How To Properly Clean Your LCD Monitor

All types of equipment have LCD monitors nowadays. GPS displays, laptops, netbooks, tablets, regular computers, vehicle dash boards, are just a few, but most of us use or view several on a daily basis. Also, LCD TV’s are quickly becoming a staple in every home in the country. Regardless of where it is though, all of these screens require cleaning due to a build-up of dirt, dust and fingerprints over time. We use them everyday, and many require us to touch them with our hands, so over time, every last one will need some attention. Most LCD monitors will benefit from regular cleanings in order to keep them looking nice, and allow them to remain functional, and as an added benefit, this also helps to prevent the transfer of germs and viruses too.

What is LCD Anyway?

A little detail about what actually comes together to make one of these screens will help you realize how sensitive they are. Although most are pretty durable in general, there’s a lot going on behind the scenes, and unless you can afford to go out and buy a new one, it’s a good idea to learn how to clean your’s properly.

LCD stands for Liquid Crystal Display. Basically, these monitors are of layer of crystal molecules sandwiched underneath one or more layers of plastic.  It’s due to these properties that we are able to view an incredibly sharp picture at almost any angle, but it also makes the surface extremely susceptible to damage. Manufacturers are constantly improving upon the quality of plastic polymers used, but LCD remains less durable than glass in general.

For this reason scratching is common when treated improperly, and this can result in permanent damage. Don’t just spray your LCD monitor and wipe it with paper towels like you did with your ancient CRT Monitor because a single lapse in judgement can have lasting results, and using better tools will actually cost less in the long run, and make the job easier.

Common Places To Find LCD Monitors

LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) monitors are ubiquitous in today’s technology-driven world. They are used in a wide variety of products and found in numerous places. Here’s a breakdown of common products and places where you can find LCD monitors:

Common Products with LCD Monitors

• Televisions: LCD TVs are one of the most popular types of television displays, offering high-definition visuals and relatively low power consumption.
• Computer Monitors: LCD monitors are standard for desktops and external displays for laptops, offering crisp image quality and various size options.
• Laptops: Almost all modern laptops feature built-in LCD screens, valued for their lightweight and energy-efficient properties.
• Tablets and E-Readers: Devices like iPads, Samsung Galaxy Tabs, and Amazon Kindles use LCD technology for their screens.
• Smartphones: Many smartphones, especially older models or mid-range devices, use LCD technology, although OLED is becoming more common in premium models.
• Digital Cameras and Camcorders: LCD screens are standard on digital cameras and camcorders for viewing photos and videos.
• Automotive Displays: LCD monitors are used in car dashboards, infotainment systems, and rearview mirrors.
• Medical Devices: Many medical devices, including diagnostic equipment and patient monitoring systems, use LCD screens for displaying information.
• Industrial Equipment: LCD monitors are found in control panels, machinery interfaces, and various industrial equipment for monitoring and control.
• Home Appliances: Modern appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and microwaves often feature LCD screens for user interfaces and settings.
• Gaming Consoles: Handheld gaming devices and even some controllers use LCD screens.
• Smart Home Devices: Devices like smart thermostats (e.g., Nest), smart speakers with displays (e.g., Amazon Echo Show), and home security systems use LCD screens.
• Wearable Devices: Fitness trackers and smartwatches often feature small LCD screens for displaying information.

Common Places with LCD Monitors

• Offices and Workplaces: Desks are equipped with LCD monitors for computers, conference rooms have LCD screens for presentations, and lobbies often feature informational displays.
• Retail Stores: LCD monitors are used for digital signage, advertisements, and point-of-sale systems.
• Schools and Universities: Classrooms and lecture halls have LCD projectors or screens for teaching, while libraries and computer labs use LCD monitors for public computers.
• Hospitals and Clinics: Medical staff use LCD monitors for patient records, diagnostic displays, and operational controls in various medical equipment.
• Airports and Train Stations: Information boards, ticket kiosks, and check-in counters use LCD monitors to display schedules, advertisements, and booking details.
• Restaurants and Cafes: Digital menu boards and self-service kiosks frequently use LCD screens.
• Public Transport: Buses, trains, and subways use LCD monitors for route information, advertisements, and passenger announcements.
• Sports Arenas and Stadiums: Scoreboards, instant replay screens, and informational displays use large LCD monitors.
• Hotels: Lobby information displays, in-room entertainment systems, and check-in kiosks use LCD screens.
• Government Buildings: Public information boards, service kiosks, and security monitoring systems use LCD technology.
• Museums and Galleries: Interactive exhibits, informational displays, and virtual tours often utilize LCD monitors.
• Casinos and Entertainment Venues: Slot machines, information displays, and digital signage use LCD screens.

LCD monitors are an integral part of many products and environments due to their versatility, clarity, and energy efficiency. From personal gadgets to public information systems, these screens play a crucial role in modern life, providing clear and reliable displays in a wide range of applications.

Because LCD Screens are so sensitive, special care and proper supplies are recommended when cleaning. You need to make sure that the cleaning product you use won’t end up damaging the screen in the process, and you should also be careful not to pay too much, or get stuck with low quality products. We all know that LCD monitors are fairly expensive to replace, so you’ll want to make sure that you’re going about it in the correct manner in order to minimize the possibility of damage. Don’t let yourself be haunted by a bad decision that results in ruining your screen forever.

Cleaning this type of surface can be rather easy if you’re using the right tool, and it should not matter what type of grime is coating the surface. Working with something that isn’t ideal for the task can make it frustrating or dangerous due to the sensitive electronics behind the screen, but when you do it our way, you’ll clean and polish the surface in a matter of seconds. If your shiny new equipment now has a dirty screen and you aren’t sure what to use when cleaning it, keep reading to discover a safe and effective method for cleaning LCD monitors that is also highly affordable.

Cleaning An LCD Monitor, TV Screen, Or Anything Similar

One of the most important rules to remember when you clean your LCD screen is that you don’t want to just pick up any type of substance like dish soap or blue liquids meant for window cleaning. Just because the screen looks like glass does not mean that glass cleaner is safe to use on it. Likewise with rough cotton rags, tissues and toilet paper, it’s important to select the right tool for wiping in order to prevent scratches to the surface. Detergents will often damage the surface of your LCD monitor because they’re harsh in nature, and they contain chemicals that aren’t compatible with the materials. Even too much water can fry your device, so being careful is perhaps the most important step in the whole cleaning process.

What To Use and What To Avoid:

When choosing your tool(s), you basically want to go with products that you know are safe for the plastic, but also ones that will not that affect the anti-glare coating on the LCD screen. A specially designed cleaning cloth is one of the best tools to use, and a good one can do a great job without anything additional added. Certain people will feel the need to also apply some sort of soap or cleanser, which is fine, but this can be a bit more risky, and in most cases, it’s not actually needed. If you do choose to use some sort of cleansing liquid, it’s key to be sure it doesn’t have ammonia or alcohol in it.

Other substances can be dangerous too, but both of these chemicals are like kryptonite for your LCD monitor. Not only will they be mediocre for removing the dirt, the added moisture will jeopardize the electronics, and over time they’ll eat away at the anti-glare finish, and reduce brightness. Because static build up on a clean screen will only attract new dirt, using a cleaner that doesn’t promote it’s production will make your effort last longer, and decrease the overall  frequency of cleanings.  A mild, all purpose, solution like Quick ‘n Brite would be the best kind to use, but as previously stated, adding moisture should be limited, and introducing cleansers should be for extreme cases only.

That’s because the cloth you choose will be way more important than any soap you might choose. A high quality microfiber cloth will work dry to clean most screen dirt and dust, but lower quality knock offs usually require help. When you choose a better cloth, water is the only detergent you’ll need for most stubborn grime. Fingerprints, spots, streaks and dust should wipe away with just a bone dry cloth.  If you choose the right cloth, you won’t really need anything else except for extreme cases, or the occasional thorough cleaning.

You can’t use paper towels or old cotton rags if you want to have good results and prevent scratching at the same time. These materials are both highly abrasive, and neither is really that good at lifting up dirt. If you use one of these, your monitor will still be kind of dirty, and you run the risk of scratching or leaving behind lint.

The best type of cloth available for thoroughly cleaning delicate surfaces is a  microfiber cloth. These revolutionary cloths are perfectly suited for cleaning your LCD monitor, but quality varies. We carry top quality cloths at affordable prices, and we guarantee them to work well and last for a long time. Choose the official Screen Cleaning Cloth, or select a slightly different one based upon your individual needs.

Microfiber Cloths are a state of the art product, specially designed to be totally non-abrasive. The ones designed for monitor screens have a premium suede finish, and most of the smaller options don’t even have sewn edges. Instead, they are thermally welded in order to further avoid scratching your delicate surfaces. Due to the superior fabrics we carry, most people will never need any additional cleaner, and a single cloth will be good for thousands of uses.  Use one to make it easier than ever to clean any LCD monitor, and stop worrying about harming the surface by accident. When you choose one of our cloths to clean your monitor or TV, it’ll look like new because you actually polish the surface as you eliminate all of the dirt.

Step-By-Step Instructions: Cleaning and LCD Monitor

Regular Dry Cleaning

1. For most screen dirt, you will only need a dry cloth. Using one without additional moisture or soap is very effective, and it will only become necessary to wet or use a cleaning agent in extreme cases.
2. Some people prefer a small wipe, and others like to go with a large cloth that can be folded into a soft pad.
3. Regular smudges, fingerprints and dust can be wiped away in a single pass with just a dry screen cloth. Simply wipe your screen with one continuous motion to reveal a cleaned surface.
4. A top to bottom or outside to inside action is usually best to increase speed and accuracy. Regular monitors should take seconds to clean, but your TV might take a whole minute.
5. Every last particle will wipe up and be collected by the advanced fibers. Since there is no moisture necessary, and because microfiber never scratches, you are not taking any risks and you never have to worry about damage when cleaning your screen.
6. After a cleaning like this, you should not need to launder, so fold up the cloth and let it sit until you need it again.

Damp Heavy-Duty Cleaning

Some of you really abuse your screens, and other times it’s just the work environment that leads to excessively dirty screens. If you have food particles, thick film, loads of dirt or any other tough sort of build up on your device then you will need to use something more than a dry cloth. In these cases, getting the cloth damp, or using a safe cleaner can improve your ability to clean by supercharging your cloth.

1. Simply get the cloth wet with warm water.
2. Once it is wet, ring it out a bit so that it is left damp.
3. Now just wipe your screen clean. The addition of water will allow you to cut through stubborn build up and remove the nastiest of grime.
4. For most cases you only need to use water, but for really tough or dried on stains, use some Quick’n Brite on the cloth first. This safe and natural cleaner will go one step further to break down any dirtiness to make it even easier to wipe away.
5. You’ll only need a small amount of cleanser to be effective, and since it’s all-natural, you don’t run any risk based upon the ingredients. You will still need to be a bit careful because you’re adding moisture, but for the most part, this is a very safe cleaner to use on any type of screen.

A properly dampened cloth should leave very little moisture behind, if any, and it should disappear in a couple of second to leave behind a clean screen that is free of lint, spots, streaks or any trace of dirt. Our premium cloths will even remove 99% of the dirt and germs you can’t even see. It is impossible for them to scratch, and because they polish as they clean, your monitor or TV will look like new. Eventually your cloth will get dirty, and you can rinse it clean under hot water, machine wash or hand wash. Launder these cloths hundreds of times before replacement is needed. Get yours Today.

Extra Tips For Improved Results

Cleaning LCD monitors requires gentle care to avoid damaging the delicate screen and components. Here are some tips for cleaning your LCD monitor effectively and safely, along with a list of things to avoid:

Tips for Cleaning LCD Monitors

• Turn Off the Monitor: Before cleaning, turn off your LCD monitor to prevent accidental button presses and to ensure you can see dust and smudges clearly.
• Use a Microfiber Cloth: Microfiber cloths are ideal for cleaning LCD screens because they are soft and lint-free, minimizing the risk of scratching the surface.
• Lightly Dust the Screen: Gently wipe the screen with the microfiber cloth to remove dust particles. Start from the top and move downwards in straight lines.
• Dampen the Cloth (if needed): If there are stubborn smudges or fingerprints, lightly dampen the microfiber cloth with water. Do not spray water directly onto the screen.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Never use alcohol, ammonia, or other harsh cleaning solvents. These can damage the screen’s anti-glare coating or strip away protective layers.
• Use Distilled Water: If water alone doesn’t remove the smudges, use distilled water. It’s less likely to leave mineral deposits on the screen.
• Avoid Excess Pressure: Apply gentle pressure when wiping the screen. Excessive pressure can damage the LCD pixels or cause the screen to crack.
• Clean Ports and Vents: Use a dry cotton swab or a soft brush to gently clean ports and vents around the monitor. Be careful not to push dirt into the openings.
• Dry the Screen: After cleaning, use a dry part of the microfiber cloth to gently dry the screen and remove any remaining moisture.

What to Avoid When Cleaning LCD Monitors

• Paper Towels or Tissues: These materials can scratch the screen due to their rough texture. Stick to microfiber cloths instead.
• Ammonia-based Cleaners: Ammonia and alcohol can damage the anti-reflective coating on the screen and should be avoided.
• Direct Spray of Liquid: Never spray water or cleaner directly onto the screen. This can cause liquid to seep into the monitor and damage internal components.
• Abrasive Materials: Avoid using abrasive pads, brushes, or rough cloths, as they can scratch the delicate screen surface.
• Excessive Moisture: Ensure your cloth is only lightly dampened. Too much moisture can lead to water getting into the monitor’s edges or buttons.
• Cleaning When the Monitor is On: Cleaning a monitor while it’s on can lead to electrostatic discharge and potentially damage the screen or internal electronics.
• Using Compressed Air: While compressed air can be used to clean vents and ports, avoid spraying it directly at the screen. The forceful air can damage the screen or push dust into internal components.

By following these tips and avoiding harsh cleaners and abrasive materials, you can keep your LCD monitor looking clean and functioning well for years to come. Regular gentle cleaning helps maintain optimal viewing quality and prevents buildup that can affect screen clarity.

Stuff That Can Damage Your LCD Monitors

Several common cleaning products and methods can potentially damage an LCD monitor if used improperly. Here’s a list of what to avoid when cleaning your LCD monitor to prevent any harm:

• Ammonia-based Cleaners: Products containing ammonia, such as glass cleaners or multi-surface cleaners, should never be used on LCD monitors. Ammonia can damage the anti-reflective coating on the screen and cause it to become cloudy or streaked.
• Alcohol-based Cleaners: Similarly, cleaners containing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol or ethanol) can harm the protective coatings on the screen and may cause the surface to degrade over time.
• Windex or Similar Products: Windex and other window cleaners often contain ammonia and other chemicals that are too harsh for LCD screens. They can strip away protective layers and leave behind streaks or damage the screen.
• Vinegar or Acidic Cleaners: Vinegar, lemon juice, or other acidic cleaners should be avoided as they can corrode the screen’s coatings and lead to permanent damage.
• Paper Towels or Tissues: Paper-based materials are abrasive and can scratch the delicate surface of an LCD screen. They should never be used to clean the screen.
• Abrasive Cloths or Sponges: Rough materials like towels, sponges with abrasive surfaces, or even old T-shirts can scratch the screen. Only use soft, lint-free microfiber cloths designed for electronics.
• Excessive Moisture: Using too much water or cleaner can cause liquid to seep into the monitor’s edges, buttons, or vents, potentially damaging internal components.
• Spraying Liquid Directly onto the Screen: Never spray water or cleaner directly onto the LCD screen. Liquid can seep into the edges of the screen or drip down into the monitor, causing electrical damage or malfunction.
• Strong Solvents or Chemicals: Any strong solvents or chemicals not specifically designed for electronics should be avoided. They can react with the screen materials and cause irreparable damage.
• Using Compressed Air Directly on the Screen: While compressed air can be used to clean vents and ports around the monitor, avoid spraying it directly at the screen. The forceful air can damage the screen or push dust into internal components.

Safe Cleaning Alternatives

To safely clean an LCD monitor, use a soft, lint-free microfiber cloth lightly dampened with water or a specially formulated LCD cleaner. Wipe the screen gently in straight lines, applying minimal pressure. If necessary, use distilled water instead of tap water to prevent mineral deposits. Always ensure the monitor is turned off and cooled down before cleaning, and avoid excessive moisture that could damage the electronics.

By avoiding the cleaning products and methods listed above and following gentle cleaning practices, you can effectively maintain the clarity and longevity of your LCD monitor without risking damage.

Benefits Of LCD Monitors

• LCD Cleaning Cloth
• All Microfiber Cloths