Cleaning Your Monitor

DO IT:  Monthly, or as necessary.

The benefits of cleaning your monitor are obvious.  If you wear eye glasses, you know how important it is to keep them clean so your vision is sharp and clear.  The same is true for your computer screen.  Like everything else in the house, your computer screen gets dusty and dirty.  The correct way for cleaning your monitor depends on the type of monitor you have.  The two most common types of computer screens are covered here.

It is best to turn off your monitor before cleaning for two reasons: 1) it is easier to see dust, smudges and streaks on the black screen; and 2) in the event any cleaning liquid drips down into the monitor itself. 

 Cautions: 

*If cleaning liquid does accidentally drip into the monitor, turn it off immediately and allow it to dry completely before turning it back on.

*Never open the monitor casing which contains electric voltage that can cause shock.  You will only be cleaning the outside of the monitor.

*Using a paper towel or dirty cloth can scratch the screen.   Also, LCD monitors are especially sensitive to methyl chloride, acetone, ethyl acid, ethyl alcohol or ammonia-based cleaners, which can damage the screen.

Traditional Monitor

The glass on a traditional monitor is specially coated to reduce reflection and static electricity on the surface. Due to the delicate coating on the glass surface, use a lint-free, nonabrasive cloth (cotton or equivalent) and a non-alcohol, neutral, nonabrasive cleaning solution to minimize dust. 

What You’ll Need:

Soft cloth     
Mild cleaning solution

Step 1:
These monitors are very easy to clean.  It is important to remember NOT to spray any liquid directly onto the screen.  Instead, spray a soft cloth with a mild cleaning solution and then wipe the screen.  You may also use the same cloth (after you clean the monitor) to wipe down the monitor case.

Flat Panel LCD Monitor

Flat Panel LCD Monitors are the types of screens used in most laptop computers, and are now fashionable for desktop computers because they are flat and thin.  We are now seeing prices decline in flat panel LCD monitors as they gain in popularity. 

The care of a flat panel LCD is very different from that of a CRT.  Whereas CRTs have glass screens, LCD screens are softer.  They require gentler care since they are much more susceptible to scratches, fingerprints and damage.  Just a note – do not touch the screen with your fingers as the oils from your hands can leave permanent marks on your monitor. 

The type of cloth you use on your LCD monitor is very important.  Be sure to use a soft, cotton cloth dedicated only to cleaning your monitor.  DO NOT use a paper towel or any old rag as they will scratch your screen.  Special LCD cleaning clothes are available and can be an excellent investment. 

What You’ll Need:

Soft cloth     
Isopropyl Alcohol

Step 1:
Use a soft, dry cloth to gently clean your screen.  If this does not completely remove dirt and smudges, use a small amount of isopropyl alcohol on a soft cloth that has been dampened with water.  It is important to remember NOT to spray any liquid directly onto the screen.  Instead, spray a soft cloth and then gently wipe the screen.  The preferred method is to keep your cleaning strokes in one direction, moving from the top of the screen to the bottom. 

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