Ever wondered how to clean a laptop screen? Laptops can get dirty from dust and dirt when we use them a lot. But cleaning them can be draining. You have to be careful not to hurt the screen.
No matter what kind of laptop you have, you want it to look nice when you use it. You can stop germs and keep your laptop clean by following these steps. Keeping your laptop clean extends its lifespan.
Here is what to use to clean your laptop:
Things you will need:
- Clean water without any minerals
- Soft microfiber cloth
- Rubbing alcohol(isopropyl)
- White vinegar
- Screen cleaning spray (if you have it)
What should not be done?
But before we begin our computer makeover, there are several watchouts.
- Never ever directly wet the screen: First of all, never put water directly onto your laptop’s screen or use cleaning solution spray. Instead, spray the solution onto a soft cloth and then use it to clean the screen. Spraying directly on the screen can result in component failures, electrical malfunctions, and even fires.
- Avoid using normal cleaning stuff: One of my friends asked: Is glass cleaner OK for a laptop screen? Things like cleaners for different surfaces or glass cleaners are a big ‘no’. Why? Because they carry chemicals that are too strong for the laptop screen. Even plain soap and water are too harsh for your screen.
- Avoid over-exerting yourself while cleaning: Do not push too hard when cleaning, either. Use gentle circular motions and do not push down all that much. If you do, you will end up damaging your screen, which is distressing when you simply want to remove coffee smears.
Steps to clean your laptop:
Once the material is ready, here is a step-by-step guide to clean to your laptop.
Shut down your laptop:
First things first, turn off your laptop. And if it is plugged in, make sure to unplug it from the socket too. This is important for safety and it will help you see all the dust on the screen more clearly.
Give it a gentle wipe:
Take a microfiber cloth and use it to clean your screen. Remember, it has to be microfiber, and you need to be gentle. Never ever use tissue wipes, paper towels, or normal rags, as they may leave scratches on the surface of the screen.
Wipe off any remaining dust using the microfiber cloth. However, if any dirt left refuses to go away easily, do not panic; we will tackle that next.
Use distilled water:
Dampen your cloth slightly with distilled water and softly wipe your laptop screen. It is vital to use distilled or purified filter water because regular tap water contains minerals that might damage your screen. Do not spray water directly onto your screen- wet a cloth first.
Use screen cleaning spray:
You can skip this step unless your laptop screen is very dirty. Use a screen cleaning spray if the stains are still there after you wipe it. If you want, you can get a screen cleaning kit, and it is a good investment.
These kits have a special cleaner for laptop screens and usually include a cloth. Simply pour a bit of the cleaner on the cloth, not the screen, to avoid any liquid getting into your hardware, and then gently wipe your laptop screen with the cloth.
Do not use regular glass cleaners on any laptop screen, especially with ammonia, since they can harm it.
If you don’t have screen cleaning spray, keep reading for other options.
Use isopropyl alcohol:
This step is for people who do not have a screen cleaning spray and have a laptop with a glass screen. If you are in both groups, do not worry! There is a simple trick for you.
Mix 70% isopropyl alcohol with 30% water and use it to dampen your cloth. It’s important to add water to make the alcohol weaker. Then, wipe your screen well, especially the tough spots. You can move your cloth in circles to avoid leaving streaks on the screen.
Make a mild cleaning mix:
The best option is plain distilled water, which contains no chemicals and cannot spoil the screen. In case you need more powerful cleaning, mix equal parts of plain vinegar and distilled water on your fabric but avoid apple cider vinegar or any other type.
After that, gently wipe the screen in a circular motion and give extra attention to stubborn spots.
Dry your screen:
Now that your laptop screen looks almost new, dry it properly with a dry microfiber cloth. Make sure it’s completely dry before you turn your laptop on again.
I know cleaning your laptop screen might seem like a small task, but it is essential. Do it regularly, so your laptop screen always looks fresh and clean.
Can I use alcohol wipes to clean my laptop screen?
You should avoid using alcohol wipes on your laptop screen if they are made with sensitive materials. Alcohol wipes can scratch some screens’ coating or harm the materials by discoloring them.
Can you use Windex on the laptop screen?
No, you should also not use Windex or any glass cleaners on a laptop screen. Glass cleaners contain chemicals that harm the screen’s coating or leave unwanted streaks.
Is it OK to clean the laptop screen with water?
However, it is generally safe to clean a laptop screen with water, especially distilled water. Make sure to use the least amount of water possible and always dampen water on a microfiber cloth but do not spray it on the screen.
What is the best cloth to use to clean computer screens?
It is recommended to use a microfiber cloth while wiping down the computer screen. A microfiber cloth will not leave your computer’s screen with scratches; it is more comfortable and faster to keep it from collecting lint.
Additionally, microfiber cloth not only helps remove dust, fingerprints, and smudges but also prevents scratches from occurring. You can also wash and use it many times. Do not use paper towels or a rough cloth since they are likely to scratch the screen.
Is it OK to clean the laptop screen with wet wipes?
No! Wet wipes, including Clorox and Lysol, as well as other types of disinfecting solvents or cleaners, can damage a laptop screen. It is safer to use a soft fabric with distilled water and white vinegar.