How do you clean a laptop screen?

Paul H. · 12-17-2006, 08:01 AM

Like the title says, how do you clean it and what do you use? Thanks.

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***Corey*** · 12-17-2006, 08:12 AM

Same as my Dell 20.5" widescreen LCD.

Get some "Screen Cleaner" from Office Depot.
I bought a two pack there, and each pump spray bottle is 4 oz.

I spray a few shots right onto the screen, and a few shots on a microfiber towel.
Rub it around gently, repeat, then turn the rag over and dry.

I do not push hard, I wipe it gently.

Been doing it this way with my LCD since I got it around three years ago or so.

spaceycayce · 12-17-2006, 09:30 AM

If you want to save money that stuff is 50/50 blend of alcohol/water. That's what I use. Worked fine for last 2 years. Then soft microfiber cloth to apply/dry it.

gapguy · 12-17-2006, 09:46 AM

What's wrong with Windex and a paper towel? Works fine for me...

***Corey*** · 12-17-2006, 10:30 AM

Paper towels contain fibers that scratch plastic and screens.

YotaFun · 12-17-2006, 10:52 AM

There are some wipes that are made especially for this task...
ThatS what me, mom, and stepdad buy for ours.
Usually at Compusa or any Major computer Retail Store....

nick-m · 12-17-2006, 10:53 AM

Windex is too abrasive imo. Paper towels do scratch and leave behind dust. Microfibre and 50/50 is what I use too.

Someone bought me some " screen cleaning fluid " ...Corey, are you sure it's not just distilled water? Because that's what mine was!

***Corey*** · 12-17-2006, 10:56 AM

It could be, I have not read the ingredients on it.

Yes, paper towels and Windex are bad news.
Windex has harsh chems in it.

C/Net has some good info on cleaning LCDs too.
I believe it may have been that guy who just died recently from C/Net that had the video on their site that showed how to clean.

KD7NAC_07FJ · 12-17-2006, 11:10 AM

Windex has ammonia which can/will eventually soften and often spot the polyester screen on many LCD screens.

The 50/50 Isopropyl/water and an old t-shirt is about the cheapest - best solution.

http://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Lapto...ehold-Products

Paul H. · 12-17-2006, 03:30 PM

Thanks for the tips guys and the link KD7NAC_07FJ.

all_terrain17 · 12-18-2006, 09:40 AM

I got this big can of wipes from Walmart that works great. Costs a few bucks, but there are PLENTY for a few laptops at the dorm...be sure to keep the top sealed with some saran wrap to keep em moist.

lee · 12-18-2006, 10:17 AM

do what corey said

you wont scratch the screen and those bottles last forever

do NOT use paper towels and do NOT rub hard.

12-17-2006, 08:12 AM	#2 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 26,068	Same as my Dell 20.5" widescreen LCD. Get some "Screen Cleaner" from Office Depot. I bought a two pack there, and each pump spray bottle is 4 oz. I spray a few shots right onto the screen, and a few shots on a microfiber towel. Rub it around gently, repeat, then turn the rag over and dry. I do not push hard, I wipe it gently. Been doing it this way with my LCD since I got it around three years ago or so. __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser Built for 4wheelin', expedition, camping, and overlanding use PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse Part II ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge Blog About Roof Top Tents ☺ FJC Magazines Online Review Of My Tent ☺ 2009 Specialized Rockhopper Pro

12-17-2006, 09:30 AM	#3 (permalink)
spaceycayce Contributing Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 346	If you want to save money that stuff is 50/50 blend of alcohol/water. That's what I use. Worked fine for last 2 years. Then soft microfiber cloth to apply/dry it. __________________ ME:1995 4Runner Auto 3.0L v6, SAS'd, lots of other goodies. Wife:1999 Subaru Forrester AWD (which is loads of fun in the snow). 1999 Tacoma 2wd TRD package-sold for the 4runner in 2003 1998 Subaru Forrester-died 2004 1990 Honda Accord- sold in 1998 1975 Buick Regal-died in 1994

12-17-2006, 09:46 AM	#4 (permalink)
gapguy Contributing Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Nevada City, CA Posts: 3,540	What's wrong with Windex and a paper towel? Works fine for me... __________________ 2008 Mini Cooper

12-17-2006, 10:30 AM	#5 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 26,068	Paper towels contain fibers that scratch plastic and screens. __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser Built for 4wheelin', expedition, camping, and overlanding use PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse Part II ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge Blog About Roof Top Tents ☺ FJC Magazines Online Review Of My Tent ☺ 2009 Specialized Rockhopper Pro

12-17-2006, 10:53 AM	#7 (permalink)
nick-m Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: NYC Posts: 364	Windex is too abrasive imo. Paper towels do scratch and leave behind dust. Microfibre and 50/50 is what I use too. Someone bought me some " screen cleaning fluid " ...Corey, are you sure it's not just distilled water? Because that's what mine was! __________________ 1996 4Runner SR5 V6 3.4L 57,890 miles Odyssey PC1700T profile

12-17-2006, 10:56 AM	#8 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 26,068	It could be, I have not read the ingredients on it. Yes, paper towels and Windex are bad news. Windex has harsh chems in it. C/Net has some good info on cleaning LCDs too. I believe it may have been that guy who just died recently from C/Net that had the video on their site that showed how to clean. __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser Built for 4wheelin', expedition, camping, and overlanding use PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse Part II ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge Blog About Roof Top Tents ☺ FJC Magazines Online Review Of My Tent ☺ 2009 Specialized Rockhopper Pro

12-17-2006, 11:10 AM	#9 (permalink)
KD7NAC_07FJ Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Everett Posts: 285	Windex has ammonia which can/will eventually soften and often spot the polyester screen on many LCD screens. The 50/50 Isopropyl/water and an old t-shirt is about the cheapest - best solution. http://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Lapto...ehold-Products

12-18-2006, 09:40 AM	#11 (permalink)
all_terrain17 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 748	I got this big can of wipes from Walmart that works great. Costs a few bucks, but there are PLENTY for a few laptops at the dorm...be sure to keep the top sealed with some saran wrap to keep em moist. __________________ 94' Pickup

12-18-2006, 10:17 AM	#12 (permalink)
lee Contributing Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: boston, ma Posts: 6,756	do what corey said you wont scratch the screen and those bottles last forever do NOT use paper towels and do NOT rub hard.

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