Laptop screens tend to collect dust, food particles, and other debris that starts to look unattractive in no time. It is important to use very gentle tools to clean the laptop screen, because the LCD surface is easily damaged. Using a microfiber cloth and a simple solution of water and vinegar can give you the desired results if you don't want to buy a special screen cleaner.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Cleaning the Laptop Screen with a Microfiber Wipe
Step 1. Turn off the computer and remove the power adapter and battery
Cleaning a screen that is still in use can result in permanent damage, so be safe and turn everything off. Don't just leave the laptop inactive.
Step 2. Provide a microfiber cloth
This rag is made of a kind of fabric that does not produce lint, in addition to being very soft. If you use a washcloth, t-shirt, or other type of cloth, it can leave extra lint on the skin or scratch the laptop screen.
- Don't use paper items. Do not use paper napkins, kitchen tissue, bathroom tissue, or other paper items, as these can scratch and damage the laptop screen.
- The microfiber cloth is useful for cleaning all types of screens and lenses.
Step 3. Wipe the laptop screen with a soft cloth
Wipe in one motion to remove dust and other free particles on the screen. Wipe gently without using a lot of pressure, because if you press hard, you can damage the screen.
- When you wipe it in a gentle circular motion, you will be able to remove more difficult stains.
- Do not rub the screen, because it can cause laptop pixel interference.
Step 4. Clean the edges of the laptop with a mild cleaning solution
If the area around the screen is dirty, you can use a common household cleaning solution and kitchen paper; Be careful not to hit the screen.
Method 2 of 3: Using Cleaning Solution
Step 1. Turn off the computer and remove the power adapter and battery
Since you are using liquid to clean the screen in this way, it is important to turn off the computer and unplug the adapter from the wall outlet.
Step 2. Make a gentle cleaning solution
The ideal solution consists of fresh distilled water that does not contain chemicals and is gentle on laptop screens. If heavier cleaning is necessary, a 50:50 mixture of white vinegar and distilled water is also effective.
- Make sure you use plain white vinegar, not apple cider vinegar or something similar.
- Distilled water is better than tap water because it is chemical-free.
- Manufacturers no longer recommend using cleaners with alcohol, ammonia, or other harsh solutions for LCD screens.
Step 3. Put the solution in a small spray bottle
This is a type of spray bottle that is pressed from the top to produce a fine vapor, which is similar to a perfume bottle. Pour the solution into a spray bottle and secure the top. However, do not use this bottle to spray on the laptop screen itself.
Step 4. Apply a small amount of the solution to the microfiber cloth
A lint-free, non-stick rag is good to use. Remember, do not use a regular cloth, because a cloth like this can scratch the screen. Do not soak the rag; You just need to make it moist, which is the purpose of using a spray bottle to wet it.
- Wet rags can drip or run water when cleaning the screen and the solution can drip behind the edges of the screen and permanently damage the screen.
- Try applying the solution only to the corners of the rag, to make sure you don't wet it too much.
Step 5. Wipe the cloth on the screen in a circular motion
A quick circular motion usually removes dirt. Apply gentle, even pressure to the rag. Use sufficient pressure so that the cloth is in contact with the screen. Do not press your finger on the cloth or screen, as applying too much pressure when cleaning the screen can permanently damage the LCD matrix and render the screen unusable.
- Hold the screen by the top or bottom so the smudges don't come back when you wipe the screen.
- You will need to wipe the screen a few times before all the smudges are gone. You may also need to moisten the cloth again when wiping the screen, depending on how many times you need to wipe the screen.
Method 3 of 3: Knowing What Not to Do
Step 1. Do not wet the laptop screen directly
Under no circumstances should spray water directly on the laptop screen. This significantly increases the chance of water entering the machine, thereby causing a short circuit. Use only water if you are applying it with a soft cloth.
Do not immerse the cloth in water. A soaked rag may drip excess water and enter the machine, which could cause serious damage to the computer. If you accidentally use too much water, wring out the cloth until it feels just damp
Step 2. Do not use ordinary cleaning tools on the screen
The only cleaners that are safe for laptop screens are a mixture of water and vinegar or a special commercial cleaner intended for LCD screens. Do not use the following cleaners:
- window cleaner
- All-purpose cleaner
- Dish soap or any kind of soap
Step 3. Do not rub the laptop screen
If you press too hard on the screen, you could permanently damage the laptop. Use gentle circular motions when cleaning the screen. Do not use a brush or anything but a very soft cloth to clean the screen.
Tips
- Tissues, paper towels, and other paper products will leave paper chips on the laptop monitor. Better not to try to use these objects. Paper contains wood fibers and can scratch smooth surfaces.
- You don't want mineral smudges on your laptop screen, so don't use tap water.
- Use a cotton ball with the cleaning solution to reach hard-to-reach areas.
- If you are a photographer, you can use a lint-free lens cloth instead of a soft cotton cloth.
- If you have lens cleaner for glasses, check the back of the package to see if it contains “isopropanol” or not, if so, don't use it to clean LCD monitors.
- If too much solution has been applied to drip or it is too damp, wipe it off with a soft cloth and apply a small amount.
- Clean and let the cloth soak for a while, then repeat wiping again. Be patient to clean the parts that are difficult to clean.
- If in doubt, try first on a small part of the laptop screen.
Warning
- Turn off the laptop, unplug it from the power adapter, and remove the battery before cleaning as this can risk damaging the pixels on the LCD screen.
- Wet/dry cleaning wipes of LCD for an application are available to solve the problems mentioned and not mentioned above. A damp cloth is moistened with an appropriate amount of cleaning solution so that water does not drip or run on the laptop screen. The cloth contained in the package is a lint-free cloth and does not leave stains if used as directed.
