How to Clean Your Monitor Properly

Both CRT and LCD computer monitors attract dust like a magnet. Over time, monitors often accumulate so much dust and dirt that it becomes difficult to work. Follow these steps to clean your monitor effectively without causing damage to your sensitive electronics.

1. First: Choose a cleaning product

   You can clean many monitors using standard off-the-shelf glass cleaner. However, some screens — particularly LCD monitors and laptop screens — incorporate special coatings which are damaged or destroyed by certain types of cleaners. Check the documentation for your monitor, or contact the manufacturer to learn what types of cleaning products are safe.

2. Second: Turn the monitor off

   Turn your monitor off before you begin cleaning. Dust shows up more clearly against a dark screen than an active image; turning the monitor off allows you to ensure that all debris is removed.

3. Third: Clean the monitor

   Choose a soft cleaning cloth or rag. Spray the cloth with your cleaning solution, making it thoroughly damp but not dripping. Do not spray cleaner directly onto the screen surface, as runoff may enter the monitor casing and cause damage to electronic components. Gently wipe the screen in long, straight strokes, reapplying cleaner and replacing your cloth as necessary. Continue until all dust is removed from the monitor's surface.

4. Fourth: Dry the screen, and turn the monitor on

   Use a dry cloth to wipe the monitor down and remove any excess cleaning solution from the screen and monitor housing. Turn the monitor back on, and check for any remaining dust or cleaning solution distorting the image.