alcohol damage lcd screen free sample

LCD Displays are interfaces of human and machine. They expose to various environments, especially now that COVID-19 spreading around the world. So it"s impossible to keep a screen clean all the time. When you are going to clean an LCD display，do you have the right steps in mind？Maybe what you"ve been doing is not right！

LCD screens could have different top layers. For example, there are glass, plastic, coating, or protective bezels. Each one of them is different. Therefore, each type of screen should not be cleaned in only one way. In fact, the most appropriate way is written in product manual. Take Topway HMT070ETD-1D, a 7 inch Smart TFT LCD Display with capacitive touch screen, as an example. Cleaning precautions are as follow: Only clean LCD with a soft dry cloth. Isopropyl Alcohol or Ethyl Alcohol. Other solutions(e. g. water) may damage the LCD.

LCD screens are fragile. Before cleaning an LCD display, you should turn it off completely, disconnect it from power supply,  and let it cool down for a few minutes. This will eliminate danger of electrocution and make it easier to see dust on screen.

Don’t press down hard while cleaning, because that action may damage top layers or coating. Spray a little cleaning solution, such as isopropyl alcohol diluted with either pure or distilled water, onto a microfiber cloth and gently wipe the display in either an up and down or side to side motion. Too much pressure can compromise limited durability of even the most rugged LCD screens.

It is dangerous that an LCD display directly contacts with any liquids (especially when they’re still plugged in). A safer and smarter approach is to first wipe the screen with a dry cloth, then spray a small amount of cleaning solution onto another cloth and wipe gently. After that, wipe with another clean, dry cloth to remove the residual liquid.

Never use ammonia or rubbing alcohol based cleaners on LCD screens. They will damage the extremely delicate coating on top of screens, and negatively alter viewing experience, especially in strong sunlight.

Dust in gaps where bezels and top layers meet can cause internal damage to LCD displays. Regularly using a vacuum with a soft-bristled brush (to prevent scratching) can be helpful.

Now you know how to clean an LCD screen safely and correctly, if you find it helpful, please share this article with your friends. If there are more questions about LCD displays, please feel free to leave us a message.

Before you give into your impulses and wipe your screen with whatever you have at hand, let us stop you right there. Your display is way more delicate than you think, and if you want it to last a long time in optimal conditions, you’ll need to treat it with proper love and care.

The good news is that cleaning a computer screen is more simple than you think. You only need a soft cloth, a tiny bit of water, and the most delicate of touches.

As you would expect, not all screens are created equal, and some are more delicate than others. The safest way to figure out the proper care for your screen is to search for the make and model of your device, find out if it has an LCD, LED, or some other type of display, and search for the manufacturer’s instructions on how to care for it.

If you want to skip all that, there’s an easy way to avoid making a mistake that might not only result in irreparable damage to your screen but to your entire device. According to Joe Silverman, owner of New York Computer Help, a tech repair center in New York City, no matter how much money you spent on your computer or tablet, it probably has an LED or an LCD screen if you bought it within the last three years—and neither type benefits from window cleaner or highly concentrated alcohol.

That’s the uppermost layer of your screen, which is extremely sensitive to the acidity in alcohol and in compounds like ammonia or propylene glycol. These are often present in cleaning agents such as window cleaners and degreasers. Using these liquids will corrode the surface of your screen, resulting in scratches or even smudges you won’t be able to get rid of.

Things get even trickier when you’re dealing with touchscreens. On models like the Microsoft Surface, the display is the main input—as opposed to your mouse or trackpad on a regular laptop—so it’s ultra-sensitive, Silverman says. Using a strong liquid cleaner like a degreaser or a bleach-based disinfectant can obliterate the top layer on the screen. Combine that with high pressure, and you can kiss your fancy touchscreen computer goodbye.

Another downside to newer computers is their size and weight. If you decided to splurge on a new laptop, for example, you probably found one that has top-notch components, but also a slick, lightweight design. This format is only possible if everything in your laptop is smaller and thinner. In the case of your display, a thinner screen means a weaker barrier between your computer’s guts and the elements in the outside world.

Caring for your screen is simple—it only takes a little bit of water and a dust-free cloth, such as a microfiber wipe or the piece of fabric that came with your glasses.

First, turn off your computer and disconnect the charger. This might sound paranoid, but the benefit is twofold—you avoid any chance of triggering an electrical surge, and your screen will remain black, which will make it easier to see any dirt and grime.

Pour a couple drops of water on your cloth. Forget paper towels or the sleeve of that soft cotton t-shirt you love—microfiber is your best bet. Still, no matter how soft it is, a dry wipe could always leave micro-abrasions on your screen. The moisture will also help gather dust and particles while lifting grease from your display.

Use circular motions starting in the center of your screen and moving outward, so you don’t leave any streaks. If you can see any droplets or water traces on the glass while you clean, you’ve used way too much water. Gently dab the residual H2O with an absorbent cloth or tissue paper and start again.

If you’re dealing with next-level gunk, you can use isopropyl alcohol at 70 percent or lower, Silverman says. “That percentage is very important,” he explains. “We’d only use 90 percent or higher on dummy parts that don’t have sensors, like top cases and keyboards.” In these extreme cases, spray the alcohol on the cloth, never directly on the screen, and wipe it gently.

Just like solar damage, screen damage is cumulative. The more pressure you apply, the more abrasive a product you use, and the more often you use it, the greater the damage you’re inflicting on the protective layer of your display and the delicate sensors underneath it.

Maybe you can get away with using a high percentage of alcohol or even a window cleaner on your computer screen once or twice. But if you keep at it, eventually you’ll see the deleterious effects.

“You’ll see discoloration, lines (vertical and horizontal); sometimes it looks pretty and rainbow-like,” Silverman says. “Sometimes it’ll blink and sometimes you’ll see droplets of water or liquid in the back of the screen. There’s a lot of ways in which damage appears.”

The best way to avoid damaging your screen while cleaning it is to simply keep it from getting dirty in the first place. If you have a laptop, cover the keyboard with a thin microfiber cloth before closing it to prevent finger grease from transferring to the screen. If you have a touchscreen, wash your hands often before you use it, but make sure you let your hands dry completely before you start tapping—the soapy water or liquid hand cleanser from your fingers can easily end up on the screen and corrode it.

Your phone was designed to be carried, dropped, tapped, swiped, smashed against your face for long periods of time, and stowed in the deepest corners of your bag. In other words, its screen is way more resilient than your computer’s.

Silverman explains that most iPhones and Samsung phones, for example, have screens made out of one thick piece of glass. These, as opposed to computer screens, have all the LCD layers fused together, making them much more difficult to damage. Still, if you’re using alcohol, he recommends keeping the concentration at 70 percent or lower, using a soft cloth, and applying only low pressure to get rid of any accumulated gunk there.

Be especially careful with charging ports, as contact with water (also present in rubbing alcohol) can damage the electronics inside your smartphone. Newer models often are resistant to liquids, but there’s always a threshold to how much they can withstand. And you probably don’t want to know what that is.

Replacing the screen of your computer or smartphone can be expensive, and even if that’s not an issue for you, no one wants their devices to fail when they need them the most. So remember these tips well—we hope you never have to read this article again.

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.

This is the ultimate guide to properly cleaning your flat-screen television without scratching it or causing any potential damage. Included in this guide will be the best cleaning techniques, as well as the ideal products to accomplish a brand-new appearance on your TV. This guide is full of must-have knowledge for absolutely anyone who wants their television to remain in pristine condition. As a bonus, this guide will also provide you with a detailed explanation and instructions on how to clean your TV remote control.

Nowadays, most televisions are manufactured with a soft plastic screen. As a result of this, TV screens are delicate and can be easilydamagedif cleaned with an improper solution or technique. Accidentally using the incorrect product on your television could result in permanent damage, such as fogging, discoloring, or scratching.

When cleaning a television screen, two different techniques work extremely well. The first technique focuses on spraying down a microfiber cloth and wiping the Televisions screen. Alternatively, you may spray a minimal amount of non-ammonia based cleaner onto the TVs screen and gently wipe it away. These two techniques are proven safe and will not result in any permanent damage to your TV’s screen, as long as you follow the necessary detailed instructions when performing the cleaning.

Certain products and items you never want to use on the screen of your TV since they will cause permanent damage. When gearing up to perform a television cleaning, you will want to avoid using regular tap water, wood-based wipes, isopropyl alcohol solution containing more than 50% alcohol, regular Windex, or any cleaners that are ammonia-based.

Many products that are not made specifically for cleaning electronics will harm your television. If regular tap water is used on the television screen, a visible residue will appear after the water has dried. Instead of utilizing tap water, you may choose to use distilled water combined with a microfiber cloth. The combination of distilled water with the microfiber cloth will cause any dust on the screen’s surface to cling to the damp cloth. Distilled water will also ensure that the anti-reflective coating on your TV’s screen does not become worn-out.

Though Windex is a common go-to product for cleaning many devices and appliances, using it on a television screen can cause permanent damage. The reason behind this is because Windex is an ammonia-based cleaner. Ammonia-based cleaners may cause a chemical reaction between the ammonia-based cleaner and the coating on the Televisions screen or cause clouding.

It is essential to avoid the use of any wood-based cleaning wipes on a TV screen. Wood-based cleaning wipes include paper towels, Kleenex tissues, along with any similar products. If wood-based wipes are used on the TV’s screen, there is a strong possibility that you would be left with a multitude of visible, permanent scratches on the screen. The reason why the scratching often occurs is how rough the fibers of these products are combined with how soft the screen on the TV is.

You have a few technique options to choose from when preparing to clean a TV screen. A 50% isopropyl alcohol-based spray, also known as a lens cleaner, is a simple option that many lean towards. When using an isopropyl alcohol spray, you will want to pay close attention to the level of alcohol in the spray and be sure to avoid any alcohol-based sprays that contain more than 50% alcohol, as this will over-dry the television screen.

When choosing to utilize the lens cleaner technique, you will also want to use a clean, soft microfiber cloth that does not shed any fibers. If the microfiber cloth does shed fibers, you will find that sometimes after you’ve already cleaned the TV, you have to clean it again. This is due to the small static electricity charge produced when wiping the TV’s screen, which will attract the fibers of a microfiber cloth.

Optionally, specific products are intended for use on electronics that are extremely gentle as they do not contain ammonia or alcohol. Windex makes a special electronics cleaner that works phenomenally and is highly recommended. Additionally, the product “Screen Mom” is specially formulated for televisions and is also a fantastic product.

If the television is not dirty but has acquired a collection of dust particles on the surface, compressed air may be the best option for this job. Using compressed air will inevitably eliminate the worry of causing potential damage to the screen since there is no possible way to damage the television with air. Compressed air is an easy, inexpensive, and fast way to clear any dust from the television, leaving the TV appearing brand-new.

The first option entails simply spraying the microfiber cloth down with the cleaning solution and using that to wipe the television screen. If this is the method that is chosen, you will want to be cautious of the amount of solution used. Ideally, the cloth should only be slightly damp after you’ve sprayed it down.

Accidentally applying too much solution onto the microfiber cloth and using the excessively wet cloth on the TV screen may result in permanent damage. When too much cleaning solution is applied to the TV screen, the cleaner tends to run down the screen into the bezel and any other nearby electronics.

Alternatively, you may mist the TVs screen directly with a small amount of the cleaning solution that you’ve chosen. Immediately after misting the screen, you will want to gently wipe away the mist with a microfiber cloth. If this is the option that you would like to utilize, be sure to be extremely careful to not spray too much cleaner onto the television – as this may drip onto the bezel along with any other nearby electronics very rapidly, resulting in permanent damage.

IMPORTANT: When wiping a television screen with any wipe, be sure to be gentle, and refrain from applying any excessive pressure. Applying too much pressure on the screen will result in distorted pixels.

When performing a deep clean on your TV remote, all you need when performing a deep clean is rubbing alcohol, also known as isopropyl alcohol, which comes in a solution or a spray cleaner. Typically, you’ll find this at your local grocery, pharmacy, or hardware store as a 50% water and 50% isopropyl alcohol mixture. Combine this with a clean toothbrush, q-tips, and a microfiber cloth.

Next, use the isopropyl alcohol mixture and spray the microfiber cloth down, but you’re going to want to be sure to not overspray, leaving the cloth dripping wet, as that may cause damage to your remote.

If there are any tighter crevices that the cloth couldn’t get to, use a q-tip sprayed with the isopropyl alcohol-water mixture and deep clean between the buttons. Once finished, put the batteries back inside of the TV remote. You can rest easy knowing that the dirtiest part of your home is now the cleanest.

Perhaps you’ve noticed that cleaning a display screen is not always as easy you’d assume. You’ve tried damping a paper towel with tap water and brushing it across your screen, only to be left with smudges, smears, and a few stubborn globs. Don’t worry… you’re not alone. This seems to be a common experience for the ever-growing number of digital device owners.

We would like to go over the proper cleaning methods so that you understand what works (and what doesn’t), and so you can relay that information to whoever might find it useful – whether that be you, your customers, your employees, or your father-in-law who just discovered the brand new world of handheld digital devices. The processes discussed here are helpful for nearly all displays, including touch screens and those with cover lenses.

Let’s go over the items you’ll need in order to clean your LCD screen. Be sure you have some kind of microfiber cloth and a cleaning solvent of some kind. As mentioned, you may already be well aware that the paper towel method isn’t effective, and that it can even cause scratches. This is why a soft cloth (or a microfiber cloth) will be a much better tool for cleaning. It is softer and does not leave particles behind that break away from the cloth, much like a paper towel does. If a dry cloth alone is not enough to get your screen up to standards, then you may want to apply the cleaning solvent.

Of course, not all solvents are created equal. Some of them work better than others for certain applications. Depending on the type of LCD display you have, you will want to do your due diligence. Many people will use distilled water as a solvent, as it has been known to be the least damaging to LCD screens. Granted, you can’t just poor it on there all willy-nilly. You don’t want to risk damaging any of the electrical components within the device.

You also should be cautious about using alcohol or ammonia based solvents, as they are capable of causing long-term damage to LCD screens, making the screen brittle and susceptible to cracking. They have also been known to cause discoloration issues. For best results, you should search for an LCD-safe solution. This, plus using the proper methods, will be the best for your LCD screen’s longevity. Here is a table that you can refer to in your search for an acceptable solvent:

But what are you cleaning your phone with? The right tools and techniques will no doubt keep your phone clean and so will the wrong ones. The only problem is that the wrong methods will damage your phone in the process.

Alcohol and ammonia will kill germs on your phone, but they can cause some damage as well. On the surface, alcohol creates unsightly marks on your screen due to the high level of acidity. After it dries, it might leave a smudge that just doesn’t come off. You’d have to replace the screen (or worse, the entire phone) to remove those stains.

Alcohol is also especially bad for phones because it contains water. If you use alcohol or an alcohol-based product and it seeps into your phone ports, water could short-circuit your device because of its conductivity. This could lead to malfunction or total hardware failure.

Finally, alcohol, ammonia and other fluids can activate your phone’s liquid damage indicator (LDI), the component that tells companies if your phone has suffered water damage. This is bad news because if the LDI is triggered, then your warranty may become void.

Think your skin is soft and sensitive? You wouldn’t believe how fragile your screen is. While your tough skin can handle a brush with relatively rough surfaces, your screen is vulnerable to scratches from things that may seem gentle to you.

It’s important to avoid using these heavy duty towels because repeated use will lead to a build-up of scratches. Once the scratches accumulate, your screen will get less and less responsive to the point of not even working in some cases.

When scrubbing the bathtub, the use of force is required. When wiping a phone, the use of force is damaging. Unfortunately, a lot of people put too much pressure when wiping their phones, which is a bad idea for the standard LCD phone screen.

Too much pressure put on a phone can damage not only the screen, but the ports as well. This method of cleaning comes from a need to put some “muscle” into a job, which is a completely backwards way of wiping off your screen.

You don’t need harsh chemicals to sanitize and shine your device. Once you accept that, you’ll realize that the alcohol and ammonia-based products most people use is unnecessary.

It does the job of typical cleaners minus the acidity, killing germs and polishing screens without leaving unsightly stains behind. As an added benefit, it’s non-toxic nature makes it safe to keep around the house since it poses no health risks to your kids or pets.

The best cloth surface for phone screen cleaning is one that glides. This type of cloth picks up dirt with a just a few gentle motions - there’s no need to press down on a screen. Your best option that fits this description is

Finally, there’s no replacement for harsh wiping other than to lighten your hand. This one requires more of a psychological intervention and since we’re not therapists, you’ll have to find ways to remind yourself to take it easy. With that said, even just using the microfiber cloth might give you a reason to wipe your screen a little bit more gently.

There are 1001 ways (okay, maybe not so many) to clean your phone, but many of them can damage your device. So instead of turning to a method or product that causes damage, rely on the ones that do the job without shortening your phone’s lifespan. With our ScreenShine and microfiber cloths, you can be sure to get the deep clean you want without any added baggage.

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!

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.

• 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.).

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.

We’ve talked before about how the pandemic has shown some serious strain on our global supply chains. Once upon a time it came for isopropyl alcohol. While IPA may not be hard to find, ortriple the usual cost, we’ve still got the details, and alternatives, right here for you.

We know, rely on, and recommend isopropyl alcohol (a.k.a. isopropanol, or IPA) for many of our techniques and guides. It’s pretty simple stuff, but it is sold in different ways, and recommended for a myriad of uses.

Understandably, people have questions. Is “rubbing alcohol” or “surgical spirit” the same thing? What percentage of isopropyl do I need for electronics work or disinfecting? Can I use anything else on my electronics? And, hey, is this stuff going to catch on fire if I cause a spark?

Isopropyl alcohol is a clear chemical that is flammable. It smells a bit like vodka or other spirits, just without any kind of scent other than alcohol. Manufacturers make it by adding water to propene (itself steamed and heated out of propane and other hydrocarbons), then distilling the mixture to a desired strength, similar to how liquor is made.

It’s usually sold in a few set percentages of alcohol-to-water: 70% and 90/91% are most common, but you’ll sometimes see 60% or, at hardware and specialty supply stores, 95-99%.

We suggest you stick to something you know and has known ingredients: isopropyl alcohol and water. Rubbing alcohol, denatured alcohol, surgical spirits, and other high-alcohol solutions often contain other chemicals, scents, or other substances that have different properties than IPA, or are a bad idea around boards and wires. If the package doesn’t have isopropyl alcohol as the only active ingredient, and water as the only inactive, it might be best to hold out.

This is especially true for nail polish remover, or acetone. Acetone is a stronger adhesive remover than isopropyl alcohol, at least for the kinds of adhesives often used in electronics. But acetone also damages ABS plastics, the most common in electronics. That’s why we include just a little acetone in our adhesive remover, to make it even more effective, but not so much that it will melt plastics, presuming you wipe it up fairly quickly.

You’re better off saving that for large batches of party punch, given the cost. Ethanol/ethyl alcohol is not the same thing as isopropyl alcohol, either.

We’ll only tell you to use isopropyl alcohol on surfaces where it’s safe to do so in our guides. And we try to warn you when spills or an abundance of liquid can cause damage. In our guide to replacing the battery in a 2013 15-inch MacBook Pro, we note that our own adhesive remover (the majority of which is isopropanol, but also a small amount of acetone) can damage the anti-glare coating on your display, and the plastic on the embedded speakers.

Generally, metal and circuit boards don’t have a problem with adhesive remover, but you should be cautious around display components (especially the LCD or OLED backing behind a screen), plastics, and, obviously, anything that is glued together that you want to stay glued together. Generally, a cautious approach is best; even better is a little pre-fix research. Electronics cleaning vendor Techspray has a material-by-material list of what reacts to isopropyl alcohol. If you’re not sure, don’t put a bunch of alcohol on it (a good general rule for life, you might find).

We recommend isopropyl alcohol as one of the steps to cleaning out your keyboard. But note that we recommend a damp towel, not pouring the stuff straight on.

Many device makers are clarifying what is safe to wipe with sanitizing solutions. Microsoft says you can clean the felt-like Alcantara cloth on its Surface products with a 70% alcohol solution. Apple used to suggest that you had to be really careful around its screens to avoid removing the oleophobic coating, but now using a 70% solution is at the top of the official “Cleaning your iPhone” page. Searching for cleaning or maintenance instructions for your device is a good place to start.

Regardless of the use, you should treat isopropyl alcohol like any other flammable substance with strong vapors in your house. Don’t expose it to flame or high heat or sparks. Keep it tightly closed when not in use (this also prevents wasteful evaporation). And don’t use it in enclosed spaces with poor ventilation.

A big thanks to Old Turkey, Mayer, and other iFixit Answers VIPs who laid out a lot of this knowledge. Got any more questions about isopropyl alcohol, or anything else repair-related? You can help us decide what to tackle next. Ask us in the comments, or tag us on social media with #AskiFixit.

A variety of chemicals can be found throughout the electronic assembly and repair process, but no solvent appears more commonly than isopropyl alcohol. It is universally used for cleaning and as a main constituent of fluxes, but how much do you really know about isopropyl alcohol?

Isopropyl alcohol (CAS #67-63-0) is also referred to as IPA, isopropanol, 2-propanol, and even rubbing alcohol (more on that later). It dissolves a wide range of both polar and nonpolar soils, and is often used to dissolve and remove light oils, fingerprints, cutting fluids, flux residues, carbon deposits, and mold release. It is also readily miscible in water, which makes it an effective drying agent.

For electronic printed circuit board (PCB) assembly, you will find isopropyl alcohol being used either to clean flux residues from recently soldered circuit boards, or in PCB repair and rework. IPA is also used to remove solder paste or adhesive from SMT stencils. Maintenance cleaning with isopropyl alcohol is common for removing caked-on and burnt-on flux from SMT reflow ovens, wave soldering fingers, selective soldering nozzles, pallets, and anywhere else flux tends to collect in automated soldering processes.

Isopropyl alcohol is generally compatible with most materials used in electronics. As with any chemical product used, component compatibility must be determined on a non-critical area prior to use. The following are a list of common materials used in PCB assembly and their respective compatibility ratings:

Isopropyl alcohol is available in a large number of varieties and grades, which are generally differentiated by the amount of water in the solution and trace amounts of other chemicals or nonvolatile materials.

Isopropyl alcohol is hydrophilic, so it readily accepts water into an azeotropic solution. When you see on the label “70% isopropyl alcohol”, it refers to amount of alcohol in relation to the amount of dissolved water – i.e. 70% alcohol to 30% water. Water can be removed to form purer grades of isopropyl alcohol, resulting in what is called “anhydrous” isopropyl alcohol.

Whether an IPA has 0.2% or 50% water has little effect on the look and smell of the material, but greatly impacts surface tension (its ability to wet) and the dry time. The more water isopropyl alcohol contains, the greater the surface tension. This causes the solvent to bead up more as it dries rather than wet or sheet, which can lead to spotting. “Water spots” are particularly problematic when cleaning mirrors, lenses, and other optics.

The dry time is greatly increased as the percentage of water in the alcohol solution is increased. This can be an advantage or disadvantage depending on the application. For example, isopropyl alcohol is often used as a flux remover to remove flux residues from around solder joints. Technicians tend to prefer a fast dry time so that they can clean the electronics and bring them back into service as quickly as possible. When breaking down and removing thick, gummy, or baked-on materials, more dwell or soak time is required. Slowing down the dry time often improves the cleaning effectiveness. That is one of the reasons 70% pure isopropyl alcohol is commonly used for degreasing and SMT stencil cleaning. In the case of electrical contact cleaning, the faster evaporation time helps ensure that the flammable solvent is gone before energizing the equipment.

The general term “rubbing alcohol” is often used for isopropyl alcohol, but users looking to buy a specific grade of alcohol should avoid products labeled that way. Rubbing alcohol does not refer to a specific grade, and may even be a different type of alcohol, like ethanol (also called ethyl alcohol, CAS #67-17-5). Consumer rubbing alcohol can also contain other ingredients like denaturant, fragrances, and colorants that are potential contaminants. ASTM D770 (currently on revision 11(2019)) is the standard specification for isopropyl alcohol published by ASTM International.

As mentioned above, isopropyl alcohol is also available in different grades, or percentages of solvent to water, to fit a variety of specific applications. When deciding on the best isopropyl product for a particular manufacturing or repair process, first decide on the grade of solvent, then the packaging.

Bulk containers- Isopropyl alcohol is packaged in 1 gallon bottles, 5-gallon containers, 54-gallon drums, and even totes for automated dispensing. In most cases, a spigot can be attached to the 1 and 5 gallon containers for convenient dispensing in benchtop or workstation use. When transferring to another container, make sure the smaller bottle is properly marked with the chemical name and warning information.

Small bottles / spray bottles- To avoid the risk and hassle of pouring and labelling smaller containers, isopropyl alcohol is also available in smaller plastic containers like pints and quarts. Some have a trigger spray attachment for convenient cleaning.

Pump dispensers / dauber bottles- Empty bottles are available to make dispensing even more convenient. A wipe or swab can be saturated in the opening, which is filled with a valve when the user pushes down. This keeps the isopropyl alcohol sealed, which avoids cross contamination when a wipe is resaturated after use, causing it to draw in moisture from the ambient air. These bottles can come with a variety of features including ESD-safe materials and a selection of labels for standard chemicals like IPA.

Presaturated wipes- For the ideal mix of form and function, wipes are available, and are already saturated with isopropyl alcohol. They can come in pop-up tubs where the wipes are pulled up from the top, plastic boxes or pouches that reduce linting caused by wipe perforations, and even individually wrapped packages. The individually wrapped wipes are perfect for field maintenance because they fit neatly in a tool box.

Although isopropyl alcohol is generally considered safe if handled properly, it is a flammable solvent, so precautions need to be taken to prevent a dangerous situation from developing.

Storage- because isopropyl alcohol is very flammable, it needs to be stored in a closed container in a cool, well-ventilated area away from ignition sources like heat, sparks and flames. It has an NFPA rating of 3, so it should be stored in a cabinet or room designed for that type of hazardous material. If solvent is transferred to another container, make sure it is marked with the chemical name and required warning information.

Personal protection equipment- isopropyl alcohol has a tendency to defatten the skin, which means it draws out the protective oils from the skin and can lead to dermatitis if improperly handled. Gloves made of nitrile or other solvent-resistant materials should be worn. Glasses or even a face shield should be worn if the user is spraying an IPA product, or if splashing could occur. Respirators can be used if ventilation is not adequate enough to avoid breathing in a high concentration of vapors.

Disposal- isopropyl alcohol needs to be disposed of as a hazardous liquid according to state and local requirements. It certainly cannot be flushed down the drain, and additional disposal requirements may need to be followed depending on the soils dissolved in the waste material.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)- The central resource for all safety requirements is the SDS, which should be readily available wherever isopropyl alcohol is used.

Is it any wonder isopropyl alcohol can be found in all corners of electronic PCB assembly, rework and repair operations? It is effective, reasonably priced, and safe if handled properly. To buy isopropyl alcohol in the grade and packaging that is best for your application, go to www.techspray.com.

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.

Both Panasonic and Samsung both have lengthy “avoid” lists that include harsh chemicals such as wax, cleaning fluid, acetone, benzene, alcohol, thinner, mosquito repellent and insect spray (really!), lubricant, solvent and undiluted mild dish soap. These can, as Williams says, “cause clouding and can wear away your TV’s anti-glare coating.”

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.

When it comes to cleaning, flat-screen TVs and LCD screens require special care and a gentle touch. With the wrong technique, you can easily scratch the screen or damage the surface"s antiglare coating. Even rubbing too hard can cause pixels (the tiny dots that compose images on computer monitors and TV screens) to burn out and stop working permanently. Most household cleaning products are too harsh to use on electronic devices with LCD or OLED screens, so choose your TV cleaning strategy carefully. These tips on how to clean a TV screen will help protect your device while ridding it of dust, smudges, fingerprints, and streaks.

To avoid damage to your TV while cleaning, only use gentle products. Never wipe the screen with paper towels, abrasive sponges, or coarsely woven rags, which can cause scratches. Instead, use high-quality, finely woven microfiber cloths to clean TV screens, recommends cleaning expert Leslie Reichert.

You should also avoid cleaning products that contain alcohol or ammonia. These types of cleaners can remove antiglare coatings and cause images to become cloudy or distorted. A simple swipe with a microfiber cloth ($9 for 5, Amazon) is typically all that"s needed to remove dust and other debris from the screen"s surface. When more than a light dusting is required, however, use the guidelines below for the best way to clean a TV.

Practice preventative measures so you won"t have to clean TV screens often. Keep food, drinks, and kids away from TV and computer screens to eradicate risks of messy splatters and fingerprint smudges. During your weekly house cleaning, lightly dust the screens with a microfiber cloth to prevent dust buildup.

A. Klear Screen and iKlear are the only Screen Cleaners used, sold, or recommended by Apple, Dell, Fujitsu, HP, Panasonic, Samsung, and ViewSonic. The Klear Screen and iKlear formula"s anti-static, alcohol and ammonia-free properties allow you to safely clean, protect, and preserve your LCD, Plasma, HDTV, Big Screen TV, and CRT displays. Klear Screen is also safe to use on your iPods, Digital Cameras and Camcorders, Scanners, PDA"s, GPS Screens, Portable DVD Players, DVD"s, and CD"s.

A. Glass cleaner is made with alcohol and ammonia, which will damage any LCD screen.  LCD display screens are made of plastic. Plastics and Computer manufacturers consistently do not recommend alcohol or ammonia-based cleaners. Repeated applications of alcohol on plastic may turn your screen surface yellow, make it brittle, and can cause stress cracking on your screen surface. Do not make a very expensive mistake cleaning your laptop LCD screen with a $2 glass cleaner and a paper towel!

A. Beware, one of the best known brands recently relabeled their alcohol-based wipes for laptop use. Many commercially available computer screen cleaners are formulated to clean glass, not plastic, and contain either alcohol or ammonia, both of which are harmful to LCD screens.

A. Klear Screen is a state-of-the-art cleaner for precision and multi-coated optics and is internationally recognized for its unique, non-damaging, alcohol and ammonia-free formula. Klear Screen and iKlear use the same unique formula, which safely cleans and replenishes your screen surface with a non-toxic, non-damaging, liquid polymer-based solution.  Our solution lifts and dissolves surface contaminants, fingerprints, and floating debris off the screen surface leaving an anti-static coating, which dramatically reduces surface friction, resists fingerprinting and provides a renewable protective screen barrier.

Q. Why do I need a special cleaner for my new High Definition Display Screen? The owners manual specifically warns against using glass cleaners. Is Klear Screen and iKlear compatible and safe for cleaning my display screen?

A. High Definition Display screens are made of plastic.  High Definition Screen Manufacturersrecommend againstusing alcohol or ammonia-based cleaners. Repeated application of alcohol on plastic may turn your screen surface yellow, make it brittle, and can cause stress cracking on your screen surface. Do not make a very expensive mistake by cleaning your High Definition Screen with a $2 glass cleaner and a paper towel!  Please review the specific LCD, High Definition TV, Plasma, and Flat Panel Display cleaning instructions in theKlear Screen Application Guide (PDF)for detailed cleaning information.

A. Klear Screen and iKlear are 100% safe for cleaning the screen and any externally applied vinyl film screen protectors for your PDA"s. Klear Screen will clean your PDA screen without damage and will enhance the smoothness of the writing surface. Repeated use of Klear Screen or iKlear can help to extend the usable service life of each vinyl film screen protector you apply.

Q. Why do I need to use the Klear Screen or iKlear solution in conjunction with a Klear Screen polishing cloth (Micro-Chamois, Micro-Fiber, or Klear Kloth)?

A. Cleaning optical-grade surfaces and coatings require both a non-damaging and alcohol and ammonia free cleaner, and an optical-grade polishing cloth.  All three ofour clothsare optical-grade.  The Micro-Chamois and Micro-Fiber Polishing Cloths that don’t scratch, absorb 5 times their weight in liquid, and are washable and reusable.

A. You may see streaks on your display if you have not polished off the Klear Screen or iKlear Solution completely. Klear Screen and iKlear requires a two-step cleaning process. In order to remove the streaks, begin the cleaning process over.

If the cleaner is still visible on screen, continue to polish until screen is clear.  Please see our specialinstructionsabout cleaning “glossy” TFT screens.

Remove the dry Step 2, Klear Kloth and gently polish surface, side to side and top to bottom (a new addition to our Travel Singles is our Travel Size Micro-Chamois). Immediately after using a Travel Single, follow with a final polish using our Micro-Chamois cloth, and you will achieve the ultimate cleaning results. For ultimate cleaning results use our Klear Screen or iKlear Micro-Chamois or Micro-Fiber cloths as a substitution for Step 3.

A. Yes. Klear Screen and iKlear are great for cleaning CD’s and DVD’s.  To clean: Lightly mist both sides of the disk. Polish the Klear Screen or iKlear solution off by polishing the entire disk in straight lines (not in a circular motion). By cleaning the non-playing surface, the static charge from both sides of the disk will be removed.

Q. I have a Sony ™ VAIO™ notebook computer with the X-Brite™ screen technology. People I"ve asked have recommended your Klear Screen High Performance Kit.  Why should I be using your products?

A. We have achieved a 100% customer satisfaction rating because Klear Screen safely and effectively cleans X-Brite-type screens.  You must use one of our Micro-Chamois or Micro-Fiber Cloths with our Klear Screen Solution.

A. Cleaning the glossy X-Brite-type screens requires a little more patience and a little more effort to clean effectively. Let the screen cool before attempting to clean with our Klear Screen High  Performance or Deluxe Cleaning Kits.  Note:  Youcannoteffectively clean a glossy TFT screen when it"s hot or has been in use for an extended period of time.  Clean in small sections until the entire screen is streak-free. Any of our Klear Screen products will safely clean a glossy X-Brite-type screen effectively but you must utilize one of our Micro-Chamois or Micro-Fiber Cloths with whatever Klear Screen solution you choose to achieve satisfactory results.  Please review the specific glossy screen cleaning instructions in theKlear Screen Application Guide (PDF)for detailed cleaning information on all glossy TFT screens.

Q.  I recently purchased a Dell™ Inspiron™ Notebook™, which includes a Klear Screen for Dell sample cleaning kit.  Why should I use Klear Screen for Dell and where can I get more of your Klear Screen for Dell products when I run out?

A. Dell recently introduced Notebooks™ with their new TrueLife™ glossy TFT screens, which are difficult to clean.  After testing multiple screen cleaning products Dell determined that Klear Screen is the only safe and effective screen cleaner.  To guarantee customer satisfaction Dell asked us to create a dedicated screen cleaning kit for Dell users. Since their introduction in August of 2004, we delivered almost a half a million Klear Screen for Dell Cleaning Kits and have achieved a 100% customer satisfaction rating.  Please review the specific glossy screen cleaning instructions in theKlear Screen Application Guide (PDF)for detailed cleaning information on all glossy TFT screens.  All Klear Screen products can be purchased from ouronline storeor select dealers.

A. You should purchase one of ouriKlear Apple Polish Kits.  Cleaning the glossy TFT screens requires a little more patience and a little more effort to clean effectively. Let the screen cool before attempting to clean with our Klear Screen High Performance or Deluxe Cleaning Kits.  Note:  Youcannoteffectively clean a glossy TFT screen when it"s hot or has been in use for an extended period of time.  Clean in small sections until the entire screen is streak-free. Any of our Klear Screen products will safely clean a glossy TFT screen effectively but you must utilize one of our Micro-Chamois or Micro-Fiber Cloths with whatever Klear Screen solution you choose to achieve satisfactory results.  Please review the specific glossy screen cleaning instructions in theKlear Screen Application Guide (PDF)for detailed cleaning information on all glossy TFT screens.

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