How do you clean an LCD screen?

[jhmoore]

My laptop screen is absolutely filthy after... wow, two years of use. I didn't realize it had been that long... anyway, during that time, the screen has accumulated countless smudges and fingerprints, mostly from my little sister, but also from me trying to pick little bits of dirt off the screen.

I know that you aren't supposed to use stuff like Windex on the screen (that would be too easy), but I was wondering, how are you supposed to clean it?

Edit: Oops, I accidently posted this in the wrong forum, is there a way to move it to general hardware?

 

[xtknight]

My ViewSonic manual says water. I've cleaned my old LCD with water just fine (haven't cleaned new one at all yet). But not like soaking, just a little damp cloth. Don't apply too much pressure!

Send a private message to "AnandTech Moderator", he'll move the thread. Don't make a new thread in Forum Issues about it.

 

[Nathelion]

There are also special screen-cleaning pre-moistened wipes available (probably at your nearest wal-mart). I personally think it's a waste of money though, since a paper towel will do the job just fine.

 

[jimbob200521]

Originally posted by: Nathelion
There are also special screen-cleaning pre-moistened wipes available (probably at your nearest wal-mart). I personally think it's a waste of money though, since a paper towel will do the job just fine.

our local wal-mart has these, they are in the eye-care section. they work pretty good, and are cheap, too

 

[BOLt]

Sweet, I was curious too. I've always used a (clean) rag and water, but it's nice to hear that I'm doing it properly.

 

[Bozo Galora]

I use distilled water because tap water is full of crap - like chlorine and flouride and some have softeners

 

[jhmoore]

Originally posted by: xtknight
My ViewSonic manual says water... But not like soaking, just a little damp cloth.

So when you say cloth, do you mean like washcloth or t-shirt? Like some cloths are scratchier/stiffer than others, I don't want to accidently scratch the screen.

 

[Matthias99]

Originally posted by: jhmoore

Originally posted by: xtknight
My ViewSonic manual says water... But not like soaking, just a little damp cloth.

So when you say cloth, do you mean like washcloth or t-shirt? Like some cloths are scratchier/stiffer than others, I don't want to accidently scratch the screen.

In theory you should use a soft lint-free cloth (paper towels are not a great choice for LCD screens, since they can scuff up the shinier ones). The ones sold for cleaning eyeglasses are usually very good.

The pre-moistened wipes (usually low-percentage rubbing alcohol) also work well. If you have stubborn dirt or smudges on the screen, try 90+% rubbing alcohol to get them out.

The problem with Windex (and other ammonia-based cleaners) is that they can damage the anti-glare coatings on some monitors.

 

[LiquidImpulse]

from what i heard just a dab of water on paper towels will do fine on most lcd screens

 

[bravacentauri83]

Isopropyl Alcohol or the lint free cloths with a dab of water will work.

 

[Mik3y]

just make sure there's no ammonia in teh solution your using. that'll kill the anti-glare coating on the display.