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Any safe way to clean a CRT screen?

B

brikis98

Diamond Member
I noticed on my CRT today that there was a very slight vertical scratch right in the middle. I'm guessing it's the glare filter or whatever and it wasn't too noticeable. However, there also seemed to be some smudges around it. In my brilliance, I decided to wipe those smudges off with a kleenex. the rsult: a much bigger and more noticeable smudge. in fact, it almost looks like i scratched the screen more 🙁

so, it's gone from a tiny, hardly noticeable scratch to a big ass smudge that's distracting on light backgrounds.

now, i'm still not sure if its a scratch or a smudge or whatever, but is there a SAFE way to clean this? that is, i obviously don't expect the scratches to come out, but if it is just dirt, what can i do to clean it off without further damaging the screen?
 
I use a slightly damp microfiber cloth to clean things off from my monitor. If I use a completely dry cloth, it tends to just spread out smudges like you described. You may need to use a small amount of water, assuming what you have is only a smudge.
 
That is not a good idea. They have anti-reflective coatings on them that the windex will most likely wipe off.
 
Originally posted by: CP5670
That is not a good idea. They have anti-reflective coatings on them that the windex will most likely wipe off.
Click to expand...

that's exactly what i'm afraid of. any surface cleaners out there that are ok to use?
 
Originally posted by: CP5670
Water seems to be safe if used in small amounts. I haven't had any trouble with it, anyway.
Click to expand...

what kind of cloth/wipe? would a normal kleenex or paper towel be bad?
 
I used to just use warm water and soap. And a normal hand towel to wipe down and dry.

Always worked perfect.
 
Distilled water and microfiber cloth work the best. Sometimes tap water will leave stuff behind.

If it still has smudges try working them out with a dry cloth using repeated circular wipes.



 
Originally posted by: CP5670
That is not a good idea. They have anti-reflective coatings on them that the windex will most likely wipe off.
Click to expand...

*looks down at the bottle of windex in lower desk drawer......* shrugs*

been using that for a LONG TIME. DOH!!!!!
 
these tissues you get for cleaning glasses work good. i use one damp and one dry to clear away smudges, or cut one in half.
 
Use Eyeglass cleaner fluid ... available at your local eyeglass store
That should not remove any antiglare coatings .. it is also safe for
plastics
 
what kind of cloth/wipe? would a normal kleenex or paper towel be bad?
Click to expand...

I think those should be okay. I use some Staples-branded microfiber cloths I picked up for a few dollars last year. They used to have them on their website but I can't find them there anymore.

*looks down at the bottle of windex in lower desk drawer......* shrugs*

been using that for a LONG TIME. DOH!!!!!
Click to expand...

Well, if you haven't noticed any problems already you're probably okay. It's just that all the CRT manuals I've seen specifically say not to use ammonia-based cleaners.
 
On my NEC FE2111sb I've used nothing but water on a terri-cloth rag or sometimes a paper towel. I don't think anti-glare coatings have any other kind of recommended cleaning (ie, don't use household cleaners of any kind).
 
Originally posted by: Maxspeed996
Originally posted by: CP5670
That is not a good idea. They have anti-reflective coatings on them that the windex will most likely wipe off.
Click to expand...

*looks down at the bottle of windex in lower desk drawer......* shrugs*

been using that for a LONG TIME. DOH!!!!!
Click to expand...

Yep, thats exactly what I always used and never had a problem. Now on my LCD I only use a microfiber cloth and water and it works just fine.
 
I use soft 100% cotton t shirt with distilled water or kennsington screen cleaner which is top rated cleaner for crt's. u can get it at office depot.
 
Originally posted by: sodcha0s
Originally posted by: Maxspeed996
Originally posted by: CP5670
That is not a good idea. They have anti-reflective coatings on them that the windex will most likely wipe off.
Click to expand...

*looks down at the bottle of windex in lower desk drawer......* shrugs*

been using that for a LONG TIME. DOH!!!!!
Click to expand...

Yep, thats exactly what I always used and never had a problem. Now on my LCD I only use a microfiber cloth and water and it works just fine.
Click to expand...


I used windex on my 17" old crt a long time ago, now it reflects everything like a f'in mirror. My Dell 19" has never touched windex and it looks better.
 
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