best cleaner for car lcd screen manufacturer
All of us have a tendency to treat the driver"s seat as our personal throne. That"s where we"re in our element, so we get comfortable—and complacent. Whether our fingers were last tapping on our phone screen, grasping the handle of a wrench, or carefully unwrapping a half-melted Hershey bar, we all tend to jump in, tune the radio, adjust the AC, and set a destination on the nav screen—all without first washing our hands.
And if you have a family? Other drivers use the car and its touchscreen, too. Of course, kids can"t resist touching any kind of screen, ever, and who knows where those tiny fingers have been? All parents have swiped their car"s touchscreen and felt... mystery muck. Yuck.
Touchscreens are likely one of the dirtiest, most germ-covered surfaces of any automobile. Sure, your dash gets dusty and your floorboard accumulates (a disturbing amount of) trash. However, it"s that dash-mounted screen that gets the most fingers, and therefore germs, on it.
Not necessarily. Many typical household glass cleaners contain either ammonia or alcohol. Most manufacturers recommend avoiding harsh chemicals on touchscreens, as they can affect functionality and perhaps damage the surrounding dashboard.
Sure, it"s cheaper and easier to use plain ol" Windex or Glass Plus, mainly because you"ve probably already got that stuff. Despite the temptation, though, you should avoid using household glass cleaner on your car"s touchscreen unless you"re positive the one you"re using contains neither ammonia nor alcohol. Besides, you may already own a great screen cleaner and not realize it.
Many modern automotive detailing products, including Chemical Guys Interior Cleaner and Meguiar"s Total Interior Detailer, are safe and effective to use on your car"s touchscreen. Read the label to be sure.
The fact is, there"s an even less expensive method to clean your car"s touchscreen, no products required—except a microfiber towel. (Again, you want to avoid scraping dust particles across the surface of your touchscreen to prevent scratches, so always use a clean microfiber towel.)
Many of the experts and gearheads in our Hearst Autos test garage told us they rarely use any kind of cleaner on their personal touchscreens. Up and down the line, those who saw us testing and photographing screen cleaners—we"re talking about people whose opinions we trust and whose bylines our readers know and respect—told us that whenever they get behind the wheel, they just drip a bit of water onto a clean microfiber towel, and wipe. Done.
As a parent, however, I"m left asking the question: Will a simple water wipe eliminate germs in the family SUV? Yeah, no. Sorry, but knowing my children, and the impressive but disgusting level of filth they can achieve, I"m going to use a cleaning agent on my car"s touchscreen.
To get to the bottom of whether car screen cleaners were truly necessary, we used a very scientific methodology. That is, we got our fingers and hands dirty, and touched the heck out of a screen in a test vehicle in the Hearst Autos stable. We let it dry for a while, and then cleaned it according to the product"s instructions. We did that five times.
We first made sure all the products did the job they claimed to do—and they all did. The wipes left droplets on the screen, which required a second wipe with a microfiber. But they all cleaned the chocolate and grease off the screen, leaving it clean and clear.
While using, we looked for any greasy film or residue left behind. We also considered any particularly strong odors, and took note of cleaners that left residual streaks. Most did, but all came away clean with a soft buff—that is to say, a few more gentle wipes with the microfiber towel.
Word to the wise: Don"t discount a screen cleaner because it leaves streaks on your screen. Take your time and do it right. We noticed far too many people online complaining that the product they used wasn"t some sort of magical solution that cleaned perfectly with just one wipe. All screen cleaners—all glass cleaners, really—will streak unless you take the time and care to give the surface a soft buff at the end of the process.
With a combined 206 years of automotive publishing experience, Hearst Autos—Car and Driver, Road & Track, and Autoweek—knows cars better than just about anyone. The Gear Team is committed to delivering honest evaluations, hands-on tests, and product reviews driven by decades of knowledge and experience. We get our hands on almost every product, tool, and piece of gear we feature.
If we can’t get our hands on the gear, we rely on the combined wisdom of our writers and editors, as well as auto experts we trust. We’ll never say anything is “the best” if we wouldn’t recommend it to our friends or buy it ourselves, and we won’t claim we’ve tested something if we haven’t. Learn more about our product testing here.
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.
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.
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.
Through the car touch screen, also known as the infotainment screen or itouch screen, we enjoy a lot of advantages such as music playing, GPS navigation, voice recognition, etc.
You wouldn’t want such a precious thing to get damaged or destroyed, so it’s a must to take proper care of it, including observing the proper way of how to clean your car touch screen.
To clean it, it must be turned off, gently wiped with a microfiber cloth sprayed with a cleaner in an up and down motion, and wiped dry with another clean microfiber cloth.
Since the touch screen is delicate, cleaning it should be done with caution. And that includes using the right materials for the task to avoid causing any damages. So make sure to prepare the right materials for cleaning itouch screen, which are listed below:
The soft texture and non-abrasiveness of a microfiber cloth make it the best type of cloth to use when cleaning touch screen in car. With it, you can gently clean the car touch screen without leaving any scratches. You will need one for cleaning the car touch screen with a cleaner and another for wiping the surface.
Avoid materials like paper towels and cotton rags, as they’re highly abrasive and won’t do well in lifting the dirt from the car touch screen. Another thing to avoid is alcohol-based wipes, as they are damaging to touch screens, can leave streaks, and aren’t very soft.
A car touch screen can be cleaned with only the use of distilled water. Just distilled water would be enough for cleaning off the fingerprints and dirt on a car touch screen. Avoid tap water, as it can leave some residue from its minerals.
If there are stubborn grease, splatters of soda, or other accumulated deposits on your car touch screen, you can make use of an alcohol-and-ammonia-free cleaning solution.
Do not clean touch screen with alcohol or ammonia-containing products like household windows or kitchen cleaners, as they can damage the car touch screen. Other things you should avoid to not damage the car touch screen are solvents, kerosine, gasoline, acidic and alkaline solutions.
Or, you can make a DIY car touch screen cleaning solution. You can create one by combining equal parts of distilled vinegar and water. The vinegar’s acidity will dissolve the oils, sugar, and protein on the car touch screen’s surface, which will allow you to wipe them off more easily.
The steps in cleaning the car touch screen are very easy to do. Just remember to execute them with caution to avoid damaging it. Do the following steps with care:
Before you clean touch screen in car, you must turn it off first. You should never clean the car touch screen when it’s on because that would interfere with the pixels. Also, with the car touch screen off, you’ll be able to see the dirt and oils much better on the dark surface.
Spray the cleaning solution on a microfiber cloth for cleaning the car touch screen. If the oils and dirt on the surface aren’t too much or stubborn, then distilled water would work just fine. But if its surface is too filthy and with stubborn oils and dirt, then you need to use the commercial cleaner or the vinegar and water cleaning solution.
While there are different options for the cleaner, the best way to clean touch screen would be to lightly spray the cleaner on the microfiber cloth and gently wipe the car touch screen in an up and down direction.
You should not spray the cleaner on the screen directly, exert too much pressure on it, and pick off the stubborn debris with your fingernail, as doing these can damage it.
Or you may also wipe the screen in a side to side manner if you have a wider screen. Don’t wipe the screen in a circular motion, as it’s not as effective in cleaning.
After you’ve cleaned the car touch screen with a microfiber cloth and cleaner, wipe it again with a clean, dry microfiber cloth to dry it. Use the same wiping direction as you did in the previous step, either up and down or side to side.
How to clean your car touch screen is a super easy three-step process, and it can even be done with readily-available things at your home. However, if done wrong, the screen could get damaged. So always make sure to do it carefully.
How did you find this tutorial? If you liked it, kindly tell us in the comments section. And it would be great if you would pass the information on to other car owners by sharing this article.
Diamondbrite Touch Clean is the best touch screen cleaner for car infotainment screens, car dashboards and menu displays. Touch Clean has been developed using a phosphate and ammonia-free formula designed to gently – yet instantly – restore screens and devices to a ‘like new’ appearance. Touch Clean’s pH neutral solution features high performance, static-free, properties which remove finger prints and creates a static-free surface for ease of use and improved screen clarity.
Touchscreens are increasingly prevalent in modern cars, these TFT LCD screens are often a magnet for unsightly finger marks and greasy smudges from the natural oils in our hands. Screens can easily end up looking nasty unless they are cleaned regularly – especially when dark and inactive. Household window or kitchen cleaners contain ammonia – this will damage your car’s screens. Diamondbrite Touch Clean is gentle and safe, yet also ultra effective on these digital infotainment and navigation system screens, control system and display panels alongside dashboards and touchscreen consoles in general – all of which attract dust, dirt and greasy marks through everyday use. Keep your car’s interior looking showroom fresh with Diamondbrite Touch Clean.
When touchscreen surfaces are cleaned with traditional cleaning products they can dry with unsightly streaky marks, Diamondbrite Touch Clean effectively restores screens in cars and on electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops, tablets and smartwatches. If it has a screen, Diamondbrite Touch Clean can clean it. A genuine added benefit of Touch Clean is its anti-static properties – when treated the clean surface repels static electricity preventing dust settling and ensuring a clearer view is maintained for longer.
Diamondbrite Touch Clean has been specially developed in the UK at Diamondbrite’s dedicated 45,000 square foot research, testing and manufacturing facility set in the heart of the Midlands in Loughborough, Leicestershire. Its unique formula has been arrived at by experts – laboratory technicians who are specialists in developing high performance car cleaning products.
Switch device off so screen is inactive. Spray sparingly onto a clean microfibre cloth or pad. Wipe screen, do not allow excess to run behind screen. Buff clean with a second clean microfibre cloth or pad.
Pre-moistened and ready-to-use, Weiman"s wipes remove dust, fingerprints and other greasy smudges and smears without any harsh ingredients that could damage delicate screens — all reasons that helped them earn our Good Housekeeping Seal. In our Cleaning Lab tests, they were well-sized to use on large and small devices, worked quickly and cleaned well. Screens dried fast and without any excess moisture, streaks or residue left behind. We also like using Weiman pre-moistened wipes to remove grime from keyboards and for spot cleaning, too.
If you want a basic cloth to wipe away greasy smudges and film on everything from your phone to your laptop to your television screen, opt for E-Cloth. Made of microfiber, it picks up and locks in dust and dirt particles within its microscopic structure without scratching the surface and without the need for liquids, so it"s a safe bet for any device. And thanks to its large 8-inch by 12-inch size, there are thousands of tiny crevices for trapping particles, so it can handle multiple cleanings before it needs rinsing or washing. For devices that can withstand moist cleaning, the E-Cloth can be dampened before wiping for even better results. We have tested many E-Cloth microfiber cleaning cloths in the GH Cleaning Lab on glass, appliances and countertops and we are big fans.
Insignia, Best Buy"s private label brand screen cleaner is a consumer favorite. While we haven"t tested this spray ourselves, consumers praise it for cleaning all types of screens quickly and thoroughly and without damage. Most say it zapped streaks well and give it points for including a washable microfiber cloth — though a bit small — that can be stored neatly with the spray under the cap. Handy for homes with lots of screens to clean, the 5-ounce bottle of cleaning solution goes a long way when you spray the cloth, then wipe.
This ingenious little tool from OXO is super handy to keep in a desk drawer or nearby your desktop.Pop off the plastic cover and use the microfiber pad to zap a smudge, fingerprint or speck of stuck-on dirt that"s blurring your screen. The soft-bristle brush gets gently into crevices, ports, openings and between and around keys to whisk away crumbs and dust. When done, just snap the cover back on and retract the brush to keep it clean and in good shape.
If you have experience with high-end cameras, binoculars or microscopes, you likely recognize the Zeiss brand. With a long history in high-quality lenses, Zeiss knows how to clean delicate surfaces without damaging them. These pre-moistened, disposable wipes are individually wrapped so they stay clean, fresh and moist until you open the package. Easy to tuck into a purse, pocket, car console, desk or drawer, the wipes remove fingerprints and greasy smears without leaving behind any filmy residue that needs additional buffing. They can be used to clean eyeglasses, too.
There are lots of devices that use UV-C light and claim to kill bacteria and germs on surfaces. While it"s difficult to determine just how effective they are without the assistance of a microbiology lab, there are some things about the PhoneSoap Pro that impressed us enough to include it here. In conversations we had with the manufacturer, we learned that thePhoneSoap Pro is EPA-registered, though it"s not required to be. EPA registrations are something we look for on all the germ-killing cleaning products we test,and it provides the assurance that the claims are verified.
In our testing, we found the PhoneSoap Pro easy to use. It cleans both sides of your phone at once in just five minutes, shuts off automatically and allows you to charge your phone while it"s being cleaned. You can also use it for sanitizing small items like eyeglasses, keys and credit cards. While it kills germs, it doesn"t remove grease or smudges, so you"ll need to wipe your device with a cloth before or after sanitizing.
Toddy Gear microfiber cloths are a GH Cleaning Lab favorite not only for how hefty and durable they are, but also for their dirt-trapping dual-sided cleaning and polishing fabrics. These colorful cloths are perfect to stash in a purse, glove box or briefcase for whenever you need to spruce up electronic screens or your car"s infotainment center. The 5-inch by 7-inch cloth neatly folds down into its own little pouch so it stays clean, and it"s machine washable and dry-able if it ever gets overwhelmed with dust.
A consumer favorite with over 7,700 five-star reviews on Amazon, Whoosh claims to be the screen cleaner of choice at Apple stores. In our experience, it leaves screens squeaky clean and shiny in seconds with no hard-to-remove residue. The small spray is great to tuck into a purse while the larger one stays in a desk drawer or TV stand. The microfiber cloths are 6 inches square, washable and perfect for phone, tablet, laptop and desktop screens. As with all liquids, we recommend spraying the cloth before wiping. Never spray a screen directly.
When we test screen cleaners in the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, we are first and foremost concerned with the how safe they are to use on delicate devices and whether they may cause any possible harm to screens and coatings. For pre-moistened wipes and liquid sprays, we check the ingredients for potentially damaging culprits, like ammonia, and steer clear of recommending products that contain them. For dry cloths, we look for a convenient and usable size and how easy they are to launder and clean.
We test all screen cleaners on a variety of devices — large and small and from different manufacturers — for how well they clean, how easy they are to use and store, how quickly they work and whether they leave any residue behind.
Above, one of our Lab experts tests the OXO Good Grips Sweep & Swipe on the screen and keyboard of a laptop to assess how well it removes dirt, dust and smudges.
There are tons of screen cleaning options on the market, but always check your device’s manufacturer’s recommended cleaning instructions before purchasing any cleaner to be sure what you are considering is safe. Here are some things to consider when shopping for screen cleaners:
✔️Size: It"s best to determine the size of the screens you plan to clean when shopping for cleaners. Of course, microfiber cloths and electronic screen wipes will work on a variety of screen sizes but if you are looking for a wipe that can clean your laptop, mini portable wipes made for smartphones might not be large enough for a thorough clean. On the flip side, a large TV wipe used on a phone wastes product.
✔️Cloth: Not every cloth is designed to remove fingerprints and dust. Some can actually make your dirty screen look even worse. Stick to microfiber cloths that are delicate enough to leave your screen scratch-free but still collect dirt, dust and grease.
✔️Formula: Always look at the indigents listed for your cleaner — screens are sensitive, and harsh chemicals can cause damage to the surface. For regular use, it"s important to use products specially made for screens. Disinfectant wipes containing alcohol can be used occasionally to remove germs, but try to avoid bleach- and ammonia-based products.
When it comes to cleaning electronics, the Good Housekeeping Institute Media and Tech Lab always recommends following the device manufacturer"s recommendations for safety. And while this is always a good practice, many of those recommendations are extra gentle to keep from damaging the anti-glare, fingerprint-resistant and other protective coatings on a device"s surface.
The Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab provides expert tips and reviews on all things cleaning. Carolyn Forte brings over 40 years of experience a as consumer products expert to her role as Executive Director of the Home Care and Cleaning Lab. She has deep analytical testing and editorial writing expertise in categories like washers, dryers and vacuum cleaners, cleaning products and all things and tips needed to keep a home clean and organized.
Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute"s Home Care and Cleaning Lab.
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.
I don’t think i’ve seen anything combine aesthetic and practical better. I put my iphone through a LOT in one day and these @whooshclean screen shine and cleaning products are the reason I’m still able to see clearly when editing and working from my phone. plus HOW CUTE #whooshclean #ad
Friends! I don’t know about you but it’s so easy for me to forget just how dirty our phones can get! I started being more conscious of this because Luca loves looking at pictures and videos of himself on our phones and his little hands are all over them. Did you know that the average phone is 10x dirtier than a public restroom!?
Like most people, my cell phone is one of my most used belongings. I use it for working, taking videos and August loves taking a million selfies. But did you know that the average cell phone is 10x dirtier than a public toilet seat?! But we put it on our face, and our kids handle it daily!
A question I get asked all the time are tips for taking/editing photos. While I’m no professional, one extremely easy tip that makes the BIGGEST difference in capturing a pretty photo is keeping your phone and phone lens clean ✨✨ Our phones are on average 10x dirtier than a public bathroom so it’s no surprise that they need a lot of cleaning.
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!
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!
A flawless piece of glass designed to transport you to different worlds, different time periods and down Coronation Street is only a scratch or smear or away from being ruined. So what cleaners and cloths are safe to use to clean your TV and avoid this happening?
Looking to upgrade to a new TV? Our expert lab tests reveal the best and the worst models. You can use ourTV reviewsto find a great model that"s the right size, spec and price for you.
Panasonic - gently wipe the display with a soft cloth. For stubborn dirt, dampen a soft cloth with clean water, or diluted neutral detergent (one part detergent to 100 parts water) wring out the cloth and wipe away the dirt. Wipe away any moisture when you"re done.
Samsung - unplug the TV and wipe the screen with a soft, clean, lint-free, dry cloth. You can spray screen cleaner onto the cloth first, but never on the screen. Let the screen fully dry before plugging the TV back in.
Sony - unplug the TV and clean the screen with a soft, dry cloth. You can dampen the cloth slightly with a solution of mild soap and warm water if needs be. Use small circular motions, then use a soft cloth to dry the screen.
There"s some differing opinion on whether water should be used. So be careful if you"ve got an LG TV, where no water or glass cleaner is recommended. This could affect your warranty, so stick to the official advice.
Before you start, unplug your TV.Use a dry soft cloth, ideally microfibre or similar to something you might clean a pair of glasses with. Don"t use a rough cloth or kitchen roll. The abrasive surface could scratch your screen.
Some TVs are less stable than others and you may need to support the back of the screen with your free hand - particularly OLEDs where the screen is incredibly thin at the top.
If there are any stubborn marks, use a water solution or specialist TV screen cleaner in line with your manufacturer"s policy. Put the solution on the cloth, not directly on the screen.
A clean screen is one thing, but there are numerous settings you can tweak to make sure you"re getting the best picture. Input your model into our tool ongetting the best TV pictureto see how to get your telly looking its best.
Nearly all the cleaners you use in your kitchen and bathroom could damage your TV screen. For the sake of simplicity, we"d recommend you avoid them all.
As much as possible, you want to use a dry cloth and only resort to a cleaning solution if there"s a mark that won"t come off with careful dry wiping.
TV ports, such as HDMI and USB inputs, can get dusty. If you haven"t used one of your HDMI inputs before and go to plug in a new device, you could push that built-up dust into your TV"s innards.
Wipe the ports with a cloth. If they"re particularly dusty, you can use a vacuum cleaner on its lowest setting to clear out any debris. Take care and hold the nozzle away from the TV as to not cause damage. Try not to push into the port since this could also damage the connection.
The television screen is what everyone sees first, but don’t forget these other key areas, not to mention the area around your unit. “It can also help to clean the furniture and carpets around the TV to prevent dust and hair from getting into it,” says Williams.
The remote control is handled regularly. This is the one time when harsh chemicals can be used sparingly. Follow the manufacturer owner’s manual instructions first, but if sanitizing is needed, use a cleaner that’s at least 70 percent alcohol, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations. (Basic drugstore isopropyl alcohol works well for this.)
Start the remote control cleaning by removing the batteries. As with the TV screen recommendations, you’ll want to avoid spraying directly onto the surface, as this could cause the device to malfunction. Dampen a clean microfiber cloth and rub gently on the top and the underside of the remote control. For hard-to-reach gunk that’s jammed between the buttons, try a cotton swab dipped in a small amount of the cleaning solution. Make sure to let it dry thoroughly before replacing the batteries and using it again.
When figuring out how to clean a TV screen, selecting the safest cleaning solution is key, but it’s also important to know what cleaning products to avoid. Keep in mind that not only should you skip cleaning with certain products, you should also avoid spraying them in close proximity to the TV.
In terms of what to use, Samsung recommends “monitor cleaner only” (also called TV screen cleaner). Panasonic suggests “one part mild liquid dish soap diluted by 100 times the amount of water.” To make this cleaning solution, add a scant teaspoon of liquid dish soap to two cups of water, stirring well to dissolve.
Williams likes TV cleaning kits for their ease of use. “A TV kit will be your safest option for cleaning a TV,” he says. “These kits will come with everything you need to get your TV looking new, like screen-cleaning solvent and a fast-drying microfiber cloth.” You can find TV cleaning kits and cleaning products designed for flat-screen TVs at electronics stores or on Amazon.
Some people swear that only distilled water is useful as cleaning spray for their delicate electronics. Although Williams does not necessarily recommend using distilled water, if you know for a fact you have hard water in your area, you may want to try the distilled water route and see if you notice a difference. Hard water, which has high levels of calcium and magnesium, may leave a film or residue when it’s used for cleaning. Before you spray water to clean TV screens, try experimenting with tap water on a less-important screen, like an old cell phone, to assess the results.
If you can picture the hulking tube TVs (also known as CRTVs) of yore, you may also remember how delightfully easy they were to clean—a few spritzes of window cleaner and some wipes with paper towels and you were good to go—no special microfiber cloth required. But modern TVs with fancier technologies like LCD, OLED, and plasma call for gentler techniques. “Avoid using chemicals like alcohol, ammonia or acetones when cleaning your TV. These cleaners were safe to use for previous generations of TVs with glass panels, but as the hardware changes with time, the cleaning methods do too,” says Williams. Since some multi-purpose and glass cleaners are made with ammonia, skip the Windex.
Modern TVs are often smart TVs but the cleaning tips are the same as the ones for LCD, OLED and plasma TVs. The microfiber cloth is your TV screen’s best friend. “The majority of TVs you purchase today will be smart TVs, and the cleaning process is the same as TVs without smart capabilities,” Williams says.
You can purchase eyeglass cleaning wipes from Target or higher quality Care Touch Lens and Cleaning Wipes from Amazon. These will of course clean glasses, smart phone, tablets, and your Nav screen with no streaking.
I never advise using Windex at all, ever, anywhere due to the Ammonia. Invisible Glass or Aquapel aerosols are best for windshield and car windows, just an FYI.
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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.
Cleaning with microfiber cloths reduces bacteria by 99.0% (UC Davis Health). Studies by UC Davis Medical Center and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation show that using microfiber cloth eliminates 99% of harmful bacteria, microbes and spores. Download copies of this academic literature here. [UC Davis Health] [California DPR]
The iKlear and Klear Screen cleaning solution does not contain any antibacterial properties. Our cleaning solution is engineered to protect plastic and glass by reducing grazing. iKlear and Klear Screen cleaning fluid is non-toxic and safe to use on all hard shiny surfaces. Using our cleaning fluid with microfiber towels may eliminate 99% of harmful bacteria, microbes and spores without damaging your computer screen, high definition displays, tablets or acrylic displays.
Machine or hand wash microfiber cloths with liquid soap and warm water to kill the germs and microbes. Do not use fabric softener on microfiber towels. Air or machine dry the microfiber on low temperature. Best results are obtained by airdrying so that lint and other contaminants are not transferred from the drier to your microfiber cloth.
For more information on cleaning your Apple devices and displays. Watch this short video by Andy Espo. Andy Espo is solely responsible for the content. CLICK HERE
Screens, especially touchscreens, collect a lot of dirt, grease and hair. This means that periodic cleaning is something we all have to and should do.
Now, plenty of people get away with wiping a smartphone screen against their t-shirt or pants or using a sleeve to clean a laptop display, but this is not the best way and can itself damage the display.
The big DON"T of using isopropyl alcohol is this -- don"t pour or even spray isopropyl alcohol on your display. If you put too much isopropyl alcohol on a screen, damage can occur in two ways:The isopropyl alcohol can seep between the layers of the display, completely ruining it and requiring the device to have a replacement screen fitted
Apple has, naturally, published detailed information on safely cleaning a whole range of products, from notebooks to tablets to smartphones. While this is aimed at Apple users, the information applies to other brands too.
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.