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Safely Cleaning LCD Displays?

Posted by Cliff on from the but-spring-cleaning-was-months-ago dept.

An anonymous reader asks: "I own several laptops and one flat-panel LCD display, and I am trying to find a good way to keep them clean without damaging them. Using the alcohol-based cleaning wipes that I normally use for my CRT displays doesn't seem right, and I had an (idiot) friend who shorted out a great many of the transistors on his laptop's LCD by spraying Windex on it. What's the best way to clean these things without damaging them or creating buildup that I'll just have to clean off again separately?"

8 of 46 comments (clear)

  1. I prefer a simple moist cloth... by ihtagik · · Score: 5, Informative

    When cleaning LCD panels, including laptop displays, be very careful. The plastic coating on the front of the display is semi porous, so fluid can run down the front of the display and short out some of the edge transistors, blowing out some of the display elements. Pre-moistened towelettes are the best way to go, but if you prefer a spray on cleaner, use it very sparingly. LCD Cleaning Tips

    I think best results are achieved by wiping the screen with an absorbent cotton/flannel cloth dipped into a very dilute soap solution and squeezed until it is moist. Also instead of trying to scrub any dirt build up try rubbing gently in a circular motion. Once done you should wipe any droplets of water off the panel or risk messing it up.

  2. Scotch Brite Cloth by MrMac · · Score: 4, Informative

    You should get 'Scotch Brite High Performance Cloth'.. this stuff is fantastic.. it's fiber is woven in such a way that it cleans glass with no liquid and dosen't scratch. I use in on my glasses and all of my computer moitors, tv's and any LCD panels I have.. a Newton, PowewBook. You can use it in conjunction with a little bit of cleaner like Windex or even water. They are washable, they cost about $4 a piece - check out your grocery store buy the sponges and stuff or Wal-Mart, etc....

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  3. Try google by MrScience · · Score: 2, Informative

    A quick search on google groups turned up many hits, including a link to this pdf. Read your manual. Also: "Probably more important is the cloth you use. I like to use a soft cotton cloth, even an old t-shirt. With the right cloth, you can even use spit for a small spot. With the wrong cloth you'll screw up the screen no matter what you use." here

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  4. iKlear LCD Cleaner by NeuroPulse · · Score: 3, Informative

    Cleaner made for this purpose.

    http://www.iKlear.com/

  5. LCD screen cleaner by XO · · Score: 2, Informative

    Screen Cleaning Gel

    --
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  6. NO WINDEX!!! by nathana · · Score: 2, Informative

    AIIEEEE!! Do NOT use Windex. Ammonia-based solutions will YELLOW the surface of the LCD over a period of time.

    I do as IBM suggests for my ThinkPad: a 50/50 solution of water and isopropyl alcohol on a soft, lint-free cloth (I use a clean, old T-shirt). Works great.

  7. Endust for Electronics... by ianashley · · Score: 2, Informative

    I found Endust for Electronics works fine on laptops and flat panel monitors. Just spray some onto a soft cloth and whipe away. You can pick it up at any CompUSA, Best Buy, or Office Depot for around 4 bucks..

  8. Apple mostly agrees by Otter · · Score: 2, Informative
    According to the manual for my TiBook:

    To clean your PowerBook screen do the following:
    • Shut down your PowerBook.
    • Dampen a clean, soft, lint-free cloth or paper with water only and wipe the screen. Do not spray liquid directly on the screen.
    --
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