what do you clean an lcd screen with in stock

Screens can scratch easily, and even paper towels and tissues contain fibers that can do damage. “Your best bet is to use a soft, anti-static microfiber cloth—the kind used to clean eyeglasses and camera lenses—and wipe in a circular motion,” says John Walsh, who cleans more than 250 TVs a year in his role as a CR photographer. (Some TV manufacturers will include a cloth for this purpose.) “Gently wipe the screen with a dry cloth to remove dust and other debris, but don’t press too hard,” he says.

You may also want to wipe down the TV’s cabinet, and make sure dust isn’t clogging the vents that help dissipate heat. If the TV is on a stand and not tethered to the wall, Walsh suggests cleaning with one hand while supporting the TV with the other to prevent the set from tipping over. However, CR strongly recommends anchoring all stand-mounted TVs using anti-tipping straps designed for this purpose.

If there are hard-to-remove stains, you can dampen the cloth slightly with distilled water and gently clean the screen. Don’t spray water directly onto the screen; that could cause a shock or component failure if water seeps into the inner workings of the set.

For the most stubborn stains, you can try using a solution of very mild dish soap highly diluted with water, once again applied to the cloth and not to the TV itself. (As a guideline, Panasonic used to recommend a 100:1 ratio of water to soap.) LCD screens, in particular, are very sensitive to pressure and can scratch easily, so don’t press hard.

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.

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!

When it comes to cleaning, flat-screen TVs and LCD screens require special care and a gentle touch. With the wrong technique, you can easily scratch the screen or damage the surface"s antiglare coating. Even rubbing too hard can cause pixels (the tiny dots that compose images on computer monitors and TV screens) to burn out and stop working permanently. Most household cleaning products are too harsh to use on electronic devices with LCD or OLED screens, so choose your TV cleaning strategy carefully. These tips on how to clean a TV screen will help protect your device while ridding it of dust, smudges, fingerprints, and streaks.

To avoid damage to your TV while cleaning, only use gentle products. Never wipe the screen with paper towels, abrasive sponges, or coarsely woven rags, which can cause scratches. Instead, use high-quality, finely woven microfiber cloths to clean TV screens, recommends cleaning expert Leslie Reichert.

You should also avoid cleaning products that contain alcohol or ammonia. These types of cleaners can remove antiglare coatings and cause images to become cloudy or distorted. A simple swipe with a microfiber cloth ($9 for 5, Amazon) is typically all that"s needed to remove dust and other debris from the screen"s surface. When more than a light dusting is required, however, use the guidelines below for the best way to clean a TV.

Practice preventative measures so you won"t have to clean TV screens often. Keep food, drinks, and kids away from TV and computer screens to eradicate risks of messy splatters and fingerprint smudges. During your weekly house cleaning, lightly dust the screens with a microfiber cloth to prevent dust buildup.

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As the weather warms, it"s time for everyone"s "favorite" pastime: spring cleaning. While you"re dusting off the shelves and shoveling out a winter"s worth of detritus, spare a moment to check your TV. Dust and grime can accumulate there, and over time it can become more and more noticeable. And if you have children, there may be an array of fingerprints and other smears on the screen.

The short version? Don"t use liquids, don"t press too hard, don"t use any traditional cleaners. Microfiber cloths are good, but be gentle. Modern TVs are predominantly plastic and therefore far easier to scratch than windows or your phone.

Want the longer version? Here"s what the top TV manufacturers say about cleaning their screens:Cleaning your 4K, OLED, or LED TV screen with a soft, dry cloth is recommended. The goal here is to avoid scratching the screen. Gentle, circular motions tend to give better results, since the circular motion hits each area from several angles in a single swipe.

Caution: Don"t spray water or other liquids directly on the TV, as electric shock could occur.Turn the TV off and let it cool down for a few minutes before unplugging it.

To clean the frame and screen, gently wipe it with a microfiber cleaning cloth. Make sure to wipe the TV frame and screen as gently as possible. TV screens are fragile and can be damaged when pressed too hard.

Important: Never use any type of window cleaner, soap, scouring powder, wax, or any cleanser with solvents such as alcohol, benzene, ammonia, or acetone. Never use abrasive pads or paper towels. If you do, you can scratch the screen or strip the anti-glare coating off the screen and cause permanent damage. Never spray water directly onto the TV. Make sure to wipe the TV as gently as possible. TV screens are fragile and can be damaged when pressed too hard.Gently wipe the screen or the exterior with a dry, soft cloth, such as an eyeglass cleaner.

For inks from oil markers on the screen, soak a cloth in a non-soap synthetic cleanser diluted (by less than 1% ) with water. Squeeze the cloth tightly to eliminate excess liquid, then wipe gently to remove the ink. Use non-soap cleansers cautiously because it may cause environmental problems when disposed improperly.

So why not Windex? Regular Windex is formulated for glass windows, plus a few other surfaces. It contains ammonia and alcohol, not the friendliest of chemicals. S. C. Johnson doesn"t explicitly say not to use Windex on TVs, but it offers Windex Electronics wipes and cleaners, so infer what you will. The better screen cleaners will clearly state that they do not contain alcohol or ammonia.

At last count, I found a billion companies making TV screen cleaners. Almost all of these are something like 99 percent water, 1 percent other stuff. Years ago I tested a handful and found them, on average, to work well enough. If you don"t have luck with a simple cloth and possibly distilled water, a screen cleaner is worth a try, and as a bonus you can also use it for your laptop, tablet and cell phone screens. Plus, they come with a microfiber cloth. If they don"t clearly state they don"t contain alcohol and ammonia, however, I would skip them.

So yeah, cleaning your TV is a good idea. But just remember that they"re exceptionally fragile. Why risk marring their surface by using cleaning methods the companies themselves don"t advise? If you damage your screen with cleaners, you won"t be able to fix it.

My advice? Get a nice microfiber cloth (if your TV didn"t come with one), and use that. If that doesn"t fix your smudges, try a cloth moist with water. Don"t press too hard. There"s less than a millimeter between your finger and a broken TV.

Screen cleaning kits are fine, though most people won"t need them. Remember, like all TV accessories, the store is selling them because they probably make more profit on that $20 kit than on a $500 TV.

As well as covering TV and other display tech, Geoff does photo tours of cool museums and locations around the world, including nuclear submarines, massive aircraft carriers, medieval castles, epic 10,000 mile road trips, and more. Check out Tech Treks for all his tours and adventures.

He wrote a bestselling sci-fi novel about city-size submarines, along with a sequel. You can follow his adventures on Instagram and his YouTube channel.

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To catch every second of your favorite show and keep your TV in excellent condition, you"ll need to clean your television screen regularly so it remains dust-, dirt- and fingerprint-free. But using the wrong cleaning method like spraying your TV directly with harsh chemicals can cause permanent damage and negate any warranty that may still be in effect.

That’s why the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Cleaning and Media and Tech Labs have joined forces to recommend the safest, most effective methods and household products to clean your television screenand reveal a picture that’s brilliant to watch and totally streak-free.

No matter what type of television you have, our recommended cleaning method remains the same. All you"ll need to clean your TV screen is a dry microfiber cloth that’s designed to gently clean and remove smudges from eyeglasses, cell phones and camera lenses. Though there are thousands of microfiber cloths to choose from, our experts like Elite Tech Gear"s oversized option. It"s twelve inches square, so it’s easier to use on a large TV screen than a smaller cloth and helps you can zap away fingerprints quickly. And since it"s designed for delicate surfaces and electronics you can use it to clean your laptop and iPad once you"re done with your TV.

Here"s the best way to clean a flat-screen TV without ruining it or ending up pesky little streaks, along with some useful tips on how to scrub down all the accessories that go along with it:

See you later, dirty television screens. Whether your TV screens are challenged by dust or inconvenient smudges that seem to appear from nowhere, it’s time to adopt a simple cleaning routine that takes care of all that. Get your screen clean pronto, and then kick back and enjoy the show.

Before you start guessing at what will work for your home’s needs, refer to the owner"s manual that came with your television. It’s always best to get advice from the manufacturer, especially if there’s a warranty involved; however, if that document has long since hit the recycling bin, follow these tips and take necessary precautions so you don’t cause permanent damage to the pixels and electrical components.

Different screens require different cleaning agents, and though we address how to clean old school glass-screen tube TVs and glass-coated iPad screens below, we know it’s more likely that you’re dealing with a flatscreen LCD or plasma television. TL;DR: Avoid abrasion. Avoid excess moisture. Avoid harsh chemicals.

Use soft, lint-free microfiber cloths and nothing rough or abrasive. Even paper towels can scratch a television, and plasma screens in particular are very delicate.

Always refer to manufacturer guidelines for cleaning and play it safe if there’s any doubt, especially if the only cleaners you have on hand are harsh chemicals with a bad reputation.

Remove dust with a dry microfiber cloth. Wipe around all edges of the screen too, because dust buildup on ports and speakers can negatively affect performance over time.

Mist a formulated cleaning spray onto a clean microfiber cloth; you can opt for store-bought or try an easy DIY solution, such as 1:1 parts of white vinegar and distilled water, or 1:4 parts distilled water to 70% isopropyl alcohol. These formulas may dry at different rates, so be sure that you don’t oversaturate your cloth.

If you’re using a vinegar- or alcohol-based cleaner, thoroughly wipe down the remote with the damp microfiber cloth you used to clean the television screen.

Big tip: Remove the batteries first so you don’t accidentally turn on the TV (and undoubtedly, push the magic combination of buttons that turns on subtitles and changes your settings to German … you know how it is).

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The television screen is what everyone sees first, but don’t forget these other key areas, not to mention the area around your unit. “It can also help to clean the furniture and carpets around the TV to prevent dust and hair from getting into it,” says Williams.

The remote control is handled regularly. This is the one time when harsh chemicals can be used sparingly. Follow the manufacturer owner’s manual instructions first, but if sanitizing is needed, use a cleaner that’s at least 70 percent alcohol, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations. (Basic drugstore isopropyl alcohol works well for this.)

Start the remote control cleaning by removing the batteries. As with the TV screen recommendations, you’ll want to avoid spraying directly onto the surface, as this could cause the device to malfunction. Dampen a clean microfiber cloth and rub gently on the top and the underside of the remote control. For hard-to-reach gunk that’s jammed between the buttons, try a cotton swab dipped in a small amount of the cleaning solution. Make sure to let it dry thoroughly before replacing the batteries and using it again.

When figuring out how to clean a TV screen, selecting the safest cleaning solution is key, but it’s also important to know what cleaning products to avoid. Keep in mind that not only should you skip cleaning with certain products, you should also avoid spraying them in close proximity to the TV.

Both Panasonic and Samsung both have lengthy “avoid” lists that include harsh chemicals such as wax, cleaning fluid, acetone, benzene, alcohol, thinner, mosquito repellent and insect spray (really!), lubricant, solvent and undiluted mild dish soap. These can, as Williams says, “cause clouding and can wear away your TV’s anti-glare coating.”

In terms of what to use, Samsung recommends “monitor cleaner only” (also called TV screen cleaner). Panasonic suggests “one part mild liquid dish soap diluted by 100 times the amount of water.” To make this cleaning solution, add a scant teaspoon of liquid dish soap to two cups of water, stirring well to dissolve.

Williams likes TV cleaning kits for their ease of use. “A TV kit will be your safest option for cleaning a TV,” he says. “These kits will come with everything you need to get your TV looking new, like screen-cleaning solvent and a fast-drying microfiber cloth.” You can find TV cleaning kits and cleaning products designed for flat-screen TVs at electronics stores or on Amazon.

Some people swear that only distilled water is useful as cleaning spray for their delicate electronics. Although Williams does not necessarily recommend using distilled water, if you know for a fact you have hard water in your area, you may want to try the distilled water route and see if you notice a difference. Hard water, which has high levels of calcium and magnesium, may leave a film or residue when it’s used for cleaning. Before you spray water to clean TV screens, try experimenting with tap water on a less-important screen, like an old cell phone, to assess the results.

If you can picture the hulking tube TVs (also known as CRTVs) of yore, you may also remember how delightfully easy they were to clean—a few spritzes of window cleaner and some wipes with paper towels and you were good to go—no special microfiber cloth required. But modern TVs with fancier technologies like LCD, OLED, and plasma call for gentler techniques. “Avoid using chemicals like alcohol, ammonia or acetones when cleaning your TV. These cleaners were safe to use for previous generations of TVs with glass panels, but as the hardware changes with time, the cleaning methods do too,” says Williams. Since some multi-purpose and glass cleaners are made with ammonia, skip the Windex.

Modern TVs are often smart TVs but the cleaning tips are the same as the ones for LCD, OLED and plasma TVs. The microfiber cloth is your TV screen’s best friend. “The majority of TVs you purchase today will be smart TVs, and the cleaning process is the same as TVs without smart capabilities,” Williams says.

The screen for the navigation and audio system in your is more than likely a "Thin Film Transistor Liquid Crystal Display" (TFT LCD), which is very similar to the screen in a laptop computer. It not only uses advanced micro-technology to operate, it"s also coated to minimize glare and remain sharp and vivid almost all the time.

Make sure the screen in your car is turned off - you don"t want to interfere with any pixels while they"re still firing. Turning off the screen will also allow you to see dirt, dust, and grime better because you"re working with a dark surface.

Find your microfiber cloth. These soft, dry cloths are the same type of cloth you would use to clean your smartphone, eyeglasses or tablet. They"re perfect for the LCD screens in cars because they’re non abrasive. A high quality microfiber cloth will work efficiently when dry to clean most screen dirt and dust.

What not to do: You don’t want to use paper towels or old cotton rags because these can scratch your screen. These materials are both highly abrasive, and neither will be particularly good at lifting dirt from the screen’s surface. If you use one of these, your monitor will still be kind of dirty, and you run the risk of scratching or leaving behind lint particles.

Gently wipe the screen with the microfiber cloth from top to bottom using a circular motion. Try not to press too hard as this can damage your LCD screen. Continue to use the microfiber cloth to remove any remaining smudgy oils.

If you have a lot of dirt or any other tough sort of build up on your device, then you’ll probably need to use something more than a dry cloth. Spray your microfiber with a small amount of ammonia and alcohol free screen cleaning solution. Ordinary household window or kitchen cleaners, should never be used, as the alcohol or ammonia in the cleaner will damage the screen.

Avoid getting moisture in any ports on the car’s dashboard and don’t let the cleaning solution sit on the multimedia or satellite navigation screen for too long.

Do not wipe or clean your touch screen with paper towels or facial tissues, as these can scratch the surface. Using a microfiber cloth is the only safe way to clean your touch screen.

Unlike paper towels, our gentle microfiber cloths clean the sensitive glass on your touch screen without scratching the surface. The microfiber attract and removes unwanted oils and dust, whereas other product simply spread them around.

This post was written by AM Denmark. Established in 1971, over the last 45 years AM has earned its place as a leader in the field of vinyl, hi-fi, computer, touch screen and flat screen TV cleaning. As media consumption has evolved, AM has continued to innovate and adapt to new technologies and devices. AM thrives to provide the best and highest quality cleaning products for office and home use. The cleaning liquid in all AM cleaning products is alcohol-free, and safely tested across all screens. It won’t damage your most sensitive gadgets, screens or your skin, even after repeated use.

Your television is probably one of the last things you think about adding to your "to clean" list, but the difference between a smudgy screen and a crisp picture isn"t one to shrug at. Every day, our TVs accumulate dust and fingerprints, and the buildup occurs so slowly that it"s hard to notice. That is, until you take a quick 10 minutes to clean your TV and revel in a far more satisfying cinematic experience.

We asked a couple cleaning pros for the full rundown on how to clean TV screens of all types, including flat plasma and LCD screens, along with some common mistakes people make when cleaning their TV screens so you know exactly what to avoid.

To prevent buildup from accumulating on your TV screen, aim for a once-weekly TV cleaning. "It"s important to clean your TV screen not only to prolong its lifespan, but also to provide the clearest picture possible—smudges, dust, and fingerprints be gone," says Kathy Cohoon, a cleaning professional with Two Maids & a Mop. "It can make a big difference in the aesthetic of your TV and the picture on screen."

Power down. Before breaking out any dust cloths or cleaners, make sure your TV is off. If you want to take an additional precaution, Cohoon says you can also unplug the TV, but it"s typically not necessary for modern TVs.

Dust the screen. Dry dusting your TV is a crucial step in the cleaning process. "Removing dry debris will ensure that you don"t accidentally create scratches by scrubbing a rough piece of dirt or buildup into the screen," Cohoon says. She recommends using a microfiber or soft cloth to gently dust the entire screen. If needed, flip the cloth over (or get a second cloth) in order to completely remove all dust, pet hair, and other loose debris. You can use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the speakers and cords as well.

Use screen-safe cleaner.Spray a small amount of screen-friendly cleaning product onto a soft cloth—never directly onto the screen itself—and wipe the TV down in a methodical, back-and-forth motion. Check that the cleanser is safe for the specific type of screen you are cleaning. Repeat as necessary to remove oily areas or fingerprint smudges. Also, don"t forget to gently wipe down the top and base of the TV.

Clean smudges on the screen."For tougher spots, make sure not to apply too much pressure, especially on more delicate screens," advises Leanne Stapf, the chief operating officer for The Cleaning Authority. "If microfiber cloth spot-cleaning doesn"t work, I recommend adding a bit of warm water to the cloth and then cleaning the spot with the dampened cloth."

Dust.Use a microfiber cloth to gently wipe away loose dust, dirt, or any other debris. You may need to turn the cloth over or get a second one to adequately remove everything.

Wipe down the screen."Since these screens are a bit sturdier, you can mix equal parts rubbing alcohol and lukewarm water to create a cleaning solution," Cohoon says. "Using a small amount of solution on a soft cloth, wipe the entire screen, base, and top." Spot-clean any stubborn areas with caked-on messes or heavy fingerprints. You can also remove fingerprints by rubbing with a microfiber cloth in a circular motion.

​​To clean and sanitize a remote, Stapf says to simply use a disinfecting wipe to remove bacteria, germs, fingerprints, and any other residue. Make sure the cleaning wipe is damp but not soaking wet to avoid getting liquid inside the remote control. Spend some time cleaning between the buttons since gunk can easily accumulate here.

It"s also a good idea to remove the batteries first, or you can take the remote to a different room so it doesn"t inadvertently change the TV settings as you clean the buttons.

Forgetting to Dust First: "A big misstep when cleaning a TV is forgetting to dust the screen before using a cleaning agent," says Cohoon. This can lead to tiny scratches that slowly degrade picture quality.

Scrubbing Too Hard:Modern TV screens are delicate and require a gentle touch. Wiping too vigorously or using a rough cloth can damage the screen quickly.

Spraying Solution Directly Onto the TV:All wet cleaners should be sprayed onto a cloth and then wiped over the TV. Spraying directly onto the screen can create spots that are hard to remove. It also puts you at risk of damaging the speakers.

Using Non-Approved Cleaners: Using store-bought glass cleaners on OLED or LCD TV screens is a big no-no. Stapf says, "These products contain harsh ingredients like alcohol and ammonia, which can damage the panels of the screen."

We"ve all had that moment: You"re sitting at your computer or laptop and the light hits your screen in a way to reveal an unsightly accumulation of streaks, fingerprints, and dust.

To help, we round up the most important things to know about cleaning your computer screen, whether it"s a Mac or PC. While it"s a simple process, there are a few important rules to keep in mind to make sure you"re doing it safely.

Computer screens are not all made the same, and thus can"t all be cleaned the same way. You"ll want to be careful no matter your screen type, but it"s helpful to know that displays come in two categories:Glass-coated screens: The screens on newer iMac displays and MacBooks have a glass overlay. Glass displays are a little less delicate than LCD or LED screens, and mild cleaning solutions, like rubbing alcohol, are generally safe to use on them.

LCD or LED screens:Windows computers and most touchscreens and matte displays are typically not coated in glass. Extra care should be taken with these screens so not to damage the pixels that make up the display.

Since there are so many computers, laptops, and monitors out there, each with their own set of variables and specificities, it"s smart to just simply err on the side of caution.

To clean a computer screen, you really just need two things: A microfiber cloth and filtered or distilled water. That"s to say you don"t need a special store-bought cleaning solution.

If you"d like some extra sanitation power, an equal parts mixture of water and vinegar is safe no matter your screen type. If you know that your display is glass-coated, you can also use an equal parts mixture of water and 70% rubbing alcohol.What you needTwo lint-free microfiber cloths

d3sign/Getty ImagesTurn the computer or laptop off.For safety reasons, begin by letting the device cool down completely. Dust, fingerprints, and smudges are also easier to spot on a black screen.

Wipe off dust with a dry cloth. Use a dry, lint-free microfiber cloth to gently wipe away any visible dust and dirt. If necessary, apply gentle pressure to remove surface-level smudges.

If any marks remain, wipe with a lightly moistened cloth.For glass-coated screens, you can use a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar or rubbing alcohol. For LED or LCD screens, use only water. Spray or lightly dab the solution directly onto the cloth and carefully wipe the screen from left to right.

Buff with a dry cloth and air-dry.If any streaks remain once the screen dries, gently buff them with the dry cloth. Before you turn your computer or laptop back on, allow the screen to dry completely.Note:Apple claims that you can use 70% isopropyl disinfecting wipes to clean any Apple product. Just remember not to get any liquid into the device"s ports or openings — to avoid this, you might want to wring out the wipe to remove any excess liquid before using it.

For the best advice for cleaning your screen, it"s a smart idea to check your owner"s manual, which provides the manufacturer"s specific recommendations. But since screens are especially susceptible to damage, there are a few general guidelines that apply, no matter the type of screen you own.

Turn off your computer before cleaning the screen. This is just safe practice where any amount of liquid is involved, but more specifically, any static on the screen could create a shock and damage the internal components.

Do not use abrasive cleaning solutions. This includes bleach (or any products containing bleach), hydrogen peroxide, or all-purpose spray cleaners. Using an abrasive cleaner can ruin the finish of your screen.

Use filtered or distilled water. Especially in areas with hard water, water containing minerals like calcium and magnesium can damage your screen or leave even more streaks.

Use only soft microfiber cloths.Even a fabric as soft as a cotton shirt has snags and uneven particles that can scratch a computer screen. For this reason, avoid T-shirts, towels, and paper towels. The exception is the Apple Pro Display XDR or iMac, which requires a special polishing cloth.

Never spray cleaning solution directly onto the screen. To avoid any risk of damage from excess moisture, mist the solution directly onto the microfiber cloth instead.

Do not wipe in circles. Wiping in circles can create uneven pressure and ultimately lead to screen damage. It"s also more likely to create streaking. Wipe in tight, Z-shaped motions, or in broad strokes from side to side.

Do not scrub.Apply gentle pressure only. Hard scrubbing can damage the internal components of the screen and could leave scratches or spots of discoloration or dead pixels that won"t go away.Melanie Weir

Melanie Weir is a freelance author for Insider, mainly focusing on the Tech Reference section, but occasionally contributing to Lifestyle and Entertainment topics as well. She is also a freelance writer for ScreenRant, and is the Lead Weekend News Editor at TheThings.com. In her spare time she writes plays for both stage and screen. She can be reached at melanie.weir1008@gmail.com, or through LinkedIn.

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.

Microfiber cloths are also a great option because they usually have grooves that gently capture and remove stuck-on particles while also removing smudges on the screen without damaging them.

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.