How to Clean Monitor Screens

Like any piece of glass, computer monitor screens become dirty over time. Considering how often many computers are used, and the close proximity that users sit to a computer, screens are likely to get dirty more quickly than TVs. The process of cleaning a computer monitor is similar to that of cleaning a TV or a window, however, monitors should never be subjected to strong glass cleaning products, like Windex or ammonia.

Things You'll Need

• Dust rag
• Soft rag or microfiber cloth
• Water
• Screen cleaning wipes

Instructions

1. Unplug the monitor.

2. Use a soft dust cloth to gently wipe any dust from the screen.

3. Dampen a soft rag or microfiber cloth with water.

4. Rub the cloth across the screen in one direction to avoid noticeable streaking. Use some circular rotation to deal with spots that are especially dirty.

5. Use a dry part of the cloth to gently dry off any moisture left on the screen.

Tips & Warnings

• A cloth and rag with water is often enough to clean a screen, but if your screen is especially dirty, you may need to use screen cleaning wipes designed for your type of monitor. It is safest to use store bought wipes made specifically for your type of screen rather than attempting to use household cleaning products or concocting your own cleaning solution out of rubbing alcohol, or vinegar. If you happen to have a plasma TV screen hooked up to your computer as a monitor, you can plan it in the same way you would clean an LCD screen. CRT screens are harder and more durable than LCD screens, so you can use somewhat more coarse materials on them, such as moistened paper towels. Never spray a cleaning product directly onto a computer screen as it make penetrate ventilation holes or get in the cracks of the monitor. Spray the product onto a rag.