how to clean lcd display supplier

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.

Things to consider before cleaning or handling an electronic displayAvoid static by grounding your body and following proper ESD-safe handling techniques.

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.

Industrial LCD displays and computer monitors are generally very low maintenance, but they do need a good cleaning every once in a while to make the viewing experience more enjoyable and extend their lifespan. But it’s important that you learn the proper ways to clean LCD screens to avoid damaging them in the process. Keep reading to learn how to clean a monitor screen the right way, so that you can get the most use out of it and remove smudges, dirt, and germs.

Cleaning your computer screen the wrong way could actually damage it and lead to expensive repairs or replacements. To avoid this type of headache, here are some tips on how to clean a monitor screen the right way.

Computers usually come with special care instructions from the manufacturers that explain in detail the proper ways to care for your device and keep it clean. Before setting up your device, make sure to read through the care instructions carefully and follow them closely. If you have any questions or need further assistance, you can contact the manufacturer directly.

Make sure to turn the monitor off before you start cleaning it as wiping it with a damp cloth while it’s on can damage the pixels. Plus, it’s easier to see the dust, smudges, and dust particles when the screen is off and completely black. That way, you can make sure you get a thorough clean without damaging the screen. Turning off touchscreen devices before cleaning is also highly recommended so you can avoid accidental touches that perform the wrong actions or functions.

LCD screens have protective anti-glare and anti-reflective coatings on them to improve visibility. Touchscreens also have oleophobic coatings that prevent fingerprint oil smudges from appearing on the screen. Store-bought glass cleaners contain harsh chemicals such as alcohol and ammonia, which can penetrate the surface of the screen and severely damage its internal mechanism after wearing down the protective coatings. It’s best to stay away from using household cleaners on your industrial LCD displays unless you have the greenlight from the manufacturer.

Canned air is incredibly effective at blasting away dust particles, crumbs, hairs, and any other organic materials that can become stuck to your screen or lodged between the keys on your keyboard. This prevents the particles from scratching the surface of the screen.

If blasting the screen with canned air or wiping it down with a microfiber cloth doesn’t work, then your next best option is cleaning it with distilled water. Unlike tap water, distilled water isn’t fortified with mineral deposits that can scratch or damage industrial display monitors. Many manufacturers advise against spraying the water directly onto the screen for obvious reasons. Instead, spray a small amount onto a microfiber cloth until it’s just damp and gently spot wipe the parts of the display that need it.

Some manufacturers of industrial computer monitors also sell special screen cleaners that are meant to go along with their products. If you’re lucky, they might even be included with your original purchase. These are light cleaning solutions that effectively remove dirt, grime, and dust from your screen for optimal functionality and usability. After applying a cleaning solution to your screen, make sure to let it dry completely before resuming usage. Otherwise, you’re just going to smudge the screen again if it’s a touchscreen.

For more tips on how to clean a monitor screen and keep it in tiptop shape, contact Nauticomp Inc. We’re one of the leading suppliers of industrial computer monitors and displays around the globe.

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 common sense that electronic devices shouldn’t come into direct contact with any liquids (especially if they’re still plugged in), not everyone seems to think so and many people have made the mistake of spraying cleaning agents onto their devices. The safer and smarter way to clean any rackmount LCD display is by first wiping it down with a dry cloth and then spraying a small amount of the cleaning solution onto a different cloth and wiping it down gently. After you do this, wipe it down with a clean dry cloth to remove any remaining liquid.

Always avoid using ammonia or rubbing alcohol based cleaners on your touchscreen devices. The devices themselves might be constructed with the capability to withstand most types of damages, but certain features they possess aren’t. Ammonia and rubbing alcohol can irreparably strip away or damage the extremely delicate anti-glare coating on the screen, which will not only negatively alter your viewing experience but also make your device a lot harder to use in strong sunlight.

Dust that settles between the gaps in the screen where the bezel and the top layer of glass or plastic meet can penetrate deeper and cause internal damage to your device. Regularly using a vacuum with a soft-bristled brush (to prevent scratching) can help you keep your device clean and free of any issues.

For extra measure, you can also spray the surface of your screen, computer keyboard, or even the vent on the back of the device with a can of compressed air to blast away any lingering and stubborn debris or dust. If any of it lands on the surface of the device, make sure to gently wipe it away with a clean cloth to prevent it from making its way back into your device. Implementing this cleaning method on a regular basis will ultimately help to guarantee the longevity and functionality of your device.

Nauticomp Inc. is the proud designer, manufacturer and distributor of countless rugged LCD and LED monitors and displays. We’ve been working in the technological industry for more than 20 years and supply a variety of businesses including marine bases, military bases, restaurants, casinos, retail stores, shopping centers, and healthcare facilities with durable and high-quality LED and LCD displays that serve a wide range of purposes. For more information about our company or our products, please feel free to contact us.

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:

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!

The TFT (Thin Film Transistor) LCD display screens of computers, laptops, televisions, and other devices are delicate. They need to be handled and maintained properly to keep them in good shape. Otherwise, the lack of maintenance can lead to glitches and other problems that could affect the entire device.

As a business owner, you should be aware of how to take care of the materials you use in your products. This way, you can assure your customers of quality goods and services. Here are some things to keep in mind when cleaning and maintaining TFT LCD display.

Avoid using abrasive materials like paper towels and newspaper in cleaning TFT LCD screens as they may scratch the surface. Instead, opt for a lint-free cloth. To remove dirt, you may use plain water or add a small amount of vinegar. However, don’t spray the liquid directly on the monitor, and remember to put gentle pressure when wiping the screen.

Though TFT LCDs look like glass, it’s important to remember that it’s plastic so that you can treat it as that. Given this, don’t use glass cleaners that have ammonia or alcohol in it as it could be harmful to the TFT LCD.

Don’t put heavy objects on top of TFT LCD module as it could damage the material and its components. Make sure it’s safe from anything that might scratch, wet, or hit it as the crystals sandwiched between two thin plastic sheets are electronically sensitive. Also, it shouldn’t be able to absorb any moisture as it won’t go away by itself and it might damage the entire display.

If you display laptops in your store, make sure that you also clean the keyboards and not just the LCD screen. This is because folding down the lid exposes the screen to keyboard dust, dirt, and other contaminants. So, it’s necessary to keep the entire device clean to protect the TFT LCD.

These are only some of the ways to properly handle TFT LCD screens. It’s best to ask your supplier for tips on how to take care of the materials to ensure that they’re always in top condition.

It’s necessary to clean your LCD monitor to keep it in good condition. However, you need to be careful when doing so because such technology is sensitive and delicate. It requires a certain set of cleaning solutions and techniques. Otherwise, you risk damaging the monitor.

Some people are used to spraying cleaning fluid directly to the screen of old monitors. This is because such screens like CRT monitors are more water tight. Doing this to an LCD monitor, however, is dangerous. Modern screens, including flat screen monitors and HDTV sets, consist of layers of various materials such as glasses, plastics, display elements, and adhesives. When liquid gets into any of these layers, it can seep through and cause damage. Imagine a cloth absorbing water. That’s what will happen to your LCD screen.

Stay away from these types of cleaning fluids as using them may lead to screen clouding and other problems. Such cleaning solutions may remove reflective coatings off an LCD screen, damaging it. Remember that LCD screens, even if they seem to only be made of glossy glass, have coating elements that may not be resistant to the chemicals found in strong cleaning solutions. So, when cleaning your LCD screen, don’t get that window cleaner.

Anything abrasive that touches a sensitive and delicate LCD screen can damage it. This is why you shouldn’t use paper towels and cleaning rags you just picked up from the kitchen. Paper towels are abrasive, which can scratch and cause buffed spots on your monitor. The same goes with general cleaning rags. You may not be aware of the tiny specs of abrasive materials that are holding on to the rag. So, to avoid such a disaster, use soft materials in cleaning the screen.

Regular cleaning and maintenance of LCD screens should be done properly if you don’t want to bring it to a repair shop due to the damage caused by improperly cleaning it. Your LCD module manufacturer knows the proper way of taking care of such technology, so don’t hesitate to ask them for help and advice.

If any marks remain, moisten the cloth with LCD cleaner, and then gently stroke the cloth across the display in one direction, moving from the top of the display to the bottom.

Notice: Do not use any of the following chemicals or any solutions that contain them: acetone, ethyl alcohol, toluene, ethyl acid, ammonia, or methyl chloride. If you have a different chemical or solution and are not sure whether it is suitable, do not use it. Using any of the chemicals in the previous list may cause permanent damage to the LCD screen. Some commercial window cleaners contain ammonia and are, therefore, unacceptable.

Note: Many cleaning solutions are sold specifically as LCD cleaners. You can use these to clean LCD screens on Dell laptops. Alternately, you may use a 50/50 isopropyl alcohol and water mixture. Microfiber cloths such as those used to clean eyeglasses are excellent for use with LCDs.

Please visit the support page for your manufacturer to find out how to clean your LCD. The support pages for some manufacturers are listed on the Checking Warranty page.

LCD screens are great for saving space and electricity. They are also more affordable than CRT screens and usually produce a better quality picture. However, LCD screens tend to become just as dirty as other types of screens but are more difficult to clean and protect. While the benefits of using an LCD screen are numerous, cleaning them can be extremely difficult. Moreover, improper cleaning can damage the display, burn the pixels or leave unsightly streaks from one end of the screen to the other. Fortunately, you need not purchase expensive commercial products to use on your LCD TV screen or computer monitor.

It is always best to follow manufacturer’s suggestions for product care, but generally it is safe to clean an LCD screen using a very soft, 100% cotton cloth, and a mixture of distilled water and clear vinegar. If you prefer buying ready-made products, LCD cleaners are available from electronics shops in spray bottles.

While it might be tempting to use an old tee shirt for a cotton cloth, the seams can potentially scratch the screen. Flannel is the recommended material, and you can visit a fabric shop and buy a yard (0.9 meters) of 100% untreated cotton flannel for very little money. By purchasing this amount of fabric, you’ll be able to cut new cloths when the old one gets dirty. Microfiber cloth is also a good choice.

While many people use isopropyl alcohol in a 50/50 solution with distilled water, some manufacturers warn against this. If you are inclined to use isopropyl rather than vinegar, check with the manufacturer’s website of your LCD product to be sure this is acceptable. Many store-bought LCD cleaners contain isopropyl, and it is generally considered safe and effective.

Otherwise, a 50/50 solution of distilled water and white vinegar can be combined in a spray bottle. Avoid using a bottle that had previous cleaners or agents in it — a new spray bottle can be purchased at the grocery store. Choose a sprayer that is capable of a fine mist.

Cut a piece of cloth large enough to fold into a nice square pad that is a few layers thick. Spray your 50/50 solution on to the surface of the cloth, lightly dampening it. Be sure the cloth isn"t so wet that it will drip down the screen. Do not spray the solution directly on to the LCD screen.

Before you clean an LCD screen, power it off to avoid potential damage. Take your cloth and gently wipe the surface from top to bottom, moving downward in a straight line. When you reach the bottom lift the cloth away and place it at the top again to proceed. Use a very light touch, as pressing against the screen could damage its pixels.

Do not move the cloth in a circular motion to rub out fingerprints or smudges. The solution will do the trick. If you have to cover an area twice, wait until its dry, then repeat the process. The vinegar should cut through any dirt or body oils deposited on the screen. By following this simple procedure, your screen should stay clear and unblemished.

Never use paper towels, napkins, or tissues to clean an LCD screen. These materials will either scratch the screen or leave debris. Household cleaners and ammonia should also be avoided, as they can leave a white cast, ruining the screen’s finish.

Do you want to know how to clean LCD Screen? Cleaning your electronic device display is not another nature but should be performed periodically. As a committed LCD manufacturer, we would like to ensure our customers are informed on decent cleaning techniques to educate their production facilities and customer base. The same method can be applied to displays with cover lenses and touch screen displays.

Mix equal portions of isopropyl alcohol and distilled water in a clean spray bottle. Do not utilize tap water or risk leaving streaks on your LCD screen when you are finished cleaning it.

Revert Step 3 and Step 4 until the screen is spotless or until the cloth converts too dirty or wet to continue. Use a second cloth to complete the job, if required.

Turn the LCD television or monitor back on once the screen has dried fully. Check carefully for any areas that you may have missed that are now apparent.

Lenovo laptop screens use LCD technology. LCD screens are not built out of glass. Rather, they are made out of a soft plastic that can be simply damaged; this is why LCD screens make a watery image nearby your finger when you press on them. Although cleaning an LCD screen looks like a simple task, it needs some knowledge of what elements should be used. For instance, paper towels can ruin the LCD screen, whereas a cotton cloth will not.

Take the soft cotton cloth and wet it with the solution until it is moist. Do not make the fabric too sticky so that the mixture does not drip onto the laptop.

Your flat-screen television will need periodic cleaning to ensure that it stays in good working order. Flat-screen TVs gather dust particles and lint and readily show oil-based soil such as fingerprints and grease stains. Older TVs were simple to clean because they were covered with thick glass screens, but modern flat-screen TVs cannot be subjected to regular household cleaning as they have simply damaged, thin, sensitive screens. You can have most flat-screen TVs dust free by cleaning with a soft cloth and compressed air, but some need unique cleaning solutions.

Turn the flat-screen TV off and disconnect it from the power supply. This will guard you against the danger of electric shock. A darkened flat screen will also quickly show up dirt, grease spots, and fingerprints.

Check whether your flat-screen TV has a protecting screen shield by either inspecting it for the presence of a plastic shield over the screen or by lightly placing a fingertip on the screen and checking to see whether you can touch the screen directly and distort the underlying surface or if a shield is stopping you from doing so.

Examine the manufacturer’s product guide that came with your flat screen TV to see if there are any particular cleaning instructions for that particular model and if a unique cleaning solution is required.

Blast any trapped dirt out of the screen’s corners and sides with compressed air, taking care not to aim the blast immediately at the screen but the crevices between the screen and the frame.

Verify whether your LCD TV has a glossy or matte screen. Dust your glossy-screened LCD or plasma TV with a soft microfiber cloth to eliminate dust and fingerprints. Use extremely gentle pressure and small circular motions.

Dampen a clean microfiber cloth with a few drops of distilled water and apply it to clean off any fingerprints. Take care not to touch the screen while rubbing.

Rub a little amount of dish soap onto a clean microfiber cloth dampened with distilled water as in the preceding step and use this to clean off grease stains or stubborn fingerprints smoothly. Lightly buff the screen with a dry microfiber cloth to eliminate the remaining traces of dish soap.

A: Distilled water is the favored solvent since it’s the light damaging to your LCD screen. Repeated utilization of alcohol/ammonia-based cleaners can create permanent damage. The screen can grow brittle and eventually crack.

A: First and leading, do not use any chemical products on an LCD screen. Particularly do not use a standard window cleaner (Windex, etc.) or anything with alcohol or ammonia in it. Windex was OK on the good old tube TVs, but has to stay apart from the delicate screens of LCD, LED, and Plasma TVs.

A: Start by dusting TV screens with a dry microfiber cloth. This will often do the trick to remove dust and smudges, making more cleaning unnecessary. If streaks or stains remain, Reichert recommends wetting a microfiber cloth with water (distilled water is best) and wringing the fabric until it’s nearly dry.

A: First off, bypass corrosive substances! That indicates no alcohol- or ammonia-based cleaners (like diluted rubbing alcohol or Windex). These cleaners can ruin your screen by stripping anti-reflective coatings, create clouding, or worse. Next, be cautious what you use to wipe the screen.

After using the TFT LCD for a period of time, you will find that a layer of dust is often adsorbed on the display (it is more obvious whenyou turn off theLCD), and sometimes you accidentally attach various water stains, which will definitely affect the visual effect. , How to clean it?

2.Move the LCD to a place with good natural light, so that you can see where the dust is, which is more conducive to targeted and achieve a better cleaning effect.

3.No special solution or cloth is needed to clean the TFT LCD screen. Experience tells us that water + soft lint-free cloth or pure cotton lint-free cloth is the best tool for cleaning the TFT LCD screen (you can also use paper towels) . When cleaning, usea cotton-free lint-free cloth dipped in water and wring it out slightly, then use a slightly damp soft lint-free cloth to gently wipe the dust on thedisplay(do not squeeze the display forcefully). Wipe from one side to the other until all are wiped clean, don"t wave wildly.

Tips: Do not wipe with hard cloth or hard paper. At the same time, never use a cleaning solution containing alcohol or acetone or a cleaning agent containing chemical components, and do not spray the liquid directly onto the screen surface, so as to prevent the liquid from penetrating into the protective film.

4.After cleaning the LCD screen with a damp soft cloth, use a damp cloth to clean it again. Finally, let the moisture on the LCD screen dry naturally in a ventilated place.

1.Avoid vibration. The LCD screen of the LCD is very fragile, to avoid strong shock and vibration. Do not apply pressure to theLCDscreenof the LCD or bump or squeeze the LCD display back cover.

2.Avoid using the screen for a long time. Long-term work is not a good thing for LCD, if you are not in use, you must turn off the monitor power. For the same reason, use wallpapers and screensavers with caution when using LCDs. The screens of most wallpapers and screensavers are colorful, and the contrast oflightand dark changesis strong. Prolonged use will distort the LCD color, thus affecting the life of the LCD display. Therefore, it is best to use a monochrome screen and cancel the screen saver when using the LCD.

3.Prevent electromagnetic interference. Whether it is a CRT or TFT LCD display, keep away from objects with strong magnetic fields. The surrounding strong magnetic field will causeadditional voltage inside thedisplay,which affects the stability of the display voltage. Being in a strong magnetic field for a long time will also distort the color, which will affect the display effect and life span of the LCD.

4. Be careful of humidity. Do not allow any moisture to enter the LCD. If the indoor humidity is too high, condensation may occur inside the LCD, resulting inleakage and shortcircuitof the LCD, and serious damage to the display. For some southern areaswith high humidity, you can place the LCD in a warmer and dry place, or you can periodically bake the back of the LCD screen with a low-power desk lamp to allow the moisture in it to evaporate.

Use only a soft, lint-free cloth. EIZO recommends the microfiber cloth that comes with EIZO"s ScreenCleaner kit. Using material other than a microfiber cloth could cause damage to your product.

Moisten a soft cloth with 70% isopropyl alcohol solution. Please follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully for cleaning and disinfecting with isopropyl alcohol.

When cleaning a display screen, wipe off any dirt on the display surface with the cloth moistened with cleaning fluid. Do not press on the screen or edge of the frame strongly, as this may result in display malfunctions. Do not attempt to brush as this may scratch the panel.

Ensure surfaces have completely air-dried before turning the device on after cleaning. No moisture should be visible on the surfaces of the product before it is powered on.

Never use any thinner, benzene, wax, or abrasive cleaner, which may damage the products. Do not let chemicals come into direct contact with the products.

Q: I have a new LCD television, and I"m not sure how to clean it. With my old tube set, I just spritzed it with Windex, but the surface of my new TV isn"t glass.

A: "We recommend using LCD cleanser that can be purchased at any electronics store," says a customer service tech for Westinghouse, a manufacturer of popular LCD televisions. The cleaner can be found in both spray and wipe form. But what exactly goes into these LCD solutions?

Kai Hui of MG Chemicals, makers of one of many available LCD cleaners, explains, "The main ingredient in most wipes on the market is water. There needs to be a small percentage of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) to help get rid of the grease from busy fingers." Some LCD cleaning solutions may include up to 50 percent IPA, according to Hui, but any more than that could damage the screens.

Since I"d never suggest you spend more money than you have to, I"d start with a clean, soft cloth and regular ol" tap water. You can add just a capful of isopropyl alcohol to a glass of water if you need something to help loosen the greasy gunk on the screen, so it can wipe off more easily. Get the cloth damp and then apply to the screen instead of splashing the screen and trying to wipe up the liquid; and always -- always -- use a clean cloth, as tiny, hard particles trapped in the fibers can scratch the surface of your screen.

Back when you used to have CRT monitors and TVs, you could clean them with almost anything. The screen was made out of glass and nothing else. That’s no longer the case with today’s LCD and OLED displays.

The modern display is a sensitive device that requires special care. You can easily damage a touchscreen if you clean it using a rough sponge or an aggressive cleaning agent. You’ll eventually scratch the screen and damage its special coatings, and you’ll end up with an inferior device that no longer takes your touch commands. This applies to any laptop, tablet, TV, phone, or another device with LCD, MicroLED, or OLED display.

Most people open the box, take the smart TV or monitor out, plug it in, and that’s that. They ignore the manufacturer’s instructions. Don’t skip reading those instructions. Some manufacturers offer specific cleaning product recommendations to be used with their products.

For example, Dell might recommend using 70% isopropyl alcohol to clean one of their PC monitor models, while Samsung might recommend using nothing other than a dry microfiber cloth. Despite general recommendations, you should always prioritize the manufacturer’s specific instructions. This will also help you with warranty claims.

Some screens, especially touch screens, have special coatings for protection and to reduce the amount of reflection and glare. Harsh chemicals will remove those coatings and even damage the material of the display. Don’t use any household cleaning agents.

Stay away from glass cleaning products and anything that contains ammonia, chlorine, and even alcohol. Isopropyl alcohol is sometimes okay to use if specified by the manufacturer. Just make sure you pay attention to the percentage, which is usually 70% or 90%.

If you’ve been cleaning your TV or monitor with one of the aforementioned solutions, stop. Using them a few times might not cause any visible damage, but over time they’ll leave streaks once the protective coating is gone.

When you aren’t sure what’s safe to use, use canned air and microfiber cloths. Canned air is great for cleaning computer hardware, keyboards, as well as monitors, and TVs. It can’t cause any damage to the surface of the screen whether you’re cleaning a tablet, an OLED monitor, or an old school glass TV.

Dust gathers on the surface of your screen, especially around the edges, so start by blowing it off with compressed air. Use a high-quality microfiber cloth to move the stubborn dust particles when the compressed air isn’t enough. All you need is a light touch. Don’t press too hard on the display or you can damage it.

It’s very important to use microfiber cloth only. It’s soft enough not to scratch the screen or damage any of the protective coatings. Don’t use paper towels or tissues because they contain little loose fibers that can cause small scratches.

Sometimes canned air and dry microfiber cloth aren’t enough to remove stubborn particles. Don’t press extra hard when something dry is stuck to the display. Use distilled water instead. Tap water would also work, but we don’t recommend it because it contains all sorts of minerals that will leave streaks behind.

Take note that most manufacturers will tell you to avoid using any liquids, but sometimes you just don’t have a choice. Distilled water is safe to use as long as you just dampen the microfiber cloth enough to remove that pesky spot of dirt. Don’t spray it or splash it directly on your screen. Spray it on the cloth until it’s slightly damp.

Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe the corners of the display and remove the dirt and oils from the screen. Use a light touch. Don’t press hard when you find a stain. This can cause serious damage.

Clean the back of the TV or monitor. You’ll find a lot of dust there. Fortunately, it’s all plastic, so you can use a multipurpose cleaning solution as long as you don’t touch the screen.

Instead of using distilled water with a microfiber cloth, you can opt for one of the many professional cleaners available on the market. It’s important to buy a cleaning kit or cleaning solution that is odorless and without any alcohol or toxins that could damage a TV or monitor display. So take a look at some of the best and safest cleaning solutions we’ve found.

WHOOSH! is an alcohol-free display cleaner. It’s suitable for all types of screens, whether they’re LCD, OLED, LED, or CRT. You can also use it to clean your mobile devices. In fact, this is the same display cleaner that Apple uses in its stores. It’s also completely odorless, so it won’t leave any residues.

EVEO is a screen cleaner safe to use on all types of TVs, monitors, and touchscreen devices. It’s great for removing greasy fingerprints and other stubborn smudges. Just remember not to press hard and use the microfiber cloth that’s included in the package. You can also use EVEO to clean other electronic gadgets.

If you don’t want to use sprays or liquids, try the lens and screen cleaning wipes from Care Touch. They’re individually packed, so when you need to clean a display, you always have one handy.

Care Touch wipes contain some isopropyl alcohol, but not in an amount that should be dangerous. The wipes are made for cleaning all types of screens without damaging the anti-reflection coating. As a bonus, you can also use these wipes on sunglasses and camera lenses.

The more often you clean your TV and computer monitor, the less you’ll have to deal with a build-up of grime and dust. This way a microfiber cloth should also be enough because you won’t have any tough dirt spots. So clean your screens regularly and keep them sparkling.

Even if you don"t have snot-nosed kids or wet-nosed pets, your computer monitor or HDTV panel will eventually accumulate a collection of annoying smudges and stains. My household happens to contain both of the aforementioned creatures and, thus, I"ve developed a method for wiping down the HDTV in the living room and the LCD monitor in my office, as well as the screen of my laptop and iPad.

If you take a quick survey of LCD or HDTV manufacturers about the recommended method for cleaning the surface of your monitor or TV screen, you"ll discover more don"ts than dos, often in conflict with one another.

First, attempt to clean your screen with a dry, lint-free cloth. If you can"t find the cleaning cloth that came with your screen in question, then it"s likely you have one laying around from a laptop, iPad, or iPhone purchase.

After removing any dust from your screen with a dry cloth, dip the other cloth in your dish soap solution, wring it out, and gently wipe your display. Next, rinse out your soapy cloth, wring it out again, and wipe your display to remove any soap residue. Finally, take your dry cloth and wipe the display to remove any streaking.

Editors" note:It"s time for spring cleaning! Week"s two"s theme: physical cleaning.Check backevery day this week to see how best to keep dirt, grime, crumbs, and other annoying bits off your devices. And be sure to return next week for more spring cleaning tips and tricks.