How to Clean a Computer Screen Without Damaging It

First, put down the Windex.

Woman cleansing laptop with duster

You rely on your computer for a lot—working from home, ordering groceries, retail therapy—so it's no surprise when it starts to collect fingerprints, smudges, and generally look a little worse for the wear. But how do you clean a computer screen without damaging it and leaving those pesky streaks? Fortunately, you don't need much—generally water and a cotton ball will do the trick. But here's what you should keep in mind to ensure you're doing it safely.

It's always a good idea to check the manual of your computer to see what products they suggest to clean a screen, says Kimberly Button, a certified cleaning expert. If you don't know where the manual is, many companies offer downloadable PDFs.

Generally, though, all you need is one or two simple electronic cleaning supplies: a soft, lint-free microfiber cleaning towel or cotton ball and a cleaning solution, if necessary, says Button.

Instead of Windex and eyeglass cleaners, try water and alcohol.

If you're concerned about germs, you might wonder whether you can use stronger household cleaners for the task. The bottom line: It depends on the type of computer screen you have, says Button.

Avoid using Windex on a screen. It's only made for glass, and can be too harsh for delicate computer screens, says Button. And skip things like eyeglass cleaner, which won't disinfect.

Your dry cloth will pick up particles and germs, says Button. But if your screen has some stubborn spots, water is the best alternative.

However, if you're adamant about getting a little extra cleaning power, you can try Lysol wipes or a 1:1 dilution of rubbing alcohol and water on non-LCD screens.

Ready to get started? Turn off the computer first.

This is not only safer if you're using any liquids, but it also makes cleaning easier. Fingerprints and smudges are much more visible on a black screen.

Then, wipe off any dust, dirt, and debris.

Use a soft, dry cloth or cotton ball to gently wipe off any obvious dust, dirt, and debris, so as not to rub tiny specks of dust or dirt into the screen, says Button.

If you're using a water-based solution, spray it on the cloth, not your screen.

That may suffice for mildly dirty screens, but for a deeper clean you can spray another soft cloth with the cleaning solution outlined above. You only need a bit—a light misting will do. And note: You should never spray a solution directly onto the screen, because you could end up spraying liquid into the speakers, camera, keyboard, or parts of the monitor that are not compatible with water, says Button.

Using the slightly moistened cloth, gently wipe the computer screen from right to left without too much pressure, making sure you've cleaned every inch of the surface.


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