Laptop screens tend to collect dust, food particles, and other debris that start to look unsightly after a while. It is important to use very soft materials to clean your laptop screen, as the LCD surface is easily damaged. Using a microfiber cloth and a simple solution of water and vinegar will suffice if you don't want to buy a special screen cleaner.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Clean the screen with a microfiber cloth
Step 1. Turn off the computer, unplug the power adapter, and remove the battery
Cleaning a screen in use can lead to permanent damage, so it's best to make sure and turn everything off. Don't put it on hold either.
Step 2. Get a microfiber scarf
This scarf is made of a type of fabric that is lint-free, as well as being very soft. Using a washcloth, T-shirt, or other fabric may leave extra residue on the screen or scratch it.
- Also avoid using paper products. Never use a napkin, paper towel, toilet paper, or other product made of paper, as they can scratch and damage the screen.
- A microfiber cloth is very useful for cleaning all types of screens and lenses.
Step 3. Use the cloth to gently wipe the screen
Wipe the cloth once, being careful of any dust particles on the screen. Clean gently without applying too much pressure, because if you press too hard, you could damage the screen.
- By using gentle circular motions, you can clean some of the toughest spots.
- Never rub the screen, as you could cause a pixel burn.
Step 4. Clean the laptop frame with a simple cleaning solution
If the area around the screen is dirty, you can use a household cleaning solution and a paper towel. Just be very careful not to let it come in contact with the screen.
Method 2 of 3: Use a cleaning solution
Step 1. Turn off the computer, unplug the power adapter, and remove the battery
As in this method you are going to use a liquid to clean the screen, it is important that you turn off the computer and unplug it.
Step 2. Make a mild cleaning solution
The ideal solution is one composed of distilled water, without chemicals and that does not damage the screen. If you need to do a more thorough cleaning, you could also use a uniform mixture of white vinegar and distilled water.
- Make sure to use plain white vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar or any other kind.
- Distilled water is better than tap water because it does not contain chemicals.
- Manufacturers no longer recommend using cleaners with alcohol, ammonia, or any strong solvents to clean LCD screens.
Step 3. Apply the solution in a small spray bottle
This is the kind of spray bottle that you press on top to get a fine mist, similar to a perfume bottle. Pour some of the solution into the bottle and put the cap on it. However, do not apply this spray directly on the screen.
Step 4. Apply a minimal amount of the solution to a microfiber cloth
It is best to use a static-free cloth that does not leave loose fibers. Remember not to use a conventional cloth, as it could scratch the screen. Do not soak the cloth, since all you have to do is moisten it, that is why you need to use the spray bottle.
- A damp cloth may drip or drip when you clean the screen, which could cause the solution to enter behind the bezel and cause permanent damage.
- Try to apply the solution to only one corner of the cloth at a time to make sure you don't get it too wet.
Step 5. Wipe the cloth over the screen in circular motions
Quick circular motions will usually remove stains. Apply gentle, even pressure when you wipe the cloth. Just use enough so that the cloth stays in contact with the screen. Also, avoid pressing your fingers on the cloth or screen, as using too much force can permanently damage the LCD matrix and render the screen unusable.
- Hold the screen face up or face down to prevent re-staining while cleaning.
- You may need to wipe the screen again several times before all the smudges are gone. You may also need to re-wet the cloth during the cleaning process, depending on how many times you need to wipe the screen.
Method 3 of 3: Know what not to do
Step 1. Never wet the screen directly
Under no circumstances do you spray water directly on the laptop screen. This significantly increases the chances of water getting into the equipment, while increasing the chances of causing a short circuit. Just pour the water onto a soft cloth.
Don't over-wet the cloth with water. A soaked cloth could drip water onto the laptop, which in turn could cause serious damage to the laptop. If you accidentally use too much water, squeeze the cloth well until it is only slightly damp
Step 2. Do not use traditional cleaning products on the screen
The only safe cleaning products for your screen are a mixture of plain water and vinegar or a commercial cleaner specifically made for cleaning LCD screens. Do not use the following products:
- window cleaner
- multipurpose cleaner
- detergent or soap of any kind
Step 3. Never rub the screen
If you apply too much pressure, you could permanently damage the laptop. Use a circular rubbing motion when cleaning the screen. Avoid using a brush or something other than a soft cloth to clean the screen.
Advice
- Tissues, napkins and other products made of paper will leave traces of the material on the screen. It is better not to try to use them. They can contain wood fibers and could even scratch polished surfaces.
- You don't want to leave mineral spots on the screen, so don't use tap water.
- If you're a photographer, you can use lint-free lens cleaning cloths instead of a soft cotton cloth.
- Apply the cleaning solution to a cotton swab to reach the toughest spots.
- If you have an eyeglass cleaner, check the ingredient list to see if it contains "isopropanol." If it has, please don't use it on the LCD monitor.
- If you apply too much solution and the screen is sticky or too wet, wipe it with a soft cloth and apply less.
- Clean and then let it sit for a while and then repeat the procedure. Be patient when cleaning tough stains.
- If in doubt, try a small area first.
- If you don't have a microfiber cloth, use a clean sock (preferably white).
Warnings
- Commercially available wet or dry cleaning wipes used to clean LCD screens can solve the problems mentioned in this article and a few more. The wet wipe is moistened with the correct amount of cleaning solution so that it does not drip or drip onto the screen. The wipes that come in a kit are lint-free and stain-free when used according to the instructions given.
- Turn off the laptop, unplug the power adapter and remove the battery before you start cleaning or you may damage the pixels on the LCD screen.