Computers have become an integral part of our lives now, whether you are a student or working adult. It’s important to keep your computer monitor clean.
Not only will this ensure that your device looks neat and keeps your working environment productive, taking care of your electronics will make them more durable.
Cleaning it generally refers to removing germs and dirt from the surface. On the other hand, disinfecting requires some chemicals to actually kill these germs. Both are necessary to properly maintain your computer!
In this post, I will show you some tips on how to clean your computer monitor without streaks.
1. Turn it off
Before you start cleaning, the first step is to turn off the monitor. It’s much easier for you to see smudges when the surface is black, but this also makes it safer for you.
Additionally, cleaning a monitor when the pixels are firing can damage the screen or cause electric shock. This latter risk is quite unlikely, but better safe than sorry!
2. Dust with compressed air
One of the quickest ways to clean your computer monitor is using a duster or blower. This compressed air will blast off any dust or dirt particles stuck on the screen.
I recommend doing this every other day just to keep the surface clean. Besides, it is a faster alternative when you just need a quick dusting.
3. Use microfiber cloth
When it comes to wiping the monitor, it is best to use microfiber cloth, which performs at a microscopic level. It is a soft material that can attract dust and absorb oils without damaging your screen.
This is also a quick way to clean your computer from any general dust. However, make sure not to press too hard or you might damage the monitor pixels!
Further reading: 10 Best Portable Monitors for Macbook Pro
4. Only use gentle cleaning fluid
I do no advice using liquid to clean monitors, although gentle cleaning fluid that has been designed for this is okay sometimes.
Distilled water is fine too, but you should not spray either fluid directly on the monitor!
Instead, dab the cloth and wring it out for an excess liquid. Use this damp cloth to gently wipe your screen. You could try adding some white vinegar to water for more stubborn spots.
5. Keep it dry
With that said, it is crucial to keep your monitor dry. Always wipe it again with a dry and clean microfiber cloth after using any kind of fluid.
You could also simply let it dry naturally. Don’t turn on your computer before the screen dries completely to prevent unwanted electrical damage.
6. Consider screen wipes
If you are all about convenience and ease, you might want to consider using special screen wipes. These are like wet wipes that have been created to clean monitors.
Just make sure that you buy the best one possible and read online reviews to find the most ideal brand for your monitor.
7. Avoid circular motions
A lot of people tend to wipe in a circular motion and continuously buff out a single spot. This is great to get stains out of furniture but remember that your monitor is more sensitive!
You should use gentle pressure and use sweeping motions. This will avoid putting damaging pressure on the tiny electronic components inside the screen.
8. Do not use abrasive materials
I have established that a microfiber cloth is the best thing you can use to wipe your screen, and that is true! Other materials like paper towels may seem fine, but they are abrasive at a microscopic level.
The same goes for t-shirts and regular rags, as these cloths may contain tiny particles of sand or metal that can scratch your monitor.
Also read: 10 Best Curved Monitors for Work
9. Clean the frame
Last but not least, do not neglect the frame of your monitor. You can use cleaning solutions for these, although you have to spray them onto the cloth and not the frame itself.
Do not get any fluid into the screen itself as this will ruin the coating!
It is also important that you do not get any of the liquid into the crevices between the screen and the frame.
If it seeps inside the machine, you might ruin your monitor or damage it irretrievably. Don’t forget to turn it off even when you are only cleaning the frame too.
Conclusion
Overall, cleaning your computer monitor can be quite simple. I hope these tips have been useful and can help you maintain a streak-free screen display. Good luck!