Computers tend to attract dust, lint, and sticky fingers, but unlike home appliances, they can’t simply be sprayed with all-purpose cleaning and wiped clean. With the correct products and procedures, you can have them shining in just a few minutes.
The very first step in this cleaning process is to shut down the computer and unplug it from the switch board. Remove the battery from a laptop before cleaning it.
Cleaning a computer screen is as simple as dampening a soft, lint-free cloth (not a paper towel) with water and gently wiping the screen with the wet section first, then the dry portion. Wipe off the keys and the housing once you’ve done cleaning the computer screen. Some manufacturers also provide or suggest special wipes or cleaning solutions, but before using anything that isn’t explicitly indicated for your computer, check with the manufacturer’s website or the store where you got it.
Monitors become filthy with time. It’s an unavoidable truth of life. You may have sneezed on your computer screen, or your touch screen may have been contaminated with oils from your fingertips. It’s possible there’s even some Cheeto dust on there. There are no verdicts here. Whatever the case may be, you must clean it up. While it may be tempting to go for the Windex, cleaning displays, laptops, and tablets requires a delicate touch.
Materials for Cleaning a Computer Screen
When it comes to cleaning your monitor of Cheeto dust, you’ll need a few items.
⦁ Lens cloth or microfiber cloth
⦁ Squirt bottle, small (a repurposed travel size spray bottle works nicely)
⦁ Soap for dishes (preferably Dawn)
⦁ Vinegar
⦁ Alcohol rubbing
How to Clean a Monitor with Microfiber Cloth?
Start with the least intrusive option and work your way down when it comes to cleaning your monitor. This can assist in keeping your screen scratch-free and functional. You’ll want to grab your microfiber cloth because dust is the most common thing you’ll see on your LCD panel.
- Turn off your computer or display. Not only is it easy to notice smudges, but it also prevents a touch screen from reacting. It’s also just safer in case something goes wrong.
- Brush the screen with the microfiber cloth in gentle, equal strokes.
- Be kind with yourself! Over-pressing your display or screen components might cause damage.
Cleaning a Computer Screen with Dish Soap and Water
That microfiber cloth was fantastic for dust removal, but it couldn’t get rid of the dried sneeze or unknown goo. In this situation, a small amount of water should be added to the solution.
- Mix roughly a cup of warm water with a drop or two of Dawn in the spray bottle.
- Shake it vigorously.
- Take two pieces of clothing: one for damp wiping and the other for drying.
- Spray one towel lightly with the mixture after turning off your monitor.
- Wipe off the screen gently, concentrating on the mystery spot or dried mucous.
- Wipe it down with a dry towel.
- Repeat until the area is clean.
- Before turning it on, wait around 15 minutes or until the screen is totally dry.
Cleaning Monitors with Vinegar or Alcohol and Water
If dish soap and water isn’t cutting it, it’s time to call in the professionals. You’ll need a spray bottle and vinegar or alcohol for this disinfecting cleaning procedure. Remember that screens are quite fragile, so use this procedure only if the others have failed.
- Combine equal parts water and vinegar or alcohol in a spray bottle.
- Shake things up a little.
- If you haven’t already done so, turn off your computer screen.
- The mixture should be sprayed on the fabric.
- To remove dirt, dust, and debris, use gentle circular strokes.
- Give it a nice clean down with a dry towel.
- As needed, repeat the process.
- Allow for thorough drying of the screen before turning it on.
Tips When Cleaning Computer Monitors
There is much more don’ts than dos when it comes to displays and screens for computers, tablets, and laptops. Because the components of a screen have sensitive coatings and other features, this is the case. It can’t be treated as a window or a counter. As a result, it’s critical to keep these rules in mind.
- Avoid getting moisture into any of the laptop’s ports.
- Avoid using an alcohol-based cleaner to clean your smartphone, as this will damage the protective layer on most touch screens and cause your device to malfunction. Regular cleaning materials should not be used on your screen.
- Water-based or lab-tested LCD screen cleaners are the only ones that are safe for your screen. Window cleaner, all-purpose cleaning, dish soap, or any soap for that matter should not be used.
- Paper towels or facial tissues are not recommended for wiping or cleaning your laptop screen since they might scratch the surface. The only safe way to clean your laptop’s sensitive screen is using a microfiber cloth.
- Microfibers attract and remove undesired greasy fingerprints and dust, unlike other cloths that just disperse the filth over the screen.
- If you clean your house on a weekly basis, including a gentle dusting of the laptop screen with a microfiber cloth in your routine to avoid dust buildup.
- Don’t get carried away with spraying liquid straight over the laptop’s screen. This greatly increases your chances of getting water into the laptop’s inner workings, resulting in either temporary or permanent and costly damage.