How do you clean your monitor or TV screen? (Page 1/2)
williegoat AUG 07, 06:41 PM
I have read varying opinions on the internet. Some say never to use anything but distilled water and others say white vinegar. Some warn against alcohol, Windex, etc. I even saw where someone recommended using a magic eraser. At least I know better than that.

I have never used anything but tap water and a microfiber cloth, but there are a few spots on my monitors that won't budge. If you have ever sat at your desk and eaten a bowl of ramen noodles, you will know. I don't want to rub too hard or scrape with my fingernail.

I have also seen products which claim to be made just for LCD screens, are these "snake oil"?

Also, is a synthetic microfiber cleaning cloth safe? Or must I use cotton as I do on car paint?


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BHall71 AUG 07, 07:08 PM
Invisible glass and a generic Harbor Freight micro-fiber cloth work good. If there is quite a bit of dust build up I would try blowing it off with compressed air first then using the Invisible Glass.

HTH

Brian
IMSA GT AUG 07, 07:11 PM
I use Windex and a terry cloth towel and have NEVER had any issues. The only thing you need to be careful about is that the liquid does not seep into the frame surrounding the screen. Other than that, glass cleaner is fine.

The screen is a piece of plastic that is flat (non-reflective). You really can't harm it much other than using acetone or lacquer thinner

[This message has been edited by IMSA GT (edited 08-07-2021).]

Jake_Dragon AUG 07, 09:03 PM
Monster 6.7 oz. Spray Screen Cleaner Kit
Google it for a store near you

Most modern Monitors have a polarized screen on the outside, its not glass and can be scratched.
I have been using this stuff for a while, ok it was free but it works.
What ever you use make sure its safe for polarized screens.

If you have a glass monitor then most glass cleaners will work. Dont get too aggressive.
williegoat AUG 07, 09:30 PM
Thanks to everyone for the advice!


quote
Originally posted by Jake_Dragon:

Most modern Monitors have a polarized screen on the outside, its not glass and can be scratched.
I have been using this stuff for a while, ok it was free but it works.
What ever you use make sure its safe for polarized screens.

If you have a glass monitor then most glass cleaners will work. Dont get too aggressive.


I have been reading that most newer screens have an anti-glare coating (polarized?) that can be damaged by ammonia, alcohol, etc., which are in many glass cleaners. My monitors are a few years old, but I just bought a new TV this year and want to keep it nice.

I don't think I have any glass screens. My monitors, tablet and laptop are almost certainly plastic, but I am not really sure about the TV.
IMSA GT AUG 07, 09:59 PM
Nothing will happen by using standard glass cleaner. I've been using it on all my monitors and there has been no damage and no change to the finish of the actual screen. For me, true monitor cleaning products are snake oil just to make a buck. Maybe under the bright fluorescent lights in an office environment it might make a difference but for someone using a monitor at home, there is no issue using standard glass cleaner.
RWDPLZ AUG 07, 11:29 PM
Alcohol wipes or isopropyl alcohol on a paper towel on laptop or flatscreen TV screens.
randye AUG 08, 01:49 AM
About $10 at Wally World

I originally started using this on my Nikon camera lenses and reading glasses.

Spray on a soft cloth, not directly on the screen.

Keeps all my lenses and screens clean, static free and happy.

[This message has been edited by randye (edited 08-08-2021).]

fierofool AUG 08, 08:08 AM
I don't have any more Windex but I believe I read a caution on the label that it's not to be used on flat screen tv's or computer monitors. I have a Sprayway Glass Cleaner that I had used from back in the '70s. Made for the graphic arts industry for cleaning camera lenses and exposure unit glass. I currently use it for my car windows. It's a non-ammonia, non-alcohol formulation and even that has a warning that it's not for use on flat screen tv's. I would guess that would also apply to computer monitors, too, even though it's not stated. I have used it on both, but infrequently. You might try it and if you determine it's not suitable, at you have a cleaner for your car glass that doesn't leave a residue. It's just not recommended for use on window tint film.
theogre AUG 08, 08:19 PM
Unlike most I have dealt w/ Many Thousands of Monitors and TV of all types and seen many problem w/ people cleaning them....

1. RTFM... If a monitor/TV has one or is online, most cover how to clean them.

Most LCD and related don't care much what you clean them with w/in some "rules." IE Use Gentle cleaners w/ soft fabric that won't leave lit.

In General...
● Paper anything can be enough abrasive to cause problems. Even paper towels and tissue. Avoid them.
● Tap water can cause problems. Between source and plumbing a building can have "hard water" rust and more. Most Bottle water is ok but flavors etc are not. Bottle Water including "Spring Water" brands is require to be processes by Reveres Osmosis and other filtration in US and many other places but many companies add more minerals then others to add flavor. De-iodize or distilled from a store are best. Home RO water are ok too for those w/ them.
● Don't let the cleaner/water run down in the bezel. Cleaner gets in there can wreck the LCD screen itself, control switches, etc.
LCD edges under the bezel often have electronic connections to control board in back and cleaner can short out those.
Most Actual buttons etc aren't even water resistance no matter the buttons you see on the case.
● Do Not push/press "hard" or LCD front and back of screen can hit each other and wreck the electrics in them.
"Hard" depend on unit in question... Some are Very Easy to destroy while others are more rugged. Use barely enough pressure to move soft whatever across a screen.
● If something is hard to remove... spray cleaner on a "rag" then just hold that on the spot. Don't move. Let cleaner "soak" the spot for several seconds to minutes then see if spot is gone or reduced. If nothing happens, may never be remove w/out doing way more damage.
● Don't confuse dirt w/ stuck/dead "pixels." Sadly I've seen people trying to "clean" small spots that are stuck/dead pixels and worse "cleaning" made more of them.

Note that Many issues are leftover problems w/ CRT monitors/TV...
MANY CRT have anti-glare coatings that cleaning w/ wrong things can lift the coating off the glass. Yes, I've seen just this happen to many CRT units wrecks by users done this way.
Example: Many people get a Surface cleaner says "works on Glass" and use that on their CRT but wrecks the coating. Worse, Often remove parts of the coating. Some Glass Cleaner are very bad for this reason too.
And Warranty Does Not Cover User Damage. Think wrecking a 15" or 17" CRT monitor is bad? See it happen w/ 19" and bigger CRT costing a lot more $ and most places Don't have spares of those.

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Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)

The Ogre's Fiero Cave

[This message has been edited by theogre (edited 08-08-2021).]