We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Hardware

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How can I Clean a Computer Monitor?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 62,152
Share

Instructions to clean a computer monitor vary depending on the type of monitor, as cathode ray tube (CRT) and liquid crystal display (LCD) monitors have different tolerance levels for handling techniques and cleaning agents. If you are not sure what type of monitor you have, LCD monitors are typically very thin and flat, and CRT monitors are big and bulky. In addition, a CRT monitor has an obvious glass panel in the front, while a LCD monitor looks almost gel-like in appearance, although you should never touch it with bare hands. If you have a laptop, it has an LCD monitor. If your monitor came with an owner's manual, always follow the directions listed there to clean it, rather than a generic guide, as failing to follow manufacturer's instructions may void your warranty.

To clean a computer monitor that uses CRT technology, start by turning it off and totally unplugging it from the power source and your computer. Then, use an anti-static cloth or a very soft, clean cloth to wipe dust from the surface. Next, spray a small amount of monitor or electronic appliance cleaning fluid onto the cloth, and rub the cloth consistently in one direction; top to bottom is a common choice. When you are done, use a dry cloth to dry the monitor right away. Never spray cleaning fluid directly onto the monitor, as it can damage the monitor and other computer components.

If you have a LCD monitor, the process to clean it is slightly different because the screen is more fragile. As with a CRT monitor, you should power down and fully unplug your LCD monitor before you clean it. Start with an anti-static or very soft cloth and gently wipe dust from the surface of the monitor. Next, put a solution of rubbing alcohol or cider vinegar and water onto a cloth and wipe the monitor, always moving in the same direction, and follow by gently drying the monitor.

Some people have plasma monitors, which are similar in some ways to LCD monitors. To clean a computer monitor that uses gas or plasma, follow the directions for cleaning an LCD monitor, but use a special fluid designed for this type of monitor rather than alcohol. When you clean an LCD or plasma monitor, make sure that you do not use abrasive cleaning fluids such as those containing ammonia because they can damage the screen, causing it to turn brittle, yellow, or crack in extreme cases. Try to avoid touching both types of monitors with any object, as they are highly delicate and can break or become dented.

If you clean your computer monitor on a regular basis, you will find your computing experience in general more pleasant, as you will not be forced to peer around streaks and dust on the screen. You can also clean other components, like your case and keyboard, at the same time, eliminating pet hair, dust, dirt, accumulated food particles, and other debris. Depending on the number of animals and children in your home, you should clean your monitor every three to six months, or whenever it is obviously dirty.

Share
EasyTechJunkie is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a EasyTechJunkie researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Discussion Comments
By anon1005199 — On Jul 09, 2021

How do you replace a computer screen?

By anon257677 — On Mar 28, 2012

Ammonia is one ingredient in glass cleaner that can damage LCD screen coatings.

By anon129444 — On Nov 23, 2010

Most touchscreens sport an oleophobic coating that can be damaged using abrasive tissues and glass cleaners. Be sure to use a dedicated safe product such as Fountonium to clean your screen.

By anon98293 — On Jul 22, 2010

I need a guide to clean the entire computer and computer maintenance.

By elsewhen — On Feb 03, 2008

I have also heard the warning about regular glass cleaners... I think a good rule of thumb is to treat the monitor more like eyeglasses than a window. Gentle rubbing with a very soft cloth should be able to get most monitors clean.

By malena — On Feb 02, 2008

I've heard that you are _never_ supposed to clean a computer monitor with Windex which is a regular old glass cleaner. I don't know what it's made of or what the ingredient/ingredients is/are that ruins the monitor, but I guess you should just stay away from regular glass cleaners!

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.easytechjunkie.com/how-can-i-clean-a-computer-monitor.htm
Copy this link
EasyTechJunkie, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

EasyTechJunkie, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.