what should be used to clean lcd monitors brands

We’ve all lived that moment when our computer monitor is met with the perfect stream of daylight, and the thought crosses your mind as you squint to see through the scattered fingerprints and dust: “Whoa, when was the last time I cleaned this thing?”

There are a few different types of screens, and your cleaning options vary between the surfaces. It’s critical to know how to clean your specific screen because, if you do it wrong, the active ingredients in the cleaning agents could affect the display of sensitive crystals or cause permanent damage in the form of streaks and scratches.

It doesn"t hurt to wipe down the surface of your keys and your mouse at the same time you"re cleaning your screen, since many germs are housed on those surfaces. Using a dry microfiber cloth is always safest when it comes to removing dust.

Are there different considerations for cleaning a Mac screen versus a PC screen? In short, yes. We know that there are hundreds of different computer and monitor models to consider, but in general, screens are either backlit LED made with LCD (liquid-crystal display) pixels, or a non-LCD glass-coated surface. And just to note, some of the newer matte glass screens are nano-texture glass, which require a special polishing cloth from the manufacturer and should be cleaned with nothing else.

LCD screens are more susceptible to damage by cleaning agents, but because they’re commonly used on PC laptops and standalone computer monitors, there are lots of easy-to-use products available to clean them. It’s not that they’re hard to clean, but you’ll have to be careful and diligent so you don’t damage the surface or any of the LED elements. Any cleaners that include ammonia will leave a film. Soap and water can cause damage. It’s always safest and most effective to use an LCD cleaner free of alcohol, ammonia and acetone to clean an LCD screen, but if you need a DIY fix, you’ll be successful if you use a microfiber cloth that’s sprayed lightly with a mix of vinegar and distilled water.

Most Mac computer screens are glass-coated and can be cleaned and resolved streak-free more easily than LCD products using glass cleaners, like Windex, or a cloth lightly sprayed with rubbing alcohol. Nano-texture glass screens on products like the Apple Pro Display XDR or iMac require use of the special polishing cloth sold by Apple.

For fingerprints and smudges, spray 70% isopropyl alcohol onto a cloth, or use a pre-moistened alcohol wipe or a Clorox Disinfecting Wipe, to clean non-porous surfaces like the screen; do not use bleach.

To clean spots and streaks on the surface of the screen, mist an LCD cleaning spray onto a dust-free side of your microfiber cloth; an easy DIY solution is 1:1 parts of white vinegar and distilled water.

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!

Even if you don"t have snot-nosed kids or wet-nosed pets, your computer monitor or HDTV panel will eventually accumulate a collection of annoying smudges and stains. My household happens to contain both of the aforementioned creatures and, thus, I"ve developed a method for wiping down the HDTV in the living room and the LCD monitor in my office, as well as the screen of my laptop and iPad.

If you take a quick survey of LCD or HDTV manufacturers about the recommended method for cleaning the surface of your monitor or TV screen, you"ll discover more don"ts than dos, often in conflict with one another.

In the don"t column:Don"t use aerosol sprays, solvents, or abrasives. (This means don"t reach for the Windex under the kitchen sink, as tempting as it may be.)

First, attempt to clean your screen with a dry, lint-free cloth. If you can"t find the cleaning cloth that came with your screen in question, then it"s likely you have one laying around from a laptop, iPad, or iPhone purchase.

After removing any dust from your screen with a dry cloth, dip the other cloth in your dish soap solution, wring it out, and gently wipe your display. Next, rinse out your soapy cloth, wring it out again, and wipe your display to remove any soap residue. Finally, take your dry cloth and wipe the display to remove any streaking.

Editors" note:It"s time for spring cleaning! Week"s two"s theme: physical cleaning.Check backevery day this week to see how best to keep dirt, grime, crumbs, and other annoying bits off your devices. And be sure to return next week for more spring cleaning tips and tricks.

Remember when your computer LCD display had that brand-new, fresh out-of-the-box shine? If it"s looking a little dull lately, it might be time to give it a good cleaning. Here"s how:

Step 2:Gently wipe the dust from the surface of the display using a dry, lint-free cloth, like a microfiber cloth. Remove any tags that may be on the cloth to avoid scratching the display with the tags.

If you prefer, you can use a cleanser made specifically for cleaning LCD displays, but do not spray it directly onto the display. Spray a small amount of the cleaner onto a microfiber cloth first, to avoid getting any cleaning solution inside the display.

Keeping your computer clean is a necessary habit. Over time, your computer — especially your monitor — collects dust and debris, not to mention passing germs from sneezing and coughing. While fingerprints are bad enough, the eye strain from a messy monitor is even worse.

Cleaning your monitor is also a bit more involved than a simple wipe-down, and there are certain products you shouldn’t use. In this article, we’re going to talk about the right way to clean your computer monitor.

While it may be tempting to reach for a bottle of Windex or some other general cleaning product, don’t! Harsh chemicals may be fine for windows or countertops, but they can wreak havoc on computer monitors, wearing away coatings. There are many cleaning fluids on the market specifically geared toward computer monitors. While these products indeed work, you don’t need to spend money on them if you don’t want to; distilled water should work for most monitor-cleaning, and you can mix in some white vinegar for stubborn grime.

Additionally, avoid paper towels, rags, old T-shirts, or any of the usual materials you use to wipe down surfaces in your home. Monitors are more delicate than they look, and these fabrics — even paper towels — are abrasive enough to scratch your screen, especially if you have used them for other jobs where they might have accumulated grit. A microfiber cloth — the kind you might use to clean your glasses or vinyl records — is the safest choice. Just make sure it’s free of any dirt or grime before swiping across your display.

Step 1: Turn off your monitor. It’s easier to see smudges and stuff on a black screen, so turning off your monitor makes it easier to see what you are doing. It’s also safer for you and your computer. Cleaning your monitor while it’s on and the pixels are all fired up could damage your screen or potentially give you an unpleasant electrical jolt. Please turn it off!

Step 2: Wipe your monitor with a microfiber cloth. If dust is the only thing on your screen, a quick wiping should be enough to clean it. Take the microfiber cloth and gently brush the screen in long motions. We cannot stress enough that you should be gentle: Pressing too hard on the screen could damage the pixels within.

Step 3: If the thick layer of dust on your monitor has been slowly replaced with more questionable gunk — maybe some dried mucus from a sneeze that caught you off guard or mysterious specs of who-knows-what — then you’ll want to use cleaning fluid.

There are gentle cleaning fluids designed for monitors, but distilled water works well, as mentioned earlier. It’s important you only use filtered or distilled water, however, since tap water contains minerals and other substances that can harm the screen or leave annoying streaks. For especially stubborn grime, add a bit of white vinegar to the water. Just be careful not to spill any on your laptop.

Step 4: It’s important that you never spray water or other cleaning fluids directly onto your monitor, or it might trickle down to the edge of the screen and seep into the monitor itself and damage the electronic components within.

The more you use an electronic device, the dirtier it"ll get over time. Given that smartphones, laptops, tablets, and TVs are a major part of our lives, you"re probably curious about how to clean their screens. When it comes time to give your device a good wipe-down, you may be confused about where to start, especially given the sensitive nature of this cleaning task. Even though most smartphones are waterproof, you definitely shouldn"t scrub one like you would a dirty dish in the sink.

Below, you"ll find our favorite screen cleaners, as well as some tips on how to clean your smartphone. And hopefully, we will also help ease your concerns about catching or spreading COVID-19 via your smartphone.

Apple says you should use a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth to clean your iPhone. On the other hand, Google says you can use ordinary household soap on a damp cloth to remove stains. Both agree that cleaning wipes — those that have 70% isopropyl alcohol — are fine, too. That is, just as long as you don"t get moisture into any of your smartphone"s openings. Apple also says 75% ethyl alcohol wipes and Clorox Disinfecting Wipes are safe to use: Just make sure you don"t use products containing bleach or hydrogen peroxide!

It"s also important to turn off your device before you clean its screen, and you should never apply the cleaner directly to the screen, either. Spray the cleaner on a lint-free cloth instead, and avoid using rougher materials like paper towels. Consider keeping your smartphone in a sealed case, too, so it"s easier and safer to wipe down with disinfectant wipes.

The CDC recommends cleaning high-touch surfaces regularly — including our phones. Both the Wall Street Journal have reported that there is no need to compulsively clean your phone, but it"s still a good idea to give it a quick wipe down every now and then.

Dr. Donald W. Schaffner, an extension specialist in food science and a distinguished professor at Rutgers University says if you"ve been near anybody who has been coughing or sneezing, you should most definitely clean your phone. However, if you"re diligent about washing your hands, there"s no reason to clean your phone more than once a day ... unless it"s potentially been exposed to the virus.

Unless you"re using a disinfecting wipe to clean your devices, chances are that whichever screen cleaner you buy will not kill the COVID-19 virus. Most screen cleaners aren"t disinfectants. If you"re shopping for a disinfectant, make sure you check to see if it"s an EPA-registered disinfectant that can kill the COVID-19 virus.

Even though most screen cleaners don"t kill viruses, experts say that the chance of catching a virus like COVID-19 from your smartphone is minimal when compared to the risk of being near someone who is infected with the disease.

There are steps you can take to minimize your mobile device"s exposure to germs and viruses, however. The Federal Communications Commission recommends the following:Keep your phone in your pocket, purse, or car when you leave the house

Now that you know how to clean your devices, find the best screen cleaner for your needs among these thoroughly evaluated picks. We"ve recommended cleaners that come in large-sized bottles that"ll last for months at home, some smaller travel-friendly cleaners for keeping your screens looking flawless on the go, and even some hypoallergenic screen cleaners for folks who are sensitive to chemicals. Trust us, whether you"re sick of the smudges or just want to keep germs and bacteria at bay, you"ll find the best screen cleaners for every kind of device below.

Dirt, dust, and fingerprint smudges aren"t likely to do any long-term damage to your gaming monitor(opens in new tab), but they still suck. Why pay all that money for a nice screen only to have the visual fidelity brought down by smudges and dust. Let"s face it, your monitor is filthy—it"s time to clean it.

You might think that cleaning your monitor is easy, and you"re right. But you still want to be careful and avoid doing things like just wiping it with the corner of your t-shirt—or even worse, a paper towel. Here are a few do"s and don"ts:

Before we start, let"s go over a few big no-no"s, as accidentally damaging your monitor is a pricey mistake we want to avoid. Unfortunately, most of your go-to cleaning products are in here, including our PC favourites like isopropyl.

First off, avoid corrosive substances! That means no alcohol- or ammonia-based cleaners (like diluted rubbing alcohol or Windex). These cleaners can damage your screen by stripping anti-reflective coatings, cause clouding, or worse. Monitors have come a long way from the giant glass bulbs of old-school CRT screens, but that means they"re a lot more sensitive too.

Next, be careful what you use to wipe the screen. Paper towels might seem like a good option, but at a microscopic level, they"re actually quite abrasive. Ditto to t-shirts or other household rags, which might be harboring a stowaway spec of sand, metal, or something else that could scratch up your display in a single wipe.

Finally, you never want to spray your cleaning agent directly onto your monitor. Excess liquid runs the risk of pooling in the corner of your screen, seeping in through tiny weak spots and wreaking havoc on the sensitive materials inside.

1. Blast it — With those words of warning aside, let"s get down to the business of cleaning that monitor. For simple dustings, a blast of compressed air (the same stuff you use to knock dust out of your case fans(opens in new tab)) should do the trick, possibly followed up by a quick dry wipe-down.

2. Wipe it —As for what you wipe with, microfiber cloth is your best friend. Microfiber is extremely soft (at a microscopic level) and known for attracting dust and absorbing oils. Most importantly, it won"t damage your screen. We like these(opens in new tab), or these(opens in new tab) if you want to step up to a more plush option.

3. Wet it —For a little bit of extra cleaning power, slightly dampen your cloth with distilled water (no impurities to cause accidental damage), but not so much that water can be wrung out of it. Remember, we don"t want liquid to run down the screen and collect in the edges and corners. If water alone isn"t doing the trick, mix a cleaning solution of 50 percent distilled water, 50 percent white household vinegar. Same deal as before—apply liquid to the cloth, not the screen.

Now sit back, relax and enjoy the cleanest screen you"ve looked at in a while. Just remember to think of us now and then while you"re enjoying your gaming visual experience to its fullest capacity.

Keeping your precious rugged LCD monitors or LED screens clean and tidy can be challenging. This is especially true if you happen to have handsy young children who like to touch everything or pets running amuck in your household or even if you happen to work in a particularly messy environment such as a construction site or restaurant. Sometimes, rogue bits of debris can attach themselves to your electronic devices and while this is entirely out of your control for the most part, there are a few effective and harmless cleaning solutions you can put into practice to keep your electronics clean and running smoothly. Continue reading to learn about helpful tips for cleaning your LCD and LED screens without causing internal or external damage.

Before you can get down to the cleaning part, you need to prepare your LCD or LED screen in order to reduce the risk of liquids penetrating the surface and causing internal damage. Keep in mind that modern screens might technically include higher end features than the old school CRT screens from your childhood, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re more durable. In fact, modern LCD and LED screens are actually a lot more fragile and easily susceptible to damage if they’re not cared for properly. To prepare the screen for cleaning, make sure you shut down the system entirely, disconnect it from its power source, and then let it cool down for a few minutes. This will reduce the risk of electrocution and it’ll make it easier to clean the screen without resulting in annoying and unattractive streaks.

Occasionally, you’ll have to contend with a tough spot, streak, or fingerprint marking that takes a little extra effort to clean. If this happens, don’t panic and definitely don’t press down harder with a cloth or try to scrape it off with your fingernails or any other tool as this can cause severe damage to the top layer or anti-gloss coating. The best thing to do is use a non-abrasive cleaning solution such as isopropyl alcohol that’s diluted with either pure or distilled water. Spray the solution onto a microfiber cloth and gently wipe down the area in either an up and down or side to side motion. Applying too much pressure to even the most rugged touchscreen can compromise its limited durability.

There are a few types of cleaning cloths you can use to wipe down your rugged LCD monitor either at home or at work. The most recommended one is microfiber cloth for a multitude of reasons. First, microfiber is a state-of-the-art technological development that’s a thin and soft, yet strong enough material to thoroughly clean your electronic devices without risking damaging them in any way. Most of the time, computer and flatscreen TV manufacturers provide microfiber cloths with their products along with a specific set of maintenance and cleaning instructions. Microfiber cloths are immune to collecting or spreading lint across your screen, and because of the intricate way in which the minuscule fibers are intertwined these cloths are able to trap larger quantities of dirt and dust without leaving streaks. You can also use a cotton tea towel, a cotton t-shirt, or cotton handkerchief if you’re in a bind and don’t have microfiber cloths on hand.

This point can’t be emphasized enough. Even though it may seem like common sense that electronic devices shouldn’t come into direct contact with any liquids (especially if they’re still plugged in), not everyone seems to think so and many people have made the mistake of spraying cleaning agents onto their devices. The safer and smarter way to clean any rackmount LCD display is by first wiping it down with a dry cloth and then spraying a small amount of the cleaning solution onto a different cloth and wiping it down gently. After you do this, wipe it down with a clean dry cloth to remove any remaining liquid.

Always avoid using ammonia or rubbing alcohol based cleaners on your touchscreen devices. The devices themselves might be constructed with the capability to withstand most types of damages, but certain features they possess aren’t. Ammonia and rubbing alcohol can irreparably strip away or damage the extremely delicate anti-glare coating on the screen, which will not only negatively alter your viewing experience but also make your device a lot harder to use in strong sunlight.

Dust that settles between the gaps in the screen where the bezel and the top layer of glass or plastic meet can penetrate deeper and cause internal damage to your device. Regularly using a vacuum with a soft-bristled brush (to prevent scratching) can help you keep your device clean and free of any issues.

For extra measure, you can also spray the surface of your screen, computer keyboard, or even the vent on the back of the device with a can of compressed air to blast away any lingering and stubborn debris or dust. If any of it lands on the surface of the device, make sure to gently wipe it away with a clean cloth to prevent it from making its way back into your device. Implementing this cleaning method on a regular basis will ultimately help to guarantee the longevity and functionality of your device.

Nauticomp Inc. is the proud designer, manufacturer and distributor of countless rugged LCD and LED monitors and displays. We’ve been working in the technological industry for more than 20 years and supply a variety of businesses including marine bases, military bases, restaurants, casinos, retail stores, shopping centers, and healthcare facilities with durable and high-quality LED and LCD displays that serve a wide range of purposes. For more information about our company or our products, please feel free to contact us.

From the television to the computer to the tablets, screens and monitors are all around your house. As more and more devices move into the touch-screen mode, you may very well find you’re frequently cleaning TV screens and computer monitors. While you may be quick to grab some paper towels, glass cleaner and start wiping away, stop and ask yourself this: is this the best way to clean this screen? There are many different considerations for cleaning the screens and monitors in your house. Here’s a closer look at what you need to know.

Most of the TVs found in homes today have flat screen monitors and are quite different compared to screens on older models. Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) TVs of the past (like the big 1980s-style sets you may recall) had a thick glass screen that was relatively safe to wipe clean with paper towels and window cleaner. Not so with today’s flat screen models. Much of what’s on the market today has a liquid crystal display, or LCD, monitor that produces images. LCD televisions are also thinner and lighter than CRTs.

The make-up of an LCD monitor or screen, however, features a special type of material that is sensitive to chemicals, such as a glass cleaner. Likewise, a plasma display panel (PDP) is made with small cells that contain electrically charged ionized gases—the plasmas.

One of the most important steps to remember is to turn the device off before you begin cleaning. When the screen is dark it will be easier to see the dirty areas. Keep in mind that using harsh chemicals on these screens could ultimately damage or even ruin the television or computer. And it’s not just the cleaners you need to be aware of; kitchen towels or paper towels could also cause scratches and leave the screens covered in lint.

Knowing and understanding how to clean your screens and monitors can help ensure you’re able to use and enjoy your devices for years to come. Here are a few suggestions for properly cleaning these specialty screens.

Probably one of the most important considerations is to never spray any type of cleaning fluid or even water directly onto the screen. While the old CRT screens were pretty much water-tight, the same can’t be said for today’s modern screens. Screens today are made of layers upon layers of glass, plastics, various display elements, and other materials. When liquid comes in contact with the screen’s edge it can be pulled in, like a capillary, to the layers. Once this happens, you will likely notice something that looks like a blob on your screen, and the liquid will most likely never evaporate without leaving some remaining damage.

You may think that grabbing the bottle of glass cleaner you already have on hand is fine for cleaning screens and monitors. But think again. Using many of these common cleaning products can end up causing serious damage. Ammonia-based cleaners (such as traditional window cleaning spray), for example, could cause a chemical reaction with the coating on the screen or cause clouding. Some electronics stores sell specialty cleaners for use on screens, but you can also make cleaning solutions at home. One option is to combine equal parts of water and vinegar for a homemade cleaning product. But don’t spray anything directly onto the screen. Instead, spray the solution onto a lint-free cloth and gently wipe the surface.

Use only a soft, lint-free cloth. EIZO recommends the microfiber cloth that comes with EIZO"s ScreenCleaner kit. Using material other than a microfiber cloth could cause damage to your product.

Moisten a soft cloth with 70% isopropyl alcohol solution. Please follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully for cleaning and disinfecting with isopropyl alcohol.

When cleaning a display screen, wipe off any dirt on the display surface with the cloth moistened with cleaning fluid. Do not press on the screen or edge of the frame strongly, as this may result in display malfunctions. Do not attempt to brush as this may scratch the panel.

Ensure surfaces have completely air-dried before turning the device on after cleaning. No moisture should be visible on the surfaces of the product before it is powered on.

Never use any thinner, benzene, wax, or abrasive cleaner, which may damage the products. Do not let chemicals come into direct contact with the products.

There’s definitely a wrong way to clean your TV or monitor screen. Mess it up and you’ll be looking at scratches, smears, or worse for a long time. Get it right and your display will gleam like the day you bought it.

Your TV or monitor manufacturer likely has its own set of cleaning instructions for your specific display type. This goes for LG OLEDs, Samsung QLEDs, and Dell touchscreen monitors.

While these manufacturer guides often err on the side of caution and recommend very little in the way of cleaning products, you may also find some specific advice to your particular display and the types of coatings used on it.

Some manufacturers, like Dell, recommend 70-90% isopropyl alcohol on some products. Others like LG recommend never even moistening the display. If your display is still under warranty, you might want to carefully follow these instructions to avoid any problems if you have to make a claim later on.

By far the most important thing to remember is to avoid any harsh cleaning chemicals, including glass cleaners like Windex, polishes, and even isopropyl alcohol unless you have specific clearance from the manufacturer that this will not damage the screen.

Such cleaning products are usually made with ammonia, alcohol, and contain other products and fragrances that could damage the display. These screens often have protective coatings on them to combat glare and reflections, or oleophobic coatings to repel fingerprint oil in the case of touchscreens.

If you’ve already used something like this will no ill-effect, consider yourself lucky and avoid using it again in the future. Many displays will be utterly ruined by the application of these household cleaners, leaving streaks and clouding that could render the display worthless.

Canned air is a great way of removing dust from a display surface without causing any damage. Dust particles, though small, may scratch sensitive surfaces when pressure is applied. By not touching the display, you’re minimizing your risk of scratching the delicate surface. This is especially true of glass TV and monitors, like those that use OLED technology.

Second to canned air is a high-quality microfiber cloth, ideally one with deep grooves to catch all of the dust without moving it over the screen. Use the lightest of touches when cleaning to avoid undue pressure on the display. You may need to turn to a microfibre cloth when canned air simply won’t cut it.

Avoid any paper-based cleaning products like tissues or kitchen towels since this contains lots of small fibers that can scratch the display. This is good advice in general when cleaning anything reflective, whether it’s a shiny plastic gadget or a pair of reading glasses.

You should take care when cleaning the microfibre cloths too. Avoid putting them in the wash with any fabric softeners or in the dryer with a dryer sheet since these products contain oils and waxes that may transfer to any surfaces you wish to clean. This will leave unwanted streaks on your display.

Lastly, if your microfibre cloth has a tag then be aware that the tag probably isn’t made of the same microfibre material and may cause damage to your display. For peace of mind, snip off any tags with a pair of scissors before using the cloth.

When air and dry microfibre cloth don’t cut it, you may need to turn to distilled water instead. While tap water often contains particles and minerals that may scratch your screen, distilled or “pure” water does not.

Use a pump spray bottle to mist a microfibre cloth until just damp, then spot-fix any stubborn grime that has adhered itself to your screen. This will likely only work for dry matter. Oil and other streaky marks will likely need a different approach.

Be aware that some manufacturers will never recommend using any moisture near your display. LG is one such display manufacturer that dissuades customers from doing so, though the company does not acknowledge that a dry microfibre cloth is often not enough to remove stubborn dirt.

You’ll have to use your intuition at this point. We’ve used distilled water and a microfibre cloth to remove dried-on grime from a glass-panel LG OLED with no ill effect since the alternative was a distractingly dirty screen.

Some experts recommend using a small amount of dishwashing liquid dissolved into distilled water to remove oily stains with a microfibre cloth. Once you’ve attacked the effective area, a clean microfibre cloth that’s been moistened with distilled water should remove any remaining residue.

If you’re not comfortable doing this, there exist purpose-built cleaning solutions like AudioQuest CleanScreen that promise to safely clean display surfaces without damaging them. There’s always a risk of damage when using any product, though purpose-made solutions are a lot safer than household cleaners and tap water.

LCD screens use LED backlights which can kick out a fair bit of heat, while OLED displays also generate heat as a byproduct of the chemical reaction that lights up individual pixels. Plasmas and CRTs were also notorious for heat production, so cleaning the back of a display is equally as important as cleaning the front.

Make sure you take the time to blow out any dust from vents using canned air or use a microfibre cloth to remove any material that may hinder cooling. Take care not to use a vacuum or similar since static electricity can build up and cause damage to internal components.

While you should take care to make sure dust buildup at the back of the unit is kept to a minimum, you’re better off cleaning the front of the display as sparingly as possible to avoid scratching glass or wearing down panel coatings.

Screens can scratch easily, and even paper towels and tissues contain fibers that can do damage. “Your best bet is to use a soft, anti-static microfiber cloth—the kind used to clean eyeglasses and camera lenses—and wipe in a circular motion,” says John Walsh, who cleans more than 250 TVs a year in his role as a CR photographer. (Some TV manufacturers will include a cloth for this purpose.) “Gently wipe the screen with a dry cloth to remove dust and other debris, but don’t press too hard,” he says.

You may also want to wipe down the TV’s cabinet, and make sure dust isn’t clogging the vents that help dissipate heat. If the TV is on a stand and not tethered to the wall, Walsh suggests cleaning with one hand while supporting the TV with the other to prevent the set from tipping over. However, CR strongly recommends anchoring all stand-mounted TVs using anti-tipping straps designed for this purpose.

If there are hard-to-remove stains, you can dampen the cloth slightly with distilled water and gently clean the screen. Don’t spray water directly onto the screen; that could cause a shock or component failure if water seeps into the inner workings of the set.

For the most stubborn stains, you can try using a solution of very mild dish soap highly diluted with water, once again applied to the cloth and not to the TV itself. (As a guideline, Panasonic used to recommend a 100:1 ratio of water to soap.) LCD screens, in particular, are very sensitive to pressure and can scratch easily, so don’t press hard.

Remember when your LCD or OLED display had that brand-new, fresh-out-of-the-box shine, feel and look? You are in the right place if your display is now due for deep cleaning.

Things to consider before cleaning or handling an electronic displayAvoid static by grounding your body and following proper ESD-safe handling techniques.

A microfiber cloth and distilled water is recommended for cleaning the display glass. Use Qtips and Isopropyl alcohol for cleaning the printed circuit board.

Although distilled water is recommended for wiping the display glass, you can use a cleanser developed explicitly for cleaning displays. However, do not spray it directly onto the display. Spray a tiny amount of the cleaner onto a microfiber cloth first to avoid getting any cleaning solution inside the display.Never spray any liquids directly onto the display.A spray is too hard to control and confine. The fluids can seep into the other display layers or surrounding components and cause irreversible liquid damage.

Only use a microfiber cloth and don"t use chemicals to clean a resistive touchscreen.Disconnect the display from the power supply and remove any screen protectors or liners.

Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) is widely used to clean printed circuit boards (PCBs). Use a Q-tip or soft small bristle brush for scrubbing a PCB, and never use a paintbrush.Gently rub a Q-tip in Isopropyl alcohol.

Cleaning soldering residue on LCD with Isopropyl alcohol and a Q-Tip.Cleaning residue around soldering elements is not necessary if Newhaven Display performed the soldering.

Cleaning your electronic display is a simple task. However, it is essential to consider these steps to handle and clean it properly. You should now have a better understanding of what cleaning products are safe to use, how to clean the display screen glass, how to clean touchscreens and how to clean soldering residue.

If any marks remain, moisten the cloth with LCD cleaner, and then gently stroke the cloth across the display in one direction, moving from the top of the display to the bottom.

Notice: Do not use any of the following chemicals or any solutions that contain them: acetone, ethyl alcohol, toluene, ethyl acid, ammonia, or methyl chloride. If you have a different chemical or solution and are not sure whether it is suitable, do not use it. Using any of the chemicals in the previous list may cause permanent damage to the LCD screen. Some commercial window cleaners contain ammonia and are, therefore, unacceptable.

Note: Many cleaning solutions are sold specifically as LCD cleaners. You can use these to clean LCD screens on Dell laptops. Alternately, you may use a 50/50 isopropyl alcohol and water mixture. Microfiber cloths such as those used to clean eyeglasses are excellent for use with LCDs.

Please visit the support page for your manufacturer to find out how to clean your LCD. The support pages for some manufacturers are listed on the Checking Warranty page.

It is always best to follow manufacturer’s suggestions for product care, but generally it is safe to clean an LCD screen using a very soft, 100% cotton cloth, and a mixture of distilled water and clear vinegar. If you prefer buying ready-made products, LCD cleaners are available from electronics shops in spray bottles.

While it might be tempting to use an old tee shirt for a cotton cloth, the seams can potentially scratch the screen. Flannel is the recommended material, and you can visit a fabric shop and buy a yard (0.9 meters) of 100% untreated cotton flannel for very little money. By purchasing this amount of fabric, you’ll be able to cut new cloths when the old one gets dirty. Microfiber cloth is also a good choice.

While many people use isopropyl alcohol in a 50/50 solution with distilled water, some manufacturers warn against this. If you are inclined to use isopropyl rather than vinegar, check with the manufacturer’s website of your LCD product to be sure this is acceptable. Many store-bought LCD cleaners contain isopropyl, and it is generally considered safe and effective.

Otherwise, a 50/50 solution of distilled water and white vinegar can be combined in a spray bottle. Avoid using a bottle that had previous cleaners or agents in it — a new spray bottle can be purchased at the grocery store. Choose a sprayer that is capable of a fine mist.

Cut a piece of cloth large enough to fold into a nice square pad that is a few layers thick. Spray your 50/50 solution on to the surface of the cloth, lightly dampening it. Be sure the cloth isn"t so wet that it will drip down the screen. Do not spray the solution directly on to the LCD screen.

Before you clean an LCD screen, power it off to avoid potential damage. Take your cloth and gently wipe the surface from top to bottom, moving downward in a straight line. When you reach the bottom lift the cloth away and place it at the top again to proceed. Use a very light touch, as pressing against the screen could damage its pixels.

Do not move the cloth in a circular motion to rub out fingerprints or smudges. The solution will do the trick. If you have to cover an area twice, wait until its dry, then repeat the process. The vinegar should cut through any dirt or body oils deposited on the screen. By following this simple procedure, your screen should stay clear and unblemished.

Never use paper towels, napkins, or tissues to clean an LCD screen. These materials will either scratch the screen or leave debris. Household cleaners and ammonia should also be avoided, as they can leave a white cast, ruining the screen’s finish.

You rely on your computer for a lot—working from home, ordering groceries, retail therapy—so it"s no surprise when it starts to collect fingerprints, smudges, and generally look a little worse for the wear. But how do you clean a computer screen without damaging it and leaving those pesky streaks? Fortunately, you don"t need much—generally water and a cotton ball will do the trick. But here"s what you should keep in mind to ensure you"re doing it safely.

It"s always a good idea to check the manual of your computer to see what products they suggest to clean a screen, says Kimberly Button, a certified cleaning expert. If you don"t know where the manual is, many companies offer downloadable PDFs.

Generally, though, all you need is one or two simple electronic cleaning supplies: a soft, lint-free microfiber cleaning towel or cotton ball and a cleaning solution, if necessary, says Button.

If you"re concerned about germs, you might wonder whether you can use stronger household cleaners for the task. The bottom line: It depends on the type of computer screen you have, says Button.

Avoid using Windex on a screen. It"s only made for glass, and can be too harsh for delicate computer screens, says Button. And skip things like eyeglass cleaner, which won"t disinfect.

However, if you"re adamant about getting a little extra cleaning power, you can try Lysol wipes or a 1:1 dilution of rubbing alcohol and water on non-LCD screens.

This is not only safer if you"re using any liquids, but it also makes cleaning easier. Fingerprints and smudges are much more visible on a black screen.

Use a soft, dry cloth or cotton ball to gently wipe off any obvious dust, dirt, and debris, so as not to rub tiny specks of dust or dirt into the screen, says Button.

That may suffice for mildly dirty screens, but for a deeper clean you can spray another soft cloth with the cleaning solution outlined above. You only need a bit—a light misting will do. And note: You should never spray a solution directly onto the screen, because you could end up spraying liquid into the speakers, camera, keyboard, or parts of the monitor that are not compatible with water, says Button.

Using the slightly moistened cloth, gently wipe the computer screen from right to left without too much pressure, making sure you"ve cleaned every inch of the surface.

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We"ve all had that moment: You"re sitting at your computer or laptop and the light hits your screen in a way to reveal an unsightly accumulation of streaks, fingerprints, and dust.

To help, we round up the most important things to know about cleaning your computer screen, whether it"s a Mac or PC. While it"s a simple process, there are a few important rules to keep in mind to make sure you"re doing it safely.

Computer screens are not all made the same, and thus can"t all be cleaned the same way. You"ll want to be careful no matter your screen type, but it"s helpful to know that displays come in two categories:Glass-coated screens: The screens on newer iMac displays and MacBooks have a glass overlay. Glass displays are a little less delicate than LCD or LED screens, and mild cleaning solutions, like rubbing alcohol, are generally safe to use on them.

LCD or LED screens:Windows computers and most touchscreens and matte displays are typically not coated in glass. Extra care should be taken with these screens so not to damage the pixels that make up the display.

Since there are so many computers, laptops, and monitors out there, each with their own set of variables and specificities, it"s smart to just simply err on the side of caution.

To clean a computer screen, you really just need two things: A microfiber cloth and filtered or distilled water. That"s to say you don"t need a special store-bought cleaning solution.

If you"d like some extra sanitation power, an equal parts mixture of water and vinegar is safe no matter your screen type. If you know that your display is glass-coated, you can also use an equal parts mixture of water and 70% rubbing alcohol.What you needTwo lint-free microfiber cloths

d3sign/Getty ImagesTurn the computer or laptop off.For safety reasons, begin by letting the device cool down completely. Dust, fingerprints, and smudges are also easier to spot on a black screen.

Wipe off dust with a dry cloth. Use a dry, lint-free microfiber cloth to gently wipe away any visible dust and dirt. If necessary, apply gentle pressure to remove surface-level smudges.

If any marks remain, wipe with a lightly moistened cloth.For glass-coated screens, you can use a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar or rubbing alcohol. For LED or LCD screens, use only water. Spray or lightly dab the solution directly onto the cloth and carefully wipe the screen from left to right.

Buff with a dry cloth and air-dry.If any streaks remain once the screen dries, gently buff them with the dry cloth. Before you turn your computer or laptop back on, allow the screen to dry completely.Note:Apple claims that you can use 70% isopropyl disinfecting wipes to clean any Apple product. Just remember not to get any liquid into the device"s ports or openings — to avoid this, you might want to wring out the wipe to remove any excess liquid before using it.

For the best advice for cleaning your screen, it"s a smart idea to check your owner"s manual, which provides the manufacturer"s specific recommendations. But since screens are especially susceptible to damage, there are a few general guidelines that apply, no matter the type of screen you own.

Turn off your computer before cleaning the screen. This is just safe practice where any amount of liquid is involved, but more specifically, any static on the screen could create a shock and damage the internal components.

Do not use abrasive cleaning solutions. This includes bleach (or any products containing bleach), hydrogen peroxide, or all-purpose spray cleaners. Using an abrasive cleaner can ruin the finish of your screen.

Use only soft microfiber cloths.Even a fabric as soft as a cotton shirt has snags and uneven particles that can scratch a computer screen. For this reason, avoid T-shirts, towels, and paper towels. The exception is the Apple Pro Display XDR or iMac, which requires a special polishing cloth.

Never spray cleaning solution directly onto the screen. To avoid any risk of damage from excess moisture, mist the solution directly onto the microfiber cloth instead.

Do not wipe in circles. Wiping in circles can create uneven pressure and ultimately lead to screen damage. It"s also more likely to create streaking. Wipe in tight, Z-shaped motions, or in broad strokes from side to side.

Melanie Weir is a freelance author for Insider, mainly focusing on the Tech Reference section, but occasionally contributing to Lifestyle and Entertainment topics as well. She is also a freelance writer for ScreenRant, and is the Lead Weekend News Editor at TheThings.com. In her spare time she writes plays for both stage and screen. She can be reached at melanie.weir1008@gmail.com, or through LinkedIn.

Dell currently does not have any knowledge of results from exposure to UV-C light for any of Dell"s products. While we are aware of products in the marketplace that use UV-C for cleaning items such as cell phones, we have no independent data or information regarding its use, efficacy, or issues that may arise. We have been unable to find any specific industry aging tests that are defined exclusively for exposure to UV-C. Dell cannot make a recommendation concerning use of UV-C light due to a lack of sufficient and standardized test data. Dell"s approved cleaning recommendations continue to be the other methods listed on this page.

We understand customers may have questions about cleaning and disinfecting options for their Dell products. The guidance below applies to all Dell-branded PCs, monitors or display screen, docking stations, keyboards, and mouses.

Turn off the device that you plan to clean and disconnect AC power. Also remove batteries from items like wireless keyboards. Never clean a product while it is turned on or plugged in.

Moisten a microfiber cloth with a mixture of 70% isopropyl alcohol / 30% water. The cloth should be damp, but not dripping wet. Excess moisture should be removed if the cloth is wet before wiping the product. Using any material other than a microfiber cloth could cause damage to your product.

Gently wipe the moistened cloth on the surfaces to be cleaned. Do not allow any moisture to drip into areas like keyboards, display panels, etc. Moisture entering the inside an electronic product can cause damage to the product. Excessive wiping potentially could lead to damaging some surfaces.

Surfaces must be completely air-dried before turning the device on after cleaning. No moisture should be visible on the surfaces of the product before it is turned on or plugged in.

After cleaning or disinfecting a glass surface, it may be cleaned again using a glass cleaner that is designed for display surfaces following directions for that specific cleaner. We recommend you avoid glass cleaning products containing Ammonia.

Customers may experience some visible cosmetic changes to finishes over time as a result of the cleaning process outlined above on some surfaces. Other cleaning chemicals are very harsh and will damage surfaces. Avoid using any of the following chemicals or products containing these chemicals:

Using any of the chemicals that are listed above will cause permanent damage to some product surfaces. By following the steps outlined in this document, you can minimize the risk of damage.

We understand customers may have questions about cleaning and disinfecting options for their Dell Storage, Networking, HCI, and Server products. The guidance below will help address concerns.

Warning: If the business requirements call for sterilization for an abundance of caution, Dell Technologies highly recommends engaging a professional cleaning company that specializes in sterilizing data center equipment. If engaging a professional cleaning company that specializes in sterilizing data center equipment is not possible, Dell Technologies recommends that customers exercise extreme caution when sterilizing and disinfecting their Dell Storage, Networking, HCI, and Server products by using the following steps:

If your data center procedures require turn off prior to cleaning external surfaces, follow Dell Technologies published procedures for safely turning off data center equipment, to ensure data integrity.

If the equipment must remain operational while external surfaces are cleaned, use extreme caution in exposing powered equipment to any moisture and take all proper and necessary precautions when handling powered equipment that has been exposed to moisture.

Cleaning must be limited to external surfaces such as handles and other common touchpoints. Do not open cabinet and chassis doors or attempt to clean any internal components.

Never spray any liquids directly onto or into any product. Do not expose any internal components of Dell Technologies data center products to moisture.

To clean external surfaces such as handles and cabinets, moisten a microfiber cloth with a final concentration of 70% isopropyl alcohol by volume. The cloth should be moist, but not dripping wet. Excess moisture should be removed if the cloth is wet before wiping the exterior and handles of the product, keeping clear of power leads and permanent wiring. Using any material other than a microfiber cloth could cause damage to your product.

Gently wipe the moistened cloth on the surfaces to be cleaned. Do not allow any moisture to drip into areas like keyboards, display panels, vents, etc. Moisture entering the inside an electronic product can cause damage to the product. Excessive wiping potentially could lead to damaging some surfaces.

If the equipment was turned off, all surfaces must be completely air-dried before powering up the equipment after cleaning. No moisture should be visible on the surfaces of the equipment before it is turned on or plugged in.

Customers may experience some visible cosmetic changes to finishes over time as a result of the cleaning process outlined above on some surfaces. Other cleaning chemicals are very harsh and will damage surfaces. Avoid using any of the following chemicals or products containing these chemicals:

Using any of the chemicals that are listed above will cause permanent damage to some product surfaces. By following the steps outlined in this document, you can minimize the risk of damage.