How to properly wipe matte and glossy monitors

What types of cleaning products and liquids are there to remove dirt?

Manufacturers sell a variety of products that allow you to clean monitors and televisions with your own hands.
Most Popular:

• cleaning wet wipes;
• specialized sets of dry and wet wipes (superclean);
• microfiber cloths;
• spray (usually microfiber is included).

Wet wipes are the easiest, most convenient way to care for your displays. Most often they are universal, suitable for different types of monitors.

The kits are mainly used for cleaning and maintaining liquid crystal displays. First, the surface is wiped with a damp cloth, and then the remaining moisture is removed with a dry one. This method allows you to remove dirt from the display without leaving streaks.

A microfiber cloth is a universal, reusable product. It can be used in dry form to remove dust. If the surface is heavily soiled, you can use a damp cloth to clean it. If necessary, wash the napkin.

Together with microfiber, special liquids are used to wipe displays. They are usually sold in spray form. Do not spray it on the surface of the display. The substance is applied to a lint-free cloth, which is used to wipe the surfaces.

Can I use tape?

Our computer portal does not recommend using tape to clean the screen. It is capable of leaving a sticky residue on which dust will settle much faster. Regular wiping of the surface with napkins will be much more effective.

What is a monitor cleaning kit?

Many manufacturers advise purchasing ready-made kits for cleaning displays, which include the following products:

• liquid in spray form, for example, Defender;
• a microfiber cloth or molded cleaner (such as a triangular one);
• antistatic brush.

Using such kits is very convenient. A brush can be used for daily dust removal, and a liquid with microfiber can be used for better surface cleaning. Now let's move on to cleaning.

What can't be used?

The anti-glare coating on the screen is dissolved by alcohol, so it is recommended to exclude it from the cleaning list.

• Do not use paper napkins or toilet paper, as they contain microscopic wood residues that will scratch the surface.
• Do not use abrasive products - they will scratch the coating.
• Household cleaning products often contain alcohol, so they are not suitable for cleaning the TV.
• Regular wet body wipes leave streaks behind, so they cannot be used to clean the display.
• Do not use dish sponges or rough cloth, which will scratch the screen.
• Do not wipe dirty TV or monitor with your fingers or hard objects.

The use of all these products negatively affects the condition of the equipment: the coating wears off, cracks and scratches form.

You need to figure out what you can use to wipe the screen so as not to damage the equipment.

The process itself for a desktop computer at home

If you don’t have specialized display cleaning products on hand, you can use soap and water. There are two ways to wash the display using them.

Due to its poor quality, tap water should not be used. For the procedure, you should take distilled water or water from a filter.

In the first case, you will need a soft, lint-free cloth. Microfiber, cotton, flannel are suitable. The material is moistened with water and then wrung out well. You need to wipe the display carefully so that water does not get into the corners of the display.

Before washing, the equipment must be disconnected from the power supply.

In the second case, a soap solution is used. This is how matte surfaces of displays are usually tidied up.

For the procedure you will need:

• soft lint-free cloth;
• soap without additives (for example, baby or laundry soap);
• water.

The LCD display is initially carefully wiped with a cloth soaked in soapy water, then wiped well with a dry material.

What is the best way to clean?

A standard “damp” rag is not the best option for stubborn dirt. But it is suitable for regular cleaning. It's cheap and accessible. If you choose good material, you will not need any auxiliary detergents. Handkerchiefs, the edges of T-shirts, or any parts of clothing are definitely not suitable. The rag should be made of soft, lint-free fabric that does not leave streaks. Here's what you can use:

• Wet wipes for cleaning a laptop monitor. Sold in computer stores. Since it is a specialized tool, it is safe for PC. Removes static electricity and attracts dust. It is important that these are things created specifically for the computer. Wipes intended for personal hygiene (for example, to wipe your hands) are impregnated with a completely different composition. If you clean the LCD screen with them, it will not end well.

Special wipes for the monitor

• Fabrics that are used for wiping glasses are suitable.
• If you don’t want to buy professional wipes to care for your display, try any lint-free materials: microfiber, flannel. You need to prepare two pieces of rag: wet for cleaning, dry for erasing stains.
• Cotton pads from which cotton wool does not fall out. They must be of very good quality. Otherwise, the entire laptop monitor will be covered in white fluff that is difficult to remove.

Laptop procedure

To clean a laptop screen with improvised means, you can use the same methods as for displays. The main thing is to ensure that liquid does not get on the surface of the keyboard or other elements.

During the procedure, it is better to position the laptop so that the display is parallel to the floor. Don't press too hard - the equipment is fragile and the screens are quite expensive.

Is there a difference in cleaning matte and glossy screens?

Monicas come in glossy and matte finishes. Since different technologies are used for their production, there are some differences in the methods of cleaning this equipment. To create a matte effect, a special coating is applied that prevents the surface from reflecting light and sunlight. Isopropyl alcohol-based cleaning products can damage it and cause stains.

Alcohol-based compounds are not recommended for wiping glossy screens, as alcohol often causes streaks to form on the surface.

For cleaning, buy special kits that are designed for a specific type of equipment.

Can it be washed with water?

Any type of monitor is “afraid” of water falling on the surface.
For cleaning, you can use a damp cloth or special wipes. Even liquid intended for cleaning monitors cannot be sprayed onto their surface. This will quickly render the equipment unusable. If serious stains appear, for example from a ballpoint pen or glue, then there are several effective ways to get rid of them.

How to get rid of a ballpoint pen and glue

There are several ways to remove stains from glue or a ballpoint pen from your monitor:

• wet wipes;
• cleaning liquid;
• soap.

The last two methods are considered more effective. Most liquids offered in specialized stores do an excellent job of removing any type of display contamination.

The steps to get your equipment in order are quite simple. If napkins are used, you need to rub the stain. The main thing is not to press too hard on the screen. When using liquid, apply it to a lint-free cloth and, just like with napkins, wipe the surface.

How to wash and wipe off ink marks from the screen with soap is presented in the video review at the end of the article.

Do not use alcohol or formulations containing alcohol to remove stains. They wash away dirt well on other surfaces. Such actions can lead to the appearance of stains on the surface, rendering the equipment inoperative.

Folk remedies for screen cleaning

What else is used to treat the monitor screen if it was not possible to purchase specialized chemicals, but cleaning is required urgently? Then it is recommended to prepare a regular soap solution, dip the cosmetic disc into it, wring it out well and begin to carefully wipe all parts of the display. During drying, a few streaks may remain, but there is nothing to worry about. It is enough to moisten the new discs and walk over the monitor a few more times. You need to repeat the procedure until even the smallest spots disappear.

At home, you can prepare a regular soap solution, dip a cosmetic disc in it and wipe the monitor

On a note! Table vinegar is considered a fairly effective cleaning agent. You need to make a solution out of it, wet the swab and proceed to treating the contaminated surface. At the end of the process, wipe the display with a dry cloth.

What is daily wiping and why is it needed?

Any equipment needs timely maintenance. Every day, dust particles accumulate on the surface. The larger the dust layer, the more difficult it is to clean it.

Therefore, you should wipe the devices with dry wipes daily. And once every few days you need to clean the screen using wipes or sprays, soft tissues.

Screen cleaning process

1. Turn off your device. On a dark screen, it will be easier to see dirty or oily areas. Turning the device off prevents accidental button presses, which often occurs when cleaning touchscreen devices such as smartphones or tablets
2. To remove simple dust, gently wipe the device screen. To do this, use a dry soft cloth. A microfiber cloth or other lint-free material is best. You can wipe with circular or vertical and horizontal movements.
3. If a dry cloth cannot completely remove dirt or greasy stains, then there is no need to press harder. Excessive pressure on the screen can cause pixel burn-in, especially on laptop screens, desktop monitors and LCD TVs. Pressing hard on touch screens is not as critical, but be careful nonetheless
4. If you need to remove complex stains, you can moisten the cloth in distilled or boiled water. Many companies also sell small aerosol cans of special cleaner for flat screens. Western websites have advice on using white vinegar to clean displays. It is diluted in a 50×50 ratio with water, but I have not tried this method. Please note that white vinegar and the one we usually use are completely different in composition
5. The plastic edge surrounding the screen can be cleaned with any multi-purpose cleaner, but avoid contact with the screen surface
6. Do not turn on the device until the screen is completely dry.

Why is the screen black and the monitor does not work after cleaning a computer or laptop?

After cleaning, the monitor may not work for the following reasons:

• power is not connected;
• the contacts are not connected tightly;
• the cable is connected to the wrong video card connector (if there are two of them);
• the refresh rate on the video card is set incorrectly (for older models of displays with a cathode ray tube, a frequency of about 100 Hz is required, for LCD 50-60 is enough);
• the monitor is faulty;
• the laptop is switched to operating mode with an external monitor (keyboard keys);
• the video card is damaged;
• cable malfunction (can be checked by connecting to an external display).

How to wipe the monitor screen?

Let's talk a little about the materials used when cleaning both types of monitors (CRT and LCD):

1. The cheapest and most accessible material is soft microfiber cloths, cotton swabs and high-quality discs (without inclusions and with good structure); all these materials can be purchased at any nearest store.

2. More expensive products, but more convenient - wet wipes in a jar or package, a spray bottle, aerosol, gel, or a set consisting of a spray bottle and dry wipes. On the packaging, in the description of the type of product, it must be indicated that this product is suitable for the monitor. It is better to buy these products in specialized stores.

How to clean your computer monitor?

All components of the computer require care, but the display requires special care and cleaning, as dust settles on it, and if used improperly, splashes from drinks and food appear. Over time, all the dirt is reflected not only in the brightness and quality of the image, but also in the appearance of the computer.

How often should I clean my monitor?

The protective covering of a monitor cannot last forever, so you shouldn’t wipe your computer monitor too often at home either. This can only reduce its functionality. Clean your computer display as it becomes dirty, and “two or three specks of dust” can be removed with any dry microfiber cloth.

Important! Under normal operating conditions it is sufficient:

• dry clean once a week;
• once a month - wet.

More careful care of your monitor is necessary if you are used to eating at the computer. If you notice small drops from drinks and food, then wet clean the screen once a week.

Display care rules

To the contrary, reduce the number of wipes and learn how to use the device carefully, follow these simple rules:

• Do not place glasses of drinks or plates of food close to the screen.
• Do not wipe any splashes on the display with your hands.
• Do not touch the monitor with your fingers.
• Use a special protective film for devices with touch screens.
• Keep children away from touching the display.
• Remove fresh drops immediately, as hardened dirt is more difficult to remove.
• Regularly clean the device of dust, as it is not only harmful to the user’s health, but also tends to accumulate a static charge. And this, under certain conditions, can lead to damage to the device.

What should you not use to wipe the screen?

Many consumers ask the question, is it possible to wipe the monitor with wet wipes or alcohol?

To avoid damaging your monitor or damaging the matte anti-glare coating, follow these recommendations:

• Do not use alcohol during cleaning, as the anti-reflective film dissolves easily upon contact with alcohol.
• No window or dishwashing detergent.
• Do not use paper napkins, toilet paper, etc., as they contain hard wood particles that may scratch the screen.
• Do not use wet wipes for personal hygiene, as their composition is not suitable for cleaning monitors. In addition, stains will remain on the display, which are very difficult to remove, even with special monitor care products.
• It is strictly forbidden to use abrasive products to wipe your computer monitor at home, as they will scratch the screen.
• Do not use anything soapy to avoid leaving streaks on the screen.

Important! If you don’t have any special tools on hand to clean your monitor, it’s better to leave everything as is and start wiping it as soon as the opportunity arises.

How to wipe your monitor without streaks?

Before cleaning any device, be sure to ensure that the device is unplugged. This will protect you from unexpected situations, and on a dark screen, dirt and dust become more visible.

Important! After completing the cleaning procedure, be sure to let the screen dry thoroughly before using it, and at the same time admire the results of your work.

To properly clean your computer monitor at home, follow these recommendations and tips:

• Use a soft, lint-free cloth to remove dust from the screen.
• Wipe the monitor using circular or vertical and horizontal movements using soft, smooth movements. When wiping, do not press too hard on the surface.
• Do not spray cleaner directly onto the monitor screen or body as liquid may seep through the cracks into the device.
• Apply the cleaning agent to the cleaning material, and then begin cleaning the monitor.
• Do not try to scrape off dirt with a sharp object or fingernail. If the dirt is not cleared the first time, try again.
• First treat a difficult stain with a product applied to a napkin, and after a few minutes remove it with gentle movements.
• During operation, be sure to hold the monitor with your free hand to prevent the device from falling.
• The material used for wiping should always be clean and slightly damp, but not wet.
• If the screen is too dirty, replace the cleaning material or rinse between approaches.
• After cleaning the monitor base, remove dust from the back of the screens and buttons.
• If there are cords attached to the monitor leading to the computer, then disconnect them and wipe them too.
• If dust and dirt have accumulated in the corners of the screen, remove dirt using cotton swabs.
• Clean hard-to-reach places and crevices with a toothpick wrapped in a napkin.
• Plug in the monitor only after it has completely dried.

Important! Before cleaning your computer monitor at home, be sure to remove all jewelry from your hands: rings, bracelets, watches, which may leave scratches on the sensitive surface.

How to wipe your phone

The display of a mobile device should be regularly wiped and cleaned of dirt, because the number of bacteria can easily be compared to money. The procedure is completed in just a few minutes, unless it involves a total cleaning and removal of the back cover. During cleaning, you must adhere to some rules:

• Before wiping your smartphone, its screen must be locked. If you plan to clean the physical keys, it is better to turn off the device for a while. These steps will help you avoid accidental clicks that could result in certain commands being entered into the system. In addition, a dark display makes fingerprints and other traces more visible.

If there are large particles, such as crumbs, on the screen, they should be removed by hand to prevent scratching when wiping with a cloth.

The rag for the procedure is selected from microfiber; it should not contain individual fibers that can linger on the display after cleaning. Usually comes with a protective glass, monitor cleaner or glasses.

Spray the cleaning agent exclusively onto the fabric. Spraying on the screen can cause moisture to get inside the case through the technological connectors. After wiping with a damp cloth, you need to complete the process by wiping the display with a dry piece of microfiber.

It is better to perform the procedure once every 2-3 days or as it gets dirty. There is no need to clean the screen daily, this can speed up the process of erasing the oleophobic coating.

Helpful Tips:

• The display can be cleaned simply with water if there is no major contamination. Use drinking or distilled water, only a lint-free cloth and slightly damp.
• After wet cleaning, go over the screen with a dry microfiber or flannel cloth.
• When purchasing specialty cleaning products, read reviews and product instructions to make sure the liquid is suitable for your display type.
• To prepare a matrix cleaning liquid, mix equal parts water and white vinegar. Moisten the cloth with the solution and wipe the display.
• Never use products containing ammonia or acetone, as they can permanently damage your device's screen, especially if it has a matte anti-glare coating.

We hope that we have answered the question of how to wipe your monitor so that it shines with fresh new colors, and you will be happy to do your favorite activity. And in order not to encounter problems with a dirty screen in the future, clean it on time and use our recommendations and operating tips. Bright impressions and views to you!

Tips and tricks

To properly clean your computer screen, follow these guidelines:

• Do not spray sprays directly onto the display; they can only be applied to a napkin or rag. If moisture gets into the housing, it will cause serious damage or even failure.
• Do not wet the cloth too much, be sure to wring it out well, and do not allow excess moisture to remain on the surface of the display.
• To wipe the screen without streaks, do not apply the selected product on the cloth in large quantities, do not move randomly (it is better to move from one edge to the other), do not over-wet the cloth and be sure to wipe the display dry.
• If the contamination is significant, then you should wash the wiping material well several times to completely remove stains, prevent streaks and get a perfectly clean surface.
• Before carrying out the procedure, it is advisable to study the instructions supplied with the device. It may provide recommendations regarding care and cleanliness. And if you purchased a specialized product, then inspect the packaging and find instructions for use.
• To avoid significant contamination, you should not drink or eat in front of the computer: try to do this in the kitchen, or at least move as far away from the device as possible while eating and drinking.
• Do not touch the monitor with your hands, otherwise it will leave marks and noticeable fingerprints, especially if your fingers are dirty.
• To protect your gadgets and keep them clean, you can stick a protective thin film on the display, which will prevent contamination and extend the life of the screen.
• If there are children in the house, then it is advisable to place the computer or laptop in an area inaccessible to them.
• Fresh stains are removed faster and easier, so if a stain from a drink, insect or food appears on the screen, remove it immediately. And for this you can use a cloth soaked in water and well wrung out or a specialized napkin.
• It is necessary to clean not only the monitor, but also the computer case, because dust moves from it, is attracted to the display and re-contaminates it, almost immediately.
• The device should be turned on only after the display has completely dried.
• The corners of the display, recesses in the case and other hard-to-reach areas can be cleaned using cotton swabs or toothpicks wrapped in a special napkin or a small piece of moistened lint-free cloth.
• Before the procedure, it is recommended to remove jewelry in the form of bracelets and rings from your hands, as they may accidentally damage the display when wiping it.
• Do not scratch the screen with your fingernails, a knife or other sharp objects, as it may leave scratches or chips.
• If you cleaned the monitor and now it won’t turn on, then water or cleaning agent may have gotten into the case. In this case, it will have to be disassembled and completely dried. But such manipulations should be entrusted to a specialist. If moisture gets on important parts, they may fail, requiring repairs. To avoid such problems, do not violate the cleaning rules.

To keep your computer display clean and the image quality, keep it clean and follow a few important rules.

What means can you use to wipe your monitor screen and how to do it correctly? 5 (100%) 1 votes

Over time, dust, dirt, and fingerprints appear on the screens of various electronic devices, and all this can spoil the pleasure of using monitors, as the quality of the transmitted image deteriorates. In addition, difficult perception negatively affects vision. When cleaning the screen, the most important thing is to choose the right delicate method so as not to scratch it, and also to find something to wipe your computer monitor at home so as not to cause harm. In this article we will look at how to clean a computer monitor at home, since all of the methods and products described below are suitable for cleaning TV screens, laptop displays, and other portable electronic devices.