How to clean and remove scratches from notebook screens

MadScientist

Platinum Member
Jul 15, 2001
2,183
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I've googled this and come up with multiple suggestions but thought I may generate a few more here.

Screen Cleaning
The general consensus now is to use no chemicals, only distilled water and a soft cloth. Do not use paper towels or TP. Others suggest using a vinegar/distilled water solution or a 5-10% isopropanol/distilled water solution and a soft cloth. There's also some commercial products out there like OmniCleanz.
I use the isopropanol method. It works well for me.

Removing Scratches
We're talking minor scratches only. If you have deep scratches, get a new screen. I found recommendations to use 2000 grit sandpaper, toothpaste, petroleum jelly, Scratch-X, pencil erasers, and CD/DVD repair kits. IMO, if you use sandpaper or toothpaste you will probably need a new screen.
Here's a guide I found for glossy screens that uses a combo of Novus 3 Step Plastic Polish and Meguiars Scratch-X. I bit pricey but cheaper than a new screen. Will it work on a matte screen or make it look worse?
Has anyone tried using only Meguiars PlastX?
 

IlllI

Diamond Member
Feb 12, 2002
4,927
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yeah lcd screens use multiple layers, like a sandwich. it will just make it worse if you sand anything, b/c you'll sand that first layer off in that area.