Laptop screens are magnets for dirt, dust, and grime. Whether it’s fingerprints from your touchscreen, food spills, or just general dust accumulation, cleaning your laptop screen can be a delicate task. You might wonder if you need a special cleaning fluid, how hard to rub, or what to use. Even using water can be risky due to minerals. Fear not! This guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools to clean your laptop screen without causing any damage.
For Dust: The Microfiber Cloth
For those who wear glasses or own a camera, the microfiber cloth is a familiar friend. It’s the go-to tool for cleaning camera lenses and eyeglasses, and it’s perfect for your laptop screen too. Microfiber cloths are designed to remove dust and debris without leaving lint or scratching delicate surfaces. They’re the first line of defense against dust.
Important Note:
Avoid paper towels and tissues. They may seem soft, but they can be quite rough on scratch-prone displays.Step-by-Step Dust Removal:
1.
Shut Down Your Laptop:
This is a safety precaution and allows you to easily see dust on the blank screen.2.
Gentle Wiping:
Use a microfiber cloth to wipe the screen in one direction, applying gentle pressure. Avoid scrubbing or circular motions, which can damage the display or just move the dust around.3.
Dust-Free Perfection:
Continue wiping until the screen is dust-free.Duster Alternatives:
You can also use a duster to remove dust, especially if the coating is light. Avoid feather-style dusters, which tend to push dust around. Instead, choose a duster that collects dust, like a Swiffer duster. If using a Swiffer duster, remember to shut down your laptop beforehand. There’s no set method for using a duster, but moving in an X pattern from top to bottom can be effective.
For Dirt and Grime: The Damp Sponge
When dust isn’t the only culprit, a damp sponge comes to the rescue. Instead of rubbing at stubborn dirt with a microfiber cloth, which can dirty the cloth, a damp sponge is a better option.
You’ll Need:
* A brand new household sponge
* Distilled, deionized, or filtered water
Important Note:
Avoid standard tap water. Unseen minerals can scratch your display.Step-by-Step Dirt Removal:
1.
Power Off and Unplug:
Shut down your laptop and unplug it from its power source. If possible, remove the battery for extra safety.2.
Keyboard Protection:
If you’re concerned about drips reaching your keyboard, place a lightweight, non-absorbent material over the keys.3.
Dampen the Sponge:
Wet the sponge with water and wring it out thoroughly to eliminate dripping.4.
Gentle Wiping:
Gently wipe the affected area of the screen with the damp sponge. Be watchful for drips and clean them up immediately.5.
Drying Time:
Allow the display to dry completely before closing the lid or using your laptop.For Oils and Sticky Stuff: Cleaning Solutions
If the cloth and sponge methods don’t remove the grime, it’s time for a safe screen-cleaning spray. However, not all cleaning solutions are safe for laptop screens. Certain chemicals can scratch the surface, even when using a microfiber cloth.
Absolutely Avoid:
* Acetone
* Ammonia
* Ethyl acid
* Ethyl alcohol
* Methyl alcohol
* Methyl chloride
* Surface cleaners
* Toluene
* Window cleaners
* Any other corrosive substances
Safe Cleaning Solutions:
You can purchase third-party screen cleaners, but ensure they don’t contain any of the chemicals listed above. Alternatively, you can create your own cleaning solution using the following:
* 50% distilled water and 50% white vinegar
* 50% distilled water and 50% isopropyl alcohol
* 100% distilled water and a drop of dish detergent
Important Note:
You can use alcohol to clean a laptop screen, but it must be isopropyl alcohol, not methyl or ethyl.Step-by-Step Cleaning with Solution:
1.
Power Off and Unplug:
Turn off your laptop, unplug it from its charger, and remove the battery if possible.2.
Keyboard Protection:
If you’re worried about drips, place a lightweight, non-absorbent material over the keyboard.3.
Dampen the Cloth:
Pour or spray your chosen cleaning fluid onto a microfiber cloth. Ensure the cloth is damp, not wet. Never spray cleaning fluid directly onto the screen.4.
Gentle Circular Rubbing:
Gently rub the damp cloth over the affected area in small circles to avoid streaks. Don’t press too hard, as this could distort the screen.5.
Dry Thoroughly:
Repeat the process until the screen is completely free of moisture. Check the keyboard and any connected hardware for any liquid pooling.6.
Air Dry:
As a precaution, allow the screen to air dry for half an hour. Once dry, you can close the lid and turn on your laptop.Remember, our laptops see a lot of action. Food, drinks, and general use leave behind traces on the screen, keyboard, and other crevices. Taking the time to clean them helps maintain their appearance and functionality. By following these tips, you can keep your laptop looking its best! And once you’ve cleaned your laptop screen, consider cleaning your laptop keyboard and fans for a complete refresh.
