Cleaning your LCD monitor regularly helps keep it free from dust, stains, and germs. Cleaning it with a dry microfiber cloth is the safest cleaning option, and it is very effective at killing germs. You may need a damp microfiber cloth to get rid of stubborn stains and accumulated dirt. If you are concerned about germs, use a vinegar and water solution or a disinfectant wipe to clean the screen. Please read the user manual of the device first to make sure you can use liquids.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Dust off with a microfiber cloth
Step 1. Turn off the monitor to avoid damaging the screen
Cleaning the surface of an LCD screen while it is on can cause pixel damage, so be sure to turn off the monitor before you begin. Also, dust and smudges are easier to see when the screen is black.
If you want to take even more precautions, unplug the device completely
Step 2. Take a clean, dry microfiber cloth
Microfiber cloths are essential for this task because they are lint-free and smooth on the surface of an LCD screen. Regular cloths, rags, paper towels, and T-shirts are made of more abrasive materials than you might think and can damage your screen.
Lint-free cloths designed for cleaning glasses or goggles will also work, but you can use any microfiber cloth
Step 3. Wipe the cloth gently across the screen surface in one gentle motion
Start at the top of the screen and gently wipe from one side to the other in a wide swipe. This will be enough to remove dust and light stains.
Step 4. Keep making light strokes as you work your way down
Work gently towards the bottom of the screen with another long, smooth pass to remove dust from the surface. Repeat the movement as you work towards the bottom of the LCD screen.
Dust the screen as often as you like; Just remember to work gently
Method 2 of 2: Get Rid of Dust and Stubborn Stains
Step 1. Read the user manual before applying liquid substances on an LCD screen
It's easy to assume that all LCD monitors are made the same, but that's not the case. Some LCD screens have a thin layer of glass on the surface that makes it safe to use liquids and cleaners sparingly. Some manufacturers warn against the use of liquids of any kind.
- Most Apple devices have a thin layer of glass on the LCD screen. Desktop and laptop computers generally do not have this layer. The only way to be sure is to read the user manual or visit the manufacturer's website for information about your specific device.
- Warranties will generally not be honored by the manufacturer if you damage the LCD screen with liquids or cleaners.
Step 2. Turn off the monitor and unplug the device to avoid damage
Cleaning an LCD screen with a damp cloth while it is turned on can damage it, and you could even get an electric shock. To avoid this problem, turn off the screen and unplug the device.
Also, smudges and grime are easier to see when the screen is completely black
Step 3. Wipe the screen with a damp, lint-free cloth for a safer option
Dampen a microfiber cloth with water and wring it out well. Then sweep it across the screen in long, sweeping motions, starting at the top and working your way down. Allow the screen to dry before turning off the device to avoid damage and electrocution.
- You can generally do this safely on most LCD screens, unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise.
- Occasional running water is not usually a problem, but distilled water is recommended as it does not contain minerals.
Step 4. Use a solution of dish detergent and water if water alone doesn't work
Mix a drop or two of dish soap in a bowl of running water. Dip a lint-free cloth in the solution and wring it out well. Swipe it across the screen in a long motion from top to bottom. Then rinse the cloth with water, wring it out, and wipe the screen to remove any detergent residue.
- In most devices, it is safe to use water and detergent, as long as you don't do it very often.
- Allow the screen to dry for a few minutes before turning on the device.
- If you want to disinfect the screen, the mixture of water and detergent will not be a good option. In fact, a dry, lint-free cloth will kill more germs than water and detergent.
Step 5. Dampen a lint-free cloth with LCD cleaner to remove stubborn stains
If the above techniques don't help you get rid of stains and grime, use a commercial LCD screen cleaner. Dampen a microfiber cloth with the cleaner and wipe the screen with sweeping strokes from one side to the other. Start at the top of the screen and work your way to the bottom.
- Never spray LCD cleaner directly on the screen, as the liquid can seep into the screen frame and damage the screen.
- Don't use commercial cleaners that have alcohol in them.
- If you want to disinfect the screen, the LCD cleaner will not be effective.
Step 6. Get rid of stubborn dirt and stickiness with a vinegar and water solution
Mix equal parts distilled white vinegar and plain water in a bowl. Then, dampen a lint-free cloth with the solution and wring it out. Start cleaning the screen from the top side to side, making wide, smooth strokes. Repeat as you work towards the bottom of the screen.
- Vinegar has disinfecting properties, so it can kill some surface germs. Note that this may not be as effective as disinfectant wipes in killing germs.
- Allow the screen to dry or wipe it gently with a microfiber cloth before turning the device back on.
Step 7. Use disinfectant wipes to destroy bacteria on the glass-lined LCD screen
Many devices, including most Apple products, have an LCD screen with a glass overlay. On these screens, it is safe to use disinfectant wipes. Drain them well and make sweeping motions to clean the screen, working from top to bottom. Allow the surface to dry for at least four minutes before turning the device back on.
- Allowing the surface to dry will prevent electric shock. Also, the substances in the sanitizing wipe will have time to destroy germs on the surface.
- Don't use disinfectant wipes to kill germs on a common computer monitor or any LCD screen without a glass coating. In these cases, it is best to use a solution of water and vinegar.
Advice
For added safety, check with the device manufacturer before using any type of liquid on your LCD screen
Warnings
- Make sure the screen is turned off and unplugged before cleaning.
- Do not plug in the monitor until it is completely dry.
- Keep liquids away from other parts of the device.
- Never use a glass cleaner on an LCD screen.