Monitor Cleaning

[Veedaz]

Many of todays PC users have flat screen monitors eg (LCD) keeping in mind some have a coated screen and need special cleaning what do you use to clean your monitor ? and how do you use it ?

 

[Nibiru2012]

You don't need to buy expensive cleaning solutions.

Get some rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) and make a 50/50 solution with distilled water. Then use a clean lint-free cloth, cotton flannel works well too.

Spray the cloth, not the screen, and be sure the monitor is off when cleaning it. Gently wipe it with a consistent motion.

(Using a paper towel or dirty cloth can scratch the screen, also using methyl chloride, acetone, ethyl acid, ethyl alcohol or ammonia-based cleaners can damage the screen, LCD monitors are especially sensitive to these agents.)

This is a very inexpensive method and should last quite a while.

For a good guide go HERE,

 

[catilley1092]

I was using the alcohol solution that Nibiru2012 suggested for two or three years, but since I bought this PC in November, another member said that the alcohol will damage newer screens, as they are so soft. Not wanting to take any chances, I bought some Philips Screen cleaning gel (for plasma and LCD). It contains: Water, Anionic tensid, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. You just spray (while your screen is cool) a couple of squirts onto your screen and wipe until dry. It seems to do an excellent job, but at $10 for 6.75 Fl Oz (200ML), this is the only one that I use it on. My older laptops gets the cleaning solution that Nibiru2012 prescribed, it's cheap and hasn't hurt them. I don't know about now, but I read that tip in a tech article a couple of years ago. It said that all computers received a cleaning with 70% alcohol before leaving the factory.

 

[Nibiru2012]

I believe one of the "biggest" factors is what type of cleaning material you use, such as cloth, microfiber, flannel or whatever. DO NOT USE paper towels or tissue paper, such as toilet paper.

Paper towels are too rough and may possibly scratch the surface, while the tissue paper will leave lint all over the screen.

Now if you just want to get rid of dust and such, then just use distilled water. If you have smudges and such. then the 50/50 mix of isopropyl alcohol and water works great. If you have oily smudges and spots, use white vinegar and water in a 50/50 mix.

Paying $10 for 200ml of cleaner is a total ripoff! All sodium laurel sulfate is, is a detergent like you find in shampoo and hand dishwashing liquid and body wash.

It's like the ripoff price you pay for that stuff called CD/DVD Magic, which removes scratches and scuffs off of DVDs and CDs. It's about $8 for a 1.5 oz bottle!! When you can go to the auto parts store and buy a 12oz. bottle of "Plastic Polish" for car headlight lenses, tail lights, etc. for $3! It's the exact same stuff, actually works better in my opinion.

 

[davehc]

Agreed, catilley. Alcohol will smear and soften most modern screens.
Never would I use water to clean anything around a computer. That's an accident waiting to happen!
My personal choice is good lense cleaner, bought from the optician. But even then a quick look at the labelled conents is a must.

 

[Veedaz]

I do use a specialised cleaner from a well known firm, but as i service his and his family's PCs i get mine free as he is one of the firms reps, i also use this on Laptops etc i have in

 

[Nibiru2012]

People here are using the term "alcohol" generically! You can't do that.

Yes, methyl alcohol and ethyl alcohol (the stuff you drink) WILL DAMAGE screens!

Isopropyl alcohol aka rubbing alcohol WILL NOT damage screens!

As for distilled water, davehc; I'm not talking about a gallon bucket full of water. You have it in a small spray bottle and moisten the cloth.

I have been using this method for years and have not had problems. Mostly I just use the distilled water moistened cloth method because I don't touch my screen. About every 5-7 cleanings I'll use the 50/50 rubbing alcohol to distilled water mix for any grime and smudge buildup.

 

[Nibiru2012]

Perhaps the following will clear up this debate, from WiseGeek.com

http://www.wisegeek.com/how-should-i-clean-an-lcd-screen.htm

How Should I Clean an LCD Screen?

It is always best to follow manufacturer’s suggestions for product care, but generally it is safe to clean an LCD screen using a very soft, 100% cotton cloth, and a mixture of distilled water and clear vinegar. If you prefer buying ready-made products, LCD cleaners are available from electronics shops in spray bottles.

While it might be tempting to use an old tee shirt for a cotton cloth, seams can potentially cause scratching. Flannel is the recommended material. You can visit a fabric shop and buy a yard of 100% untreated cotton flannel for just a few US Dollars. By purchasing a yard you’ll be able to cut new cloths when the old one gets dirty.
Microfiber cloth is also a good choice.

Distilled water is pure and therefore safe to clean an LCD screen. Do not use tap water, as the minerals can ruin the screen’s finish.

While many people use isopropyl alcohol (not rubbing alcohol) in a 50/50 solution with distilled water, some manufacturers warn against using alcohol to clean an LCD screen. If you are inclined to use isopropyl rather than vinegar, check with the manufacturer’s website of your LCD product to be sure this is acceptable. Many store-bought LCD cleaners contain isopropyl and it is generally considered safe and effective.

Otherwise, a 50/50 solution of distilled water and clear vinegar can be combined in a spray bottle. Avoid using a bottle that had previous cleaners or agents in it — a new spray bottle can be purchased at the grocery store for a few dollars. Choose a sprayer that is capable of a fine mist.

Cut a piece of cloth large enough to fold into a nice square pad that’s a few layers thick. Spray your 50/50 solution on to the surface of the cloth, lightly dampening it. Be sure the cloth isn't so wet that it will drip down the screen. Do not spray the solution directly on to the LCD screen.

Before you clean an LCD screen, power it off to avoid potential damage. Take your cloth and gently wipe the surface of the screen from top to bottom, moving downward in a straight line. When you reach the bottom lift the cloth away and place it at the top again to proceed. Use a very light touch to clean an LCD screen, as pressing against the screen could damage pixels.

Do not move the cloth in a circular motion to rub out fingerprints or smudges. The solution will do the trick. If you have to cover an area twice, wait until dry, then repeat the process. The vinegar should cut through any dirt or body oils deposited on the screen. By following this simple procedure, your LCD screen should stay clear and unblemished.

Never use paper towels, napkins or tissues to clean an LCD screen. These materials will either scratch the screen or leave debris. Household cleaners and ammonia should also be avoided, as they can leave a white cast, ruining the screen’s finish.

Buying the specialized cleaners is not necessary and very expensive, unless you get them gratis like Veedaz.