Table of Contents
Today, in this article we will discuss about How to Clean Laptop Screen safely and securely. Over time, dust, dirt, and smudges tend to build up on laptop screens. Since the surface of your laptop screen is easy to damage, you should only use soft materials to clean it. Your screen is easy to clean with things you probably already have at home. If you don’t want to buy a special screen cleaner, all you need is a lint-free microfiber cloth and a mix of water and vinegar.
It’s important to keep your computer screen clean because dirt, dust, and oils that build up not only look bad but can also make it hard to see what’s on the screen. We suggest that you clean your computer monitor on a regular basis, no matter if it is a full-sized monitor, a laptop screen, or even a touchscreen, because doing so will save you a lot of time and effort in the long run. In short, it would be easier to clean it every week or two than to wait a year how to Clean Laptop Screen safely and securely.
Importance of Cleaning Laptop Screens
- Visibility: A clean laptop screen improves visibility and clarity, allowing you to see the content on your screen more easily. Dust, fingerprints, smudges, and other dirt can obscure the display, making it difficult to read or view images and videos.
- Eye Comfort: A clean screen reduces eye strain and fatigue. Dust particles and smudges on the screen can cause glare, reflections, and distractions, which can strain your eyes over prolonged use. By keeping the screen clean, you create a more comfortable viewing experience.
- Longevity: Regularly cleaning your laptop screen helps maintain its longevity. Dust and debris can accumulate on the screen and potentially cause scratches if not cleaned properly. By keeping the screen clean, you minimize the risk of damage and extend its lifespan.
- Hygiene: Laptop screens can harbor bacteria, germs, and allergens. Regular cleaning helps remove these contaminants, promoting a more hygienic environment, especially if you frequently touch the screen or share your laptop with others.
- Performance: A dirty screen can impact the performance of touch-enabled laptops or devices with touchscreens. Dust and smudges on the screen may interfere with touch sensitivity, accuracy, or responsiveness. Cleaning the screen ensures optimal touch performance.
- Aesthetics: A clean laptop screen enhances the overall appearance of your device. It provides a polished, professional look, free from distracting marks or blemishes. Whether you use your laptop for work, presentations, or personal use, a clean screen contributes to a more visually appealing experience.
Precautions and Safety Measures
- Backup your data: Before making any major changes to your system, it’s important to create backups of your important files and data. This ensures that even if something goes wrong during the process, you won’t lose your valuable information.
- Use genuine software: Ensure that you have genuine and licensed copies of the Windows installation CD/DVD or USB bootable drive. Using pirated or unauthorized software can pose security risks and may not function properly.
- Be cautious with BIOS settings: When entering the BIOS, be careful not to modify any settings unless you know what you’re doing. Incorrect changes in the BIOS can result in system instability or failure to boot.
- Follow instructions carefully: Read and follow the instructions provided with the Windows installation CD/DVD or USB bootable drive. Each step should be followed accurately to ensure a successful installation or repair process.
- Avoid interruptions: During the installation or repair process, it’s important to avoid any interruptions or power loss. Ensure that your machine is plugged into a stable power source and avoid pressing any keys or turning off the system unless instructed to do so.
- Keep your system secure: After the installation or repair process, make sure to install the necessary security updates, enable a firewall, and use reliable antivirus software to protect your system from potential threats.
- Seek professional help if unsure: If you are not familiar with the installation or repair process, or if you encounter any difficulties, it’s advisable to seek professional assistance. They can guide you through the process and help avoid any potential risks or mistakes.
Gather the Necessary Cleaning Materials
- Microfiber Cleaning Cloth: A soft and lint-free cloth that is safe to use on delicate surfaces like laptop screens.
- Isopropyl Alcohol: A solution with a high percentage of isopropyl alcohol (at least 70%) for effective cleaning and disinfecting.
- Distilled Water: Pure distilled water to dilute the cleaning solution or use as a standalone cleaner for sensitive screens.
- Cleaning Brush: A soft-bristled brush or keyboard cleaning brush for gently removing dust and particles.
- Compressed Air Blower: A handheld device that blows high-pressure air to dislodge dust and dirt from the screen.
- Protective Gloves: Optional but recommended to keep your hands clean and prevent any oil or residue transfer.
- Water-based Screen Cleaning Spray: A non-alcohol, water-based spray specifically made for cleaning screens without streaks or residue.
- Soft, Lint-Free Cloth or Paper Towels: Used in conjunction with cleaning solutions to wipe and dry the laptop screen.
- Plastic or Silicone Spudger: A non-metallic tool used for gently lifting and removing stubborn dirt or grime.
Ways to Clean Laptop Screen safely and securely
Clean and disinfect a non-LCD (glass-covered) laptop screen
- Unplug your laptop from its power source and turn it off. Do the same for your devices.
- Use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe your screen clean and get rid of dust, smudges, and fingerprints.
- Make sure a cleaning wipe isn’t too wet, then gently wipe your laptop’s screen both horizontally and vertically, making sure it stays wet for as long as the package says and being careful not to touch any ports or speakers.
- Let your screen air dry. If there are still streaks, wipe it again with a clean microfiber cloth.
Clean an LCD (not glass-covered) laptop screen
- Do not use disinfecting wipes on a PC laptop with an LCD screen as they could damage it.
- Manufacturers, such as Hewlett-Packard, caution against using wipes with active ingredients like Clorox and Lysol.
- The HP customer support web page advises against using chemicals such as acetone, ethyl alcohol, toluene, ethyl acid, ammonia, or methyl chloride.
- Some commercial glass cleaners that contain ammonia are also unacceptable for cleaning LCD screens.
- It’s best and safest to clean the screen with a dry cloth or an LCD-safe cleaner applied sparingly to the cloth first.
- Never spray the screen directly.
- Microfiber cloths have special fibers with more surface area to trap dirt, grime, and germs.
- The edges of microfiber cloths can lift bacteria off the screen.
- While a dry microfiber cloth cannot disinfect an LCD screen, it can safely remove some germs without causing permanent damage.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Cleaning a Laptop Screen
Cleaning a laptop screen requires careful attention to avoid damaging the display. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Using harsh or abrasive materials: Avoid using rough materials such as paper towels, tissues, or abrasive cleaning pads. These can scratch the screen surface.
- Using excessive pressure: Applying too much pressure while cleaning the screen can lead to damage. Gently wipe the screen instead of pressing too hard.
- Spraying liquid directly on the screen: Spraying cleaning solutions or water directly onto the screen can cause liquid to seep into the internal components. Always apply the cleaning solution to a microfiber cloth first, and then use the cloth to clean the screen.
- Using ammonia or alcohol-based cleaners: Avoid using cleaners that contain ammonia, alcohol, or other harsh chemicals. These substances can damage the screen coating. Instead, opt for a screen-specific cleaning solution or use a mixture of distilled water and mild soap.
- Not powering off or unplugging the laptop: Before cleaning the screen, make sure to power off the laptop and unplug it from the power source. This ensures safety and prevents any electrical damage.
- Ignoring the manufacturer’s guidelines: Different laptop screens may have specific cleaning instructions provided by the manufacturer. Always refer to the user manual or the manufacturer’s website for any specific cleaning recommendations.
- Using dirty or rough cloths: Ensure that the cloth you use to clean the screen is clean, soft, and lint-free. Using a dirty or rough cloth can introduce dirt or debris onto the screen and potentially scratch it.
Questions and Answers
What is the safest way to clean laptop screen?
Turn off the computer and take the power cord out of it. Use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe the screen. If there are still marks, wet the cloth with LCD cleaner and slowly move it from the top of the screen to the bottom, moving in one direction.
You will need to wet the sponge a little, but not too much. You don’t want water to get into your laptop. Only if your laptop screen is made of glass can you use Windex to clean it.
If a dry cloth isn’t working or if you spilled something on your screen, you can try rubbing alcohol (for screens that aren’t LCD) if you don’t want to buy a special cleaner.
Laptops are just like other electronics in that they don’t work well when they get wet. Your favorite device can be ruined by water damage, like if you spill something on it, drop it in the bathroom, or leave it out in the rain. Most of the time, it’s easy to tell if a laptop has been damaged by water, but this isn’t always the case.