How must I clean my laptop’s screen?

Saturday, March 28th, 2009 | laptops, Maintenance

It is important to clean the screen of your laptop regularly – dust and dirt may cause scratches when the screen is touched.

Always use a dry, soft cloth to remove dust, fingerprints and smudges from the screen.  If this does not completely remove the dirt, try a cloth slightly dampened with hot water.  For persistent dirt spray cleaning fluid on the cloth (or use cleaning wipes) and gently wipe in one direction – left to right or top to bottom.

Special cleaning materials for computer screens are obtainable commercially.  Often these materials are in the shape of anti-static, pre-moistened wipes.  If these are not available, you can make your own cleaning solution by mixing one part water with one part isopropyl alcohol (also called rubbing alcohol).  If you do not have isopropyl alcohol, you may use a small quantity of vinegar instead.

When you clean the screen, there are a number of things you must avoid.

Don’t use paper towels or tissues – even though they appear soft they could scratch the screen.

Don’t use an abrasive cloth that has the potential to cause scratches – for best results use a piece of cloth cut from an old T-shirt.

Don’t use household cleaning fluids with an ammonium base (look on the label of the cleaning fluid) – ammonium will dissolve part of the protective top layer of the screen, leaving a dull, smudged effect.

Don’t spray liquid directly onto the screen, as some of the spray may penetrate the machine.

Don’t apply too much pressure when cleaning the screen – it could be damaged in the process.

Follow two simple rules as preventative measures.

Don’t touch the screen with your fingers when using the laptop – this will save cleaning time.

Don’t leave the lid of the laptop open when it is not in use – this will prevent dust from gathering on the screen.

Sometimes you do not realize how dirty your laptop’s screen is until you look at it from an angle.  Make a habit of cleaning it regularly, thereby extending its life.

Click here to find answers to more laptop related questions.

Tags: clean, laptops, screen

5 Comments to How must I clean my laptop’s screen?

Sharon Peters
Saturday, 28 March, 2009

After using a laptop for many years, I have just begun using a cloth-foam “sleeve” to carry and store my laptop. I recommend them now because they help prevent damage if dropped (to some degree) and also help keep the laptops clean from dust and exposure to the “elements”. One can buy a specially made sleeve, or one can use a cloth bag or even make one to fit the laptop. Highly recommended!

kvanwyk
Saturday, 28 March, 2009

Thanks for this suggestion, Sharon. One of my colleagues sewed up a small hand towel to form a sleeve like that. And it works well to protect the laptop – the beauty of it is that there is no great financial outlay. In Africa we always look at the cost!

Sharon Peters
Saturday, 28 March, 2009

Yes, Kobus, I realize cost is very much a factor. Old flannel sheets can be used effectively to create a sleeve too.

I like the hand towel approach!

And I like the way that Africa always challenges me to think outside the box!

Piet Visagie
Monday, 30 March, 2009

Kobus, I found that a wet wipe works particularly well, very little pressure needed. I am still waiting for somebody to develop some sort of plastic sleeve you can semi permanently slide over your laptop, like you got for cell phones a while back. That way when the sleeve becomes dirty you can just take it off and wash it.
Piet. http://www.laptop-computers.co.za

Computer Rental Company
Tuesday, 12 May, 2009

Great tips!

I use a clean piece of cloth that is silk like to clean the screen of my laptop. This way dust would easily stick on the cloth which doesn’t leave any smudges or trails of dusts in the screen.