Did you know dust can damage computer components? Because dust is heavier than air, it can act as an insulator to cause excessive heat and hardware failure. Fortunately, you can easily remove dust and other grime from your computer screen. Follow the cleaning process below to clean your electronics safely.
To clean your computer screen: Turn off and unplug your device, remove dust with a dry microfiber cloth, spray a thin layer of clear plastic cleaner into a fresh microfiber towel, and wipe up residue and grime with a fresh microfiber towel.
Products You Will Need
- Microfiber towels
- Clear plastic cleaner (NOT glass cleaner)
Alternatively,
- An air duster
Turn off and unplug your device.
Before cleaning, power down and unplug your device. Powered-up touchscreen laptops or computers may sustain permanent damage. In rare cases, you may even shock yourself if you are cleaning an older machine that is not unplugged. In addition to keeping you safe, turning off your screen will make smudges, dust, and other grime more visible.
Remove dust with a dry microfiber cloth.
Over time, computer screens attract dust and other light, airborne debris. While it might seem insignificant, this debris can cause scratches or additional damage if you use improper cleaning techniques. We recommend using a microfiber towel; its tiny fibers are engineered to trap debris safely.
Glide a clean, dry microfiber towel over the computer screen. No pressure is needed; simply slide it across from left to right. If there’s stubborn dust, apply a small amount of water to dampen the microfiber cloth. Using too much water risks damage to the computer.
Alternatively, use an air duster.
The best way to limit potential damage when cleaning is to limit surface contact. Air dusters are perfect for electronics, as there’s zero contact between yourself and your delicate electronics.
In addition to eliminating surface contact, canned air offers a liquid-free cleaning option. To get the most out of an air duster, use it at room temperature and spray your dusty surfaces in short three- to five-second blasts.
Spray a thin layer of clear plastic cleaner into a fresh microfiber towel.
We specifically recommend using a clear plastic cleaner for cleaning computer screens. Standard glass cleaners have strong chemicals to break down stubborn debris and are harmful to sensitive, thin screens.
If you need a clear plastic cleaner, consider Invisible Glass’ Screen Clean with Hydrogen Peroxide. It provides a streak-free, smooth finish that’s safe for delicate areas and features a static-free solution that repels dust.
Spray a small amount of clear plastic cleaner into the microfiber towel. We recommend that you don’t spray cleaner onto the screen directly, as overspray can get into small crevasses and cracks – potentially damaging the computer.
Wipe up residue and grime with a fresh microfiber towel.
Use a clean microfiber towel to remove cleaning residue and dirt. Avoid circular motions that may cause streaks and spots; instead, use a side-to-side wiping motion, working your way from the top to the bottom of the screen. If smudges or grime remain, carefully apply additional cleaner.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Computer Cleaning
Keep these quick-hitting tips in mind whenever you clean your computer to ensure a safe, effective job.
| Screen Cleaning DO |
Screen Cleaning DON’T |
|---|---|
|
🖥→ Turn off the computer and unplug your monitor, keyboard, and mouse. 🖥→ Use soft microfiber towels on delicate electronic surfaces. 🖥→ Clean your electronics regularly to help prevent build-up. Clean every week or two, using proper techniques and products. 🖥→ Only use screen-safe products engineered for use with electronics. 🖥→ Use anti-static cleaners to avoid dust and debris resettling onto your screen. |
🖥→ Don’t use paper towels. Paper towels can be abrasive and may increase the risk of scratching your delicate electronics. 🖥→ Don’t use glass cleaners on electronics. Glass cleaners contain strong chemicals that may damage screens. |
Keep your computer clean and your mind at ease.
Spraying liquids on your electronics might seem intimidating, but anyone can clean their computer with the right products and cleaning process. Follow these instructions every week or so to maintain your computer screen: Turn off and unplug your device, remove dust with a dry microfiber cloth, spray a thin layer of clear plastic cleaner into a fresh microfiber towel, and wipe up residue and grime with a fresh microfiber towel. Investing just a few moments in cleaning will have you seeing clearly on all your electronic screens.