How to Clean an LCD Screen
LCD Monitor of Powermac G4
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screens are technological marvels but they have one minor (and annoying) problem: they attract dust like there is no tomorrow and can easily be smudged by your fingertips or your hands. If you’re trying to learn how to repair a LCD monitor or television, one of the first things you need to be aware about is how delicate the LCD screens are on them. You are most likely going to find dust and smudges on them so you need to know how to clean them. You must proceed with care when you try to do this. The following are some tips on how to do it correctly:
LCD screens are typically seen in PDAs, laptops, iPods and high definition flat screen televisions. If you check out the inside of your home, chances are you will see more of these clever screens utilized in a lot of todays appliances and gadgets. LCDs are everywhere there is cool technology!
However, anyone who owns any type of LCD screen knows there is one minor hitch to them. These screens or displays attract dust and dirt like magnet attracts iron fillings. Just within a few weeks of buying your once crystal clean LCD screen, it starts picking up dust, lint, and smudges.
When you see your LCD display gathering up a bit of dirt, first instinct is to get a tissue or paper towel to wipe it off. Perhaps you even try the damp cloth or towel approach. Well, don’t! If you have then you will have made the biggest possible mistake that could do damage to your delicate LCD screen display.
LCD screens are not like your usual cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor screens. The LCD screens are not glass, rather they are made up of a soft film that can easily be ruined or scratched by coarse paper towels and the chemicals that may be found in ordinary tap water.
Proceeding in caution is a must if you want to keep all your LCD screens in perfect and undamaged condition. This is one case where a little knowledge could save you a whole lot of trouble and disappointment.
LCD Screen Cleaning Tips
Most experts recommend that you use a cleaning solution of 50% isopropyl or rubbing alcohol and 50% distilled water. You should use a soft cloth such as an old cotton T-shirt or handkerchief or any of those microfiber cloths that they use for reading glasses and lenses. Never ever use tissues, paper towels, or any of those ordinary dish cloths, as harsh texture may scratch and damage the soft surface of an LCD screen. Ordinary cloths also tend to pick up tiny debris that could further damage the screen.
It is advised to turn off any devices before cleaning them. Inspect the screen before you start to take note of any particular areas that need to be cleaned. Do not spray the cleaning solution directly onto the screen. Instead, dampen the cleaning cloth with the solution first and apply gently and with very light pressure, using a circular cleaning motion. Do not apply any heavy pressure on the screen and avoid touching with your fingers tips.
The screen should be thoroughly dry before turning your device back on.
A little reminder: you should always read the owner’s manual or consult with the manufacturer for the recommended cleaning method for your particular device.
You should also note that there are commercial LCD cleaning kits available out there that are very inexpensive. These cleaning kits will have everything that you need to clean your LCD display screens. Most will be bundled with microfiber cloths that are necessary for picking up dust and removing smudges and fingerprints. A can of air duster or compressed air is also handy for removing dust from those hard to reach places on the screen.
Some cleaning formulas that you can buy may contain the same formula or mixture as the home-made one suggested above, but there are cleaning solutions coming out that are ammonia and alcohol-free which are definitely better for your LCD screens. Some even have an anti-static coating that will help prevent too much build up of dust. It may be prudent to pick up one of these cleaning kits if you own a lot of LCD screens. You can also purchase single wipes and cleaners for traveling.
What ever method you take, or cleaning formula you buy, just be reminded that you should treat all the LCD screen with a lot of care. Be sure you clean all your LCD screens regularly and when the need arises. This will help you enjoy your LCD devices more and will protect and prolong their life so you save some money in the long run.
Copyright © 2006 Titus Hoskins.
For other handy LCD cleaning tips and all the materials you need to clean LCD screens go here: How To Clean LCD Screens. To learn how to clean a laptop LCD screen try here: How To Clean Laptop Screen.
Recent Comments