way to the bottom of the screen. [13] X Research source
- Vinegar has sanitizing properties so it may kill some germs on the surface. Keep in mind this probably isn’t as effective as a Lysol wipe at killing germs.
- Allow the screen to dry or wipe it gently with a dry microfiber cloth before turning it back on.
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Use a Lysol wipe to destroy bacteria on a glass-coated LCD screen. Many devices, including most Apple products, have glass-coated LCDs. It’s safe to use a Lysol wipe on these screens. Wring out the wipe thoroughly and use broad strokes to wipe across your screen, working from the top to the bottom. Let the surface dry for at least 4 minutes before you turn it back on. [14] X Research source
- Letting the surface dry first prevents electrical shock and also gives the Lysol time to destroy the germs on the surface.
- Do not use Lysol wipes to kill germs on a regular PC monitor or any LCD screen without a glass coating. For those, water or a vinegar solution are your best bets.
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionWhat's the best way to clean a laptop screen?Filip Boksa is a House Cleaning Professional and the CEO and Founder of King of Maids, a company based in Chicago, Illinois. With over 10 years of professional experience, Filip and his team at King Maids specialize in providing home cleaning and organization services to their clients. They are dedicated to delivering high-quality and reliable service to ensure customer satisfaction.Laptop screens can be made of a wide variety of materials, so it's best to play it safe and use risk-free materials to clean this area. A slightly dampened microfiber rag will remove any dust or marks, but be sure to dry the screen immediately so you get a streak-free finish.
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QuestionI want to clean my LCD screen and many website strongly advise against using any sort of isopropyl alcohol whatsoever. Is it safe to use a 50/50 mix with distilled water?This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.wikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerIt's better to avoid alcohol completely. Try a 50/50 mix of water and distilled white vinegar instead.
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QuestionCan I just clean the screen with regular Lysol wipes?This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.wikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerYou can if the LCD screen has a glass coating on it. Many Apple devices have this; PC devices typically do not. The only way to know if Lysol wipes are safe to use is to check your device's user manual or the manufacturer's website.
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Tips
- To be safe, check with the device manufacturer before using any type of liquid on your LCD screen.Thanks
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Warnings
- Keep liquids away from all other areas of the device.Thanks
- Make sure that your screen is turned off and unplugged when you clean it.Thanks
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Things You'll Need
Removing Dust
- Microfiber cloth
Getting Rid of Tough Smudges and Debris
- Microfiber cloth
- Distilled water
- Distilled white vinegar
- Commercial LCD screen cleaner
- Mild dish soap
- Lysol wipes
About This Article
Article Summary
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To clean a computer monitor or LCD screen, start by turning off the monitor so you can see the dust and dirt more easily. Then, use a soft, non-abrasive cloth, like a cotton T-shirt or a microfiber towel, to dust the screen in slow, circular motions. Next, mix equal parts white vinegar or isopropyl alcohol with distilled water, spray the cleaner on your cloth, and wipe the screen in small circles. Finally, let the screen dry completely before turning it on to prevent moisture damage to the internal components For tips on how to choose a commercial cleaning kit for your computer monitor, read on!
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Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 349,015 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "Screen cleaners are expensive, especially when one has 5 monitors to keep clean. I searched the Internet for "make monitor screen cleaners" and found a variety of links, none as clear and concise as this article. Love it. Just the straight facts and easy to follow. " ..." more
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"Screen cleaners are expensive, especially when one has 5 monitors to keep clean. I searched the Internet for "make monitor screen cleaners" and found a variety of links, none as clear and concise as this article. Love it. Just the straight facts and easy to follow. "
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"Making my own solution (I used vinegar/water) and spraying solution on a cloth and going in circular motions was helpful. I have 4 laptops that were full of grime from dirty fingers and sneeze/coughing droplets. All 4 of them now look brand new! Thank you so much."
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"All the information was very helpful since I didn't have any idea on how to properly clean computer screens. What helped me the most was the cleaning system which said not to press on the screen and work in circular movements. Now I'm ready to clean 25 monitors. "
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"I like how the article included a homemade mixture I can make myself right now, instead of having to go out and purchase one. Saved me time and money! Thank you!"
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"It was helpful was to learn that turning off the screen completely, making a solution, and not using paper towels were all good tips!!!"
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