How to Clean Your Computer Screen

Question: “My computer monitor gets dusty a lot. How do I clean my computer screen thoroughly, but without damaging it?”

The first thing you need to do is refer to your user manual / instructions for the monitor. If you’ve lost the original instructions on how to clean the screen, you can probably find them online through the manufacturer’s website.

From a structural standpoint, the face of one computer screen is very similar to another. But there are some differences as well. For example, I have an old PC upstairs with a huge, “old school” monitor. I also have a MacBook laptop, and it has a completely different type of computer screen and display. LCD flat screens are different from the big box-style monitors, and so on. So I would clean these in different ways, according to the company’s specifications.

Your manufacturer might provide some specific tips or warnings that relate to your model. So you should always start by reading the official instructions that came with the hardware.

How to Clean the Screen

With that disclaimer out of the way, here’s how to clean most computer screens safely and effectively:

Glass monitors – With these screens, you can simply unplug the power source and clean them with a light dose of regular glass cleaner. Don’t spray the cleaner directly onto the screen. Spray it onto a rag instead (indirect application). You don’t need much cleaner. Start with a small amount and see how it does. Repeat if necessary.

LCD flat panel monitors — These are not made of glass, so you need to clean these screens differently. If you have this type of unit, it’s critical that you read the manufacturer’s guidelines. These screens are more delicate than the old-school monitors, so you need to clean them using the recommended materials. Use a soft “microfiber” cloth, if you have one. Most computer makers will include these when you buy their product. Apple gave me a cloth when I purchased my laptop. In most cases, you don’t even need to use any kind of spray — you just wipe the screen with the special cloth. Wipe it often to prevent buildup of dust and fingerprints, and the cleaning process will be much easier. You can buy these cloths in most computer / electronics stores.

This article explains how to clean your computer screen safely and effectively. Remember the disclaimer we started with. You should always refer to the user manual that came with your hardware, to find out what the company recommends.