How to Clean LCDs

If that wonderfully sleek, space-saving flat-screen monitor adorning the top of your desk or workstation is blurry with fingerprints and smudges, there is hope. LCD (liquid crystal display) screens are especially susceptible to scratches and require a little special care, but you can have yours shining like new in no time. Apparently, every manufacturer has their own recommendations on how to best clean their particular model of LCD, but there are some general guidelines.
You don’t have to turn off the monitor before cleaning it, but this will help you see the smudges and smears. If your screen is merely dusty, you can wipe gently with a soft, cotton cloth or try a can of compressed air. But if your screen is downright grungy, you might have to resort to some tougher tactics.

Though some people recommend using Windex, ethyl alcohol and ammonia-based cleaners can yellow your flat-screen or laptop monitor over time, so it is best to avoid such products. You can find an array of commercial products specifically designed to clean LCD screens, but you may prefer to just head to your kitchen and mix up your own solution. Plain old water can do the trick, or you can concoct a solution of vinegar and water or isopropyl alcohol and water.

Always use a soft cotton cloth, rather than a rag or paper towel to wipe the screen. Some people recommend special electrostatic cloths, like those used to clean eyeglasses treated with anti-glare finish, or even dryer sheets. Apply the cleaning solution to your cloth rather than directly to the screen and wipe in one direction — from the top of the screen to the bottom.

One final word of warning, never touch or press on your LCD screen with your fingers as this can cause the pixels to burn out.