alcohol damage lcd screen quotation

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.

Do a quick search on the internet, and you"ll find that isopropyl alcohol is the weapon of choice in cleaning displays. This is true, but if used incorrectly, this chemical can also 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

• Perform highly diversified duties to install and maintain electrical apparatus on production machines and any other facility equipment (Screen Print, Punch Press, Steel Rule Die, Automated Machines, Turret, Laser Cutting Machines, etc.).

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.

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.

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 filtered or distilled water. Especially in areas with hard water, water containing minerals like calcium and magnesium can damage your screen or leave even more streaks.

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.

Do not scrub.Apply gentle pressure only. Hard scrubbing can damage the internal components of the screen and could leave scratches or spots of discoloration or dead pixels that won"t go away.Melanie Weir

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.

Are you certain that issue isn"t more with whatever film/technology they used for the touchscreen sensor as opposed to the LCD/backlight? Just curious.

Oh, and the process you"re describing usually begins with distilled water. IIRC, sugar doesn"t dissolve in isopropyl alcohol so it does nothing to clean up after sugary spills (which they almost always are). The alcohol follows for drying effect, not as a solvent, as the alcohol may attack other components. The alcohol will creep and "find" the distilled water in every crevice, dissolve in it, and make it evaporate more quickly in the oven phase. You don"t need much exposure to the alcohol to perform this function.

One of the most common questions I am asked, now that LCDs are in wide use, is how to clean one.  Every manufacturer has their recommended method.  What Envision recommends will ruin an NEC LCD and void your warranty.  As you will be able to tell, every LCD needs to be cleaned in a different way.

Another thing I learned from finding all this information is that every manufacturer has the same warning: Never touch or press on the LCD screen with your fingers – NEVER!!!  Doing so can cause the pixels to short out and die.  Then you will have blank spots on your LCD.

I called CTX tech support and was told the way to clean their LCDs was in the Technical Glossary and General FAQ.  I asked the guy to check that out and he said he couldn’t find it either.  He said to use very mild soap, tepid or lukewarm water, and a just slightly moist lint-free cloth.  This is supposed to be added to their General FAQ.

Discussion: A common cause for marks on the LCD is oil and dirt deposited on the keys of the keyboard that can get pressed against the LCD when carried in a carrying case or when pressure is applied to the lid.

There are many cleaners sold specifically as LCD cleaners. These are perfectly acceptable for cleaning LCDs on Dell notebooks.  If you do not wish to purchase one of these products designated specifically as an LCD cleanser, the following is a list of what is and is not acceptable for cleaning your LCD.

These cleaners might cause permanent damage to the LCD due to a chemical reaction. Some commercial window cleaners contain ammonia and are generally unacceptable.

Clean the computer’s built-in LCD display with a soft, clean cloth and one of the cleaners listed above or a commercial window cleaner that does not contain ammonia, wax, or abrasives. Apply the cleaner to the cloth, and then stroke the cloth across the display in one direction, moving from the top of the display to the bottom. If the display contains grease or some other contaminant, use a cloth with an acceptable cleaner listed above instead of a commercial window cleaner.

A. You can use Windex® to clean the screen and 409® clean the outer casing of the monitor. Please use a “soft” non-fibrous cloth to clean the screen. Do not use any paper products to clean the screen.

Shut down and unplug the computer and clean the LCD screen with a soft cloth moistened only with water. Wet the cloth, wipe the display, and then dry the screen with another soft cloth.

Gently dust the screen with a dry, soft, lint-free cloth. If the screen is still dirty, you can dampen the cloth with several drops of distilled water.  Make sure the LCD panel is completely dry before you turn the display back on.[/box]

Soak a soft gauze cloth with isopropyl alcohol or ethyl alcohol diluted with water (1:1) and gently wipe the surface of the monitor. Do not dust it or wipe it with a cloth dampened with pure water.

CAUTION: Never use pure water to clean the LCD screen. Do not use cleaning solutions containing fluoride, acids, or alkalis. Do not use ketone substances such as acetone or solvents such as xylene or toluene to clean the monitor. Do not use benzene, thinner, ammonia, or any volatile substance to clean the monitor’s screen or cabinet. These chemicals may damage the monitor.

This is the strangest one ever.  On March 21, 2003, I e-mailed every e-mail address I could find on Hyundai’s web sites.  I guess I threw them for a loop because I received a phone call from a Peter at AVC Tech USA.  That must be Hyundai’s USA distributor.  Peter told me that Hyundai has NO written instructions for cleaning their LCDs.  Quoting Peter this is what he told me to do: “use alcohol and soft cotton cloth and don’t run too hard”.

The display area is highly prone to scratching.  Do not use ketone-type cleaners (i.e. acetone), ethyl alcohol, toluene, ethyl acid or methyl chloride to clean the panel.  Doing so may result in permanent damage.

You can use regular Windex, just do not spray directly to monitor screen, spray to a soft rag or cloth and then wipe out gently, any other question please let us know and thank you for your time.

CAUTION: Do not use benzene or thinner or rubbing alcohol.  Doing so may adversely affect the surface, e.g. discoloration.  In addition, do not use commercially-available cleaners and cosmetics as they may contain components harmful to the surface.

Unplug the monitor, if you need to clean it with a slightly damp cloth. Wiping the screen with a dry cloth is possible when the power is off. However, never use alcohol, solvents, or ammonia-based liquids.

A: For normal cleaning, use the clean, soft, and fine. For extensive cleaning, please use Isopropyl alcohol. Do not use other solvents such as ethyl alcohol, ethanol, acetone, hexane, etc.

If still not clean, apply a small amount of non-ammonia, non-alcohol based glass cleaner onto a clean, soft, lint-free cloth, and wipe the screen with only slight pressure. Too much pressure may damage the screen.

If still not clean, apply a small amount of a non-ammonia, non-alcohol based, mild non-abrasive detergent onto a clean, soft, lint-free cloth, then wipe the surface.

A: We recommend that you use a cleaner specifically designed for electronic equipment to clean the case and, if necessary, a separate cleaner specifically designed for cleaning LCD Panels. This should be used in conjunction with a soft, lint-free cloth.

A: Any cleaning solution should be applied to the cloth. Under no circumstances should you spray the cleaner directly onto the machine. The excess cleaner may find its way into sensitive areas of the machine and can cause severe damage.

A: In general, the answer to this question is yes. Most cleaners that are satisfactory for cleaning the case of your WinBook are not satisfactory for cleaning the LCD panel. You should look for a cleaner that is specifically designed and labeled for cleaning LCD screens.

A: You SHOULD NOT use any sort of harsh solvents to clean your WinBook. This includes fingernail polish remover, alcohol, turpentine, gasoline, lighter fluid, acetone, paint thinner, mineral spirits, kerosene, ammonia, dishwashing soap, glass cleaner, vinegar, or any other commonly found household cleaner.

Don"t make the mistake of thinking that LCD screens work like your nifty new iPad. In general, touching should be off limits because pressing too hard on the screen can actually break or crack pixels. So the first rule to cleaning an LCD screen is don"t do it unless you have to (i.e. unless it"s actually dirty).

Many retailers offer special cleaning solutions for LCD screens, but the truth is that most of these are made up primarily of water. So, if you don"t want to take the time to go buy a cleaner or you want to save the money (maybe to put toward that "What Not to Wear" dress), you can just make your own LCD cleaner by mixing water with some vinegar or isopropyl alcohol -- the solution should be no more than 50/50.

You could even start with plain water and see if you need the vinegar or alcohol, which will come in handy when you"re trying to wipe away greasy fingerprints. Some people recommend only using distilled water, but regular water works fine, according to Dave Chipman from Sharp.

Unless you want to end up with a melted, discolored, hazy or scratched LCD screen, steer clear of all spray cleaners. In particular, don"t use any solvent cleaners that include acetone, ethyl alcohol, ethyl acid, ammonia or methyl chloride. You also want to avoid using any materials that could potentially scratch the screen"s delicate surface. Opt for a soft, clean, cotton cloth instead of wood-based products like paper towels and tissues. Chipman suggests using a microfiber cloth for best results.

If you"re lucky enough to have a service come in and do your cleaning for you, make sure they don"t inadvertently ruin your television or monitor by trying to clean it with something like glass cleaner. You should either take the time to explain -- and maybe even demonstrate -- how you want your LCD screen cleaned or just ask your cleaner to leave this particular job for you.

I was rather dubious about this screen cleaner as it was so much more expensive than the usual damp tissue from the poundshop or the wet-and-dry tissues from Maplin (as was). However, all the 5-star reviews are correct. As it says on the box, it is free from odour, streaks, ammonia, alcohol and phosphate, and does seem to create an anti-static finish so that dust isn"t immediately attracted. I tried it on my very grubby tablet and phone and they are now both like new. My twin PC displays will be next, and then every other screen in the house! You get a fairly large bottle, microfibre cloth and spray top attachment in the box.

Use it by spraying a very small amount - really, just a couple of very brief small squirts - on to the cloth and then wipe the screen. Don"t spray it directly on to the screen, that"s not necessary; I don"t think it would do any harm but by spraying the cloth, as recommended, you have much more control. Wiping over the screen does the trick within a few seconds.

It says on the instructions to make sure the screen is turned off and cool i.e. don"t do it immediately after turning the screen off, let it cool down a bit. I think this is so that the liquid on the cloth doesn"t evaporate too quickly.

The publicity says that it"s good for over 1,500 sprays and I can believe it - don"t put too much on the cloth, you don"t need it. I think I was getting 10 screen wipes for £1, so this is worth the equivalent of £150; the investment is well worthwhile in what is a very basic way to improve your view. I"m convinced!

I have used it for a number of cleaning jobs; screens of course, but also my car front windscreen from which I could not get rid of some persistent greasy streaks until I tried a quick squirt of this cleaner.

A couple of the LPs I hadn"t played in at least a decade and now they are back to about 85-90% condition. After recording them to MP3 I then used audio editing software to reduce noise automatically and then took out the worst of the pops. Using this cleaner has been a quick and very satisfying process. I felt it was OK to try it on my LPs as it doesn"t contain alcohol which would otherwise damage them.

Cleaning your flat-screen is nothing to scream about! It"s easy to do and will ensure that the image isn"t being marred by dirt, dust and fingerprints.

Liquid-crystal display. Plasma technology. LED-backlighting. While these cutting-edge features help to create the ultimate viewing experience, they can also lead to confusion over the best way to clean your new flat-screen TV. Unlike older cathode-ray sets -- which feature solid glass screens -- modern flat-screens often include special materials or coatings that can be damaged by traditional cleaning products. Now that you"ve updated your TV, it"s time to switch to flat-screen friendly cleaning techniques that can safely eliminate dust, dirt and grime.

Before you begin, be sure to turn off your set and unplug it from the wall. Don"t forget to unplug any auxiliary devices, like DVD players and cable boxes. Leave these items unplugged until you finish cleaning and the screen is completely dry to minimize your risk of injury or property damage.

While you"ll find countless cleaning kits and specialty products marketed towards the flat-screen owner, most experts recommend using good old-fashioned water to clean your screen without damage. If your TV tends to collect lots of fingerprints, add about a teaspoon of isopropyl alcohol to a bowl of water to create your own homemade screen cleaner. Most rubbing alcohol is made from isopropyl alcohol, but always check the bottle before using this product to clean your TV. Some kinds of rubbing alcohol are actually made from ether alcohol, or ethanol, which isn"t the best choice for flat-screen televisions.

Whether you"re using an isopropyl alcohol blend or just plain water, keep in mind that you should never spray these materials directly onto the screen. Instead, dip a lint-free or microfiber cloth into your cleaning solution of choice, then wring it out until it"s just slightly damp. Many newer TVs come with an appropriate cleaning cloth, so check the box before you buy. You can also use a cloth designed for cleaning eyeglasses or camera lenses, as they"re made to clean without leaving lint or scratches behind. Wipe the screen very gently in smooth, even strokes to remove dust and other contaminants. Don"t apply excess pressure or scrub at your screen, as this could seriously damage your picture, and can even lead to dead or burnt-out pixels. When you"ve finished cleaning, carefully dry the screen using a soft, lint-free cloth. Never use a dirty cleaning cloth, as even tiny particles of dirt may become trapped in the fabric and can scratch your screen. While you may be tempted to use a clean paper towel, wood-based paper products are just too harsh for delicate flat-screens, and can leave behind ugly scratches that interfere with your viewing experience.

Finally, don"t make the mistake of using regular glass cleaner or other household cleaning products on a flat-screen TV. Ammonia and other chemicals used in these products can strip anti-glare coatings from the screen or leave behind other serious signs of damage. When in doubt, refer to the owner"s manual that came with your TV to determine the dos and don"ts for your particular model.

While many people use the terms "flat-screen" and "flat-panel" interchangeably, there are some significant differences between the two. Flat-screen refers to any TV with a curve-free screen, whether it"s a bulky cathode-ray unit or a sleek new LCD model. Flat-panel, on the other hand, refers to a TV with a flat, narrow body, and may include plasmas, LCDs and other advanced technology, but does not include classic cathode-ray units.

Ideally, you should clean your phone at least once a day by following your phone"s manual for cleaning instructions. Cleaning your device the wrong way (like using rubbing alcohol and paper towels) can strip away coatings that protect your screen. There are safer items that will do the trick.

If you touch your phone after touching a public door handle or grocery cart, your first thought might be to clean it with rubbing alcohol. Don"t. Straight alcohol can strip the oleophobic and hydrophobic coatings that keep oil and water from damaging your phone"s display and other ports.

AT&T"s cleaning guidelines suggest that you "spray a nonabrasive or alcohol-based (70% isopropyl) disinfectant directly on a soft lint-free cloth and wipe down your device while it is powered down and unplugged." Samsung has also said you can create an alcohol-based solution of 70% ethanol or isopropyl alcohol, applied with a microfiber cloth.

When you have a full face of makeup and need to make a call, guess what that foundation is about to stick to? That"s right, your phone screen. And while you may use makeup remover to take off your makeup every night, you shouldn"t use it as a screen cleaner due to some chemicals that could be lurking in the ingredients. (Organics.org explains the chemicals that could be in your makeup remover.)

Since some hand sanitizers have ingredients like fragrances and ethyl alcohol, it"s best to keep sanitizer off your phone"s screen. However, if you"ve touched anything outside your home, you should sanitize your hands before touching your phone to prevent viruses and bacteria from spreading. For best results, use a manufacturer"s hand sanitizer

A screen"s scratch-resistant properties won"t get ground down by cleaning agents, but stripping that protective coating is still a problem. That"s why Apple also suggests not using household cleaning products to clean your iPhone, including bleach. Bar Keepers Friend, for example, states that its abrasive formula may harm the protective layer. Bon Ami states not to use it on glass with coatings.

They may be the go-to for cleaning your desk, but keep them away from your phone. The paper can shred, making the debris on your phone much worse. Paper towels can even end up leaving scratches on your screen.

Since many newer phones have a protective coating, rubbing alcohol can wear it away more quickly over time, causing your phone to be more prone to scratches. Make sure to check for alcohol in the product ingredients on any "safe to use" phone screen cleaners. Apple says to avoid alcohol when cleaning its devices.

Some makeup removers may have chemicals that can be harsh on an electronic screen. LeBeau suggests avoiding makeup remover and instead, using a soft cloth with a little bit of water.

Your phone is delicate, so blowing an intense amount of air into its portals can cause damage, especially to your mic. Tech companies, like Apple, specifically warn not to use compressed air.

This is a no-no. Vinegar will strip the screen"s coating. You could, as Lifehacker suggests, use very diluted vinegar to cleanse other parts of your phone. Android Central suggests a 50/50 mix with distilled water for cleaning the sides and back.

As the weather warms, it"s time for everyone"s "favorite" pastime: spring cleaning. While you"re dusting off the shelves and shoveling out a winter"s worth of detritus, spare a moment to check your TV. Dust and grime can accumulate there, and over time it can become more and more noticeable. And if you have children, there may be an array of fingerprints and other smears on the screen.

Want the longer version? Here"s what the top TV manufacturers say about cleaning their screens:Cleaning your 4K, OLED, or LED TV screen with a soft, dry cloth is recommended. The goal here is to avoid scratching the screen. Gentle, circular motions tend to give better results, since the circular motion hits each area from several angles in a single swipe.

To clean the frame and screen, gently wipe it with a microfiber cleaning cloth. Make sure to wipe the TV frame and screen as gently as possible. TV screens are fragile and can be damaged when pressed too hard.

Important: Never use any type of window cleaner, soap, scouring powder, wax, or any cleanser with solvents such as alcohol, benzene, ammonia, or acetone. Never use abrasive pads or paper towels. If you do, you can scratch the screen or strip the anti-glare coating off the screen and cause permanent damage. Never spray water directly onto the TV. Make sure to wipe the TV as gently as possible. TV screens are fragile and can be damaged when pressed too hard.Gently wipe the screen or the exterior with a dry, soft cloth, such as an eyeglass cleaner.

For inks from oil markers on the screen, soak a cloth in a non-soap synthetic cleanser diluted (by less than 1% ) with water. Squeeze the cloth tightly to eliminate excess liquid, then wipe gently to remove the ink. Use non-soap cleansers cautiously because it may cause environmental problems when disposed improperly.

So why not Windex? Regular Windex is formulated for glass windows, plus a few other surfaces. It contains ammonia and alcohol, not the friendliest of chemicals. S. C. Johnson doesn"t explicitly say not to use Windex on TVs, but it offers Windex Electronics wipes and cleaners, so infer what you will. The better screen cleaners will clearly state that they do not contain alcohol or ammonia.

At last count, I found a billion companies making TV screen cleaners. Almost all of these are something like 99 percent water, 1 percent other stuff. Years ago I tested a handful and found them, on average, to work well enough. If you don"t have luck with a simple cloth and possibly distilled water, a screen cleaner is worth a try, and as a bonus you can also use it for your laptop, tablet and cell phone screens. Plus, they come with a microfiber cloth. If they don"t clearly state they don"t contain alcohol and ammonia, however, I would skip them.

So yeah, cleaning your TV is a good idea. But just remember that they"re exceptionally fragile. Why risk marring their surface by using cleaning methods the companies themselves don"t advise? If you damage your screen with cleaners, you won"t be able to fix it.

Screen cleaning kits are fine, though most people won"t need them. Remember, like all TV accessories, the store is selling them because they probably make more profit on that $20 kit than on a $500 TV.

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.

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.

Like the OP, I"ve always used a 50/50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and distilled water. Just now, I seem to have damaged the screen of my (Late 2013) MacBook Pro Retina by cleaning it with this mixture and a microfibre cloth.

There is a coating on the screen that has rubbed off in a patch about a quarter inch wide and two inches long. It"s very noticeable, but luckily it"s on the bezel rather than the screen proper. I"ll probably live with it, as a repair would probably involve replacing the whole screen. ($$$$)

This was possibly the third or fourth time that I"ve used this mixture to clean this screen in the few months that I"ve owned this machine. It"s really annoying to find that the most expensive laptop I"ve ever bought has a screen that can be so easily damaged, using a cleaner that I"ve seen recommended lots of times on the web and which has worked well for me in the past.

A word to the wise. You must use caution and common sense when attempting this procedure or you can easily make things worse.  At our affordable Pittsburgh cleaning services company, we don’t clean flat screen TVs but I still felt this writing might prove very useful to you.

This is a technique that you can use to remove light scratches from flat screen and LCD TVs safely.  Scratches can result from some of the most innocuous, everyday items such as a piece of newspaper, a magazine, or tiny claw nails from pet cats and dogs and even fingernails from children. Any of these items and many more can unintentionally brush against your flat screen TV, leaving a scratch that’s usually visible whether the television in turned on or off.

The secret to removing light scratches from your flat screen TV is to use the proper tools along with a careful tried and true technique. To begin with, you’ll need a bottle of Isopropyl alcohol which is normally found in grocery stores, drug stores, and, hardware stores. Don’t use any other type of alcohol as it will damage your screen beyond repair.

Next and just as important is a soft clean microfiber cleaning cloth that most professional cleaning services use when cleaning client’s homes. They’re usually found at WalMart and Target stores. Again don’t substitute any other cleaning cloth or damage is likely to occur.

A quick word of caution –  never use Windex, glass cleaner, or other window cleaning solutions on your flat screen TV.  Never use paper towels on your Flat Screen TV, as this is one of the quickest routes to permanently damaging your flat screen or LCD with thousands of little scratches.

I once didn’t follow this advice and used a paper towel on reading glasses.  I didn’t use excessive force, but it didn’t matter!  I quickly discovered I damaged my expensive eyeglasses beyond repair.

This one little mistake is how most folks ruin their TV screen.  The same applies to cell phone screens, Ipads, laptops, and desktops.  All of these surfaces should only be cleaned lightly with a soft microfiber cloth.

Before starting, first mix a 50/50 solution (half Isopropyl alcohol and half distilled water) in a liquid safe container.  Be sure the container is clean, not only of small dirt particles but also of any lingering chemicals from prior use. Use Isopropyl alcohol that is rated at 90% pure so that when mixing a 50/50 solution the final result is perfect for the task at hand.

After a bit, the scratch should begin to disappear as the Isopropyl alcohol in your cleaning solution evaporates.  If the scratch does not begin to disappear or becomes worse stop immediately.  You may have a scratch that needs a professional’s attention.

Remember, the easiest way to remove scratches from your flat screen and LCD TV is to prevent them in the first place. Hope this article helps you to restore your screen like new.