Before You Start

It’s time to get your laptop or computer screen bright and fresh again, nothing is worse than a grimed-up monitor full of dried-up droplets, dust, and fingerprints. If you want to do the job right, turn off and unplug your monitor or power down your laptop and gather the supplies you’ll need.

Things You’ll Need

Microfiber cloths are the absolute best tool for this job, but paper towels can work too, and in a real pinch you can even use clean coffee filters (they are lint-free!). You’ll need something to spray on the screen to help remove any sticky or persistent debris. Distilled water or diluted isopropyl alcohol does the best job here. You might also want a few Qtips to get into the crevices or tight corners of the screen. Lastly, if you are working on a laptop you will want a towel or rag to drape over the keyboard, to keep it clean and prevent any spills or spray into the keys.

Cleaning The Screen

Make Sure The Screen Is Turned Off

As with all electronics, it’s best to turn off and unplug your monitor before you clean it. If you’re cleaning your laptop screen, you should turn the laptop off.

Don’t Use Solvents

As with any electronics or plastic items, do not use solvents to clean your computer screen. Distilled water is the best thing to use when cleaning your monitor.

Can you use Windex on a computer screen?

The use of Windex to clean your glass laptop screen is safe only if you have a glass laptop screen and if it isn’t a plastic screen. It is very important that you do not spray the Windex directly onto the screen of your laptop. Always spray it onto your cloth and use the cloth to wipe your screen. It is fine to use a soft duster brush if you do not have a microfiber cloth or a clean sponge that is fresh out of its package.

Can you use Clorox wipes on a computer screen?

When you use disinfectant wipes like Clorox or Lysol for cleaning your laptop, the outer film can easily wear off, causing damage to the finish of your screen. It is, therefore, better to avoid using these products to clean your laptop. Avoid using any cleaning agent on a laptop screen with a glossy finish.

Can I use alcohol wipes to clean my laptop screen?

It is generally safe to use isopropyl alcohol in a dilution of 70% or less on computer screens and laptops. Never spray alcohol or another liquid directly on your computer or laptop screen. Use a clean microfiber cloth with a small amount of Isopropyl Alcohol and gently clean the screen using a circular motion.

What household product can I use to clean my computer screen?

You may be tempted to use one of the many different cleaning products you already have at home, however, the ideal cleaning solution is plain distilled water, which contains no chemicals and is gentle on the screen. Alternatively, white vinegar and distilled water mixed 50/50 can be used to make a more powerful cleaning solution. If you are using vinegar, make sure it is plain, not apple cider or any other variety.

Use Water And A Clean, Soft Cloth

As we mentioned previously, distilled water and a clean microfiber cloth should be your first choice tools for this job.

Wipe Your Screen From Top To Bottom

A good rule for cleaning almost anything, start from the top and work your way down so that you don’t drip cleaning solution on an area you’ve already cleaned.

Never Spray Liquid Directly On The Screen

You should always spray the cloth you’re using to clean, never the screen or monitor itself. There are cracks and spaces that water can drip into and accumulate causing damage to the electronics within.

Wipe Your Screen Dry With A Soft Cloth

Finish the job by wiping the screen dry with a second, clean microfiber cloth. Leaving the screen wet can cause small drops to form and leave residue on your screen. It would be a shame to go through all the trouble of cleaning your screen only skip the last step.

How Often Should You Clean Your Screen?

You’d be surprised how quickly your screen gets dirty and how long you may not realize it or get annoyed enough to clean it again. It’s better to have a regular cleaning schedule for your screen and all your computer peripherals including your mouse and keyboard, which likely get much dirtier than your screen and can use a good cleaning too!