How to Clean Laptop Computer Screen

Level of difficulty: Easy

Cleaning a laptop computer screen is similar to cleaning Flat Panel Monitors or LCD screens. However, laptop screens are extremely sensitive and special cleaning procedures are required. Not knowing the proper cleaning care may cause scratches and permanent damage to your laptop screen. You can purchase cleaning solutions and wipes dedicated to clean laptop screens. You can also make your own cleaning solution using alcohol and water mixture.

Materials Needed:
- Laptop
- Clean cotton cloth/ Anti-static cloth/ Lint-free lens cleaner
- Laptop screen cleaning solution
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Distilled water
- Cotton swab/s
Step 1
Get a clean and soft cotton cloth, cleaning solution or isopropyl alcohol, distilled water and a few cotton swabs. Anti-static cloth and lint-free lens cleaner work as well. The type of cloth used to clean eyeglasses is a good choice. Do not use a paper towel and never pick up an old rag as this may pick up dirt particles that can scratch the monitor. Tap water and other types of alcohol are not suitable as it may damage the screen and leave white marks on it.
Step 2
Turn off your monitor. This will allow you to identify all the smudges on your screen. It is also important to remember to not scrub or press hard on the screen as this will damage it.
Step 3
Use the dry cloth to lightly wipe off loose dust from the screen and frame. Use this also to remove the smudges and fingerprints from the screen.
Step 4
Take the clean side of the cloth and dampen it with the laptop screen cleaner. If you do not have this, make your 50/50 alcohol and water solution by diluting isopropyl alcohol with distilled water. It is ill advised to use abrasive cleaners like ammonia-based solutions because these types of cleaning solutions can cause damage to the screen.
Step 5
Again, dampen the cloth with the solution, and gently wipe the surface of your laptop screen using a top to bottom motion. You can start at the upper left hand portion of the screen, wiping down towards the bottom and continuing along until the top right corner to the bottom right hand portion of the screen.
Step 6
Clean the edges of your laptop screen by dipping cotton swab in the alcohol-water solution. Ensure that the solution does not drip over the laptop. Run on all the edges of your laptop and rotate the swab so that it lifts out the dirt.
Step 7
The damp cloth must be used one more time so that dirt missed or moved by the cotton swab is cleaned. Lastly, use a dry cloth to completely dry the screen.