How to clean an LCD screen?

[Axon]

I apologize if this is in the wrong forum, but I'm trying to figure out if there is any kind of solvent I can use to clean my LCD monitor screen.

Someone smudged their finger across the screen and it's left a big smear that I cannot get rid of with a dry cloth. Is there anything else I can use that's safe?

Thanks.

 

[WobbleWobble]

I've been using Endust for Electronics (blue spray can) cleaning spray for my CRT and LCD monitors for the past couple years. No problems so far...

 

[murphy55d]

I use a SOFT cloth and a little water.

 

[eriqesque]

The absolute best thing I have found so far is Pledge for electronics
made by a company called Drackett it's Oil and Wax free made specifically for electronics
and it actually work a lot of them claim dust repellent but this is the 1st I have used that actually seems to
control the dust.
I use a 3M microfiber cloth spray the cleaner on the cloth and wipe away and then use a dry spot of the cloth
everything is very clean.

 

[thraxes]

From an article in the current issue of my favorite PC magazine:

Do not use exessive pressure and agressive cleaners for TFT screens.The surface consists of a polariser and a anti glare coating that may or may not be hardened. In our Lab we use a Microfiber cloth with a very thin solution of Dishwashing liquid (wring out the cloth really well). If the smudges were more severre, a very thin solution of window cleaner is used the same way.
Some windowcleaning solutions leave an antifog coating behind which can be seen clearly if you breathe at the screen. To prevent this, after using the windowcleaner, rub the screen with a microfiber cloth dampened in fresh water, afterwards rub dry with a soft cloth.

 

[Axon]

Thanks. Are the products you've mentioned (Endust for Electronics, Pledge for Eledctronics) availble in any stores? I'd like to get this thing done.

The cloth I'm using is what you would use to wipe down your eyeglasses. Very smooth, very soft. I assume this is acceptable?

 

[WobbleWobble]

Originally posted by: Axon
Thanks. Are the products you've mentioned (Endust for Electronics, Pledge for Eledctronics) availble in any stores? I'd like to get this thing done.

The cloth I'm using is what you would use to wipe down your eyeglasses. Very smooth, very soft. I assume this is acceptable?

It's very acceptable. Heck, I use white paper towels!

I live in Canada... so I got mine at Futureshop.

Your computer stores like BestBuys and Frys or office stores like Staples should have it or something similar.

 

[apac]

I just accidentally tapped my pen against my LCD and it left a mark. What will take this off? Ballpoint ink.

 

[thorin]

A lint free cloth (a J-Cloth can be used if nothing better is available) and white vinegar.

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.cfm?catid=27&threadid=694146&FTVAR_MSGDBTABLE=arc

Quote linked thread:

Originally posted by: Salvador

And the winner is...... Straight Vineager with a half of box of Kleenex. My monitor is absolutely perfect now thanks to thorin.

Personally I say don't use Kleenex because it leaves lint but if it's all you have then it's all you have.

Thorin

 

[Axon]

I also have a hairline scratch. Is there anyway to repair that?

 

[BZeto]

Originally posted by: thraxes
From an article in the current issue of my favorite PC magazine:

In our Lab we use a Microfiber cloth with a very thin solution of Dishwashing liquid

I've always wondered this, what does a microfiber cloth look like and where can I get one?

When people say lint free cloth I assume that logically this means a cloth without lint on it. Is this right? Or is there certain exceptions?

I just got my $400 LCD and I dont want to mess up the screen b/c I didn't use the right cloth!

 

[thorin]

When people say lint free cloth I assume that logically this means a cloth without lint on it. Is this right? Or is there certain exceptions?

No by their very nature some clothes though they may not have lint on them will depost lint when brushed across a surface, ie: Kleenex or papertowel.

There are lots of types of Microfiber cloth, gortex is one, glasses lens cleaners are another, outdoors stores sell some that can absorb 10x their weight (or mass) in water, etc.....

Thorin

 

[SocrPlyr]

for the cloth just go to walmart or lens crafters etc and get a glasses cleaning rag, it should be plenty soft and not leave lint.

Josh

 

[eriqesque]

Originally posted by: Axon
Thanks. Are the products you've mentioned (Endust for Electronics, Pledge for Eledctronics) availble in any stores? I'd like to get this thing done.

The cloth I'm using is what you would use to wipe down your eyeglasses. Very smooth, very soft. I assume this is acceptable?

Both the 3M Microfiber cloth and the pledge for electronics are available at office depot.

 

[KristopherKubicki]

Here:

http://www.anandtech.com/showdoc.html?i=1855&p=4

Kristopher

 

[billyjak]

The absolute best cleaner is made by MiraChem called LCD made for LCD screens
Speacialized cleaner, safe on LCD's,Plastics,Polycarbonate and Polarized screens.lenses and other surfaces.
Safe for Laptop screens
Non abrasive
Non discoloring
Non fuming
Nn Toxic

 

[jst0ney]

endust for electronics wipes

 

[StraightPipe]

I second vinegar, I use the same thing on my car tint too, it's cheap and it works great.

 

[KristopherKubicki]

MiraChem is pretty nice, but if you look at the ingredients its just vinegar and water.

Kristopher

 

[eriqesque]

Has anyone heard of or had any expirience with this product or company
Opti-Max

 

[KristopherKubicki]

I bought a clear case back in the day and some of this stuff came with it. However, the website does not say it is safe for computer monitors;

http://www.opti-max.net/acetone-alcohol.php

Kristopher

 

[eriqesque]

the home page does though

 

[KristopherKubicki]

No Idea. I would just stick to vinegar and water.