The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    Clean M14x?

    Discussion in 'Alienware 14 and M14x' started by CC268, Sep 10, 2011.

  1. CC268

    CC268 Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    39
    Messages:
    573
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    31
    Starting to get some oil on my laptop keys, hand rest etc, as well as some dust in the speaker grill. what is the best way to clean these things? Also what is the best way to clean the screen? Thanks
     
    CC268, Sep 10, 2011
    #1
  2. Gearsguy

    Gearsguy Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    570
    Messages:
    1,592
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    Get a soft cloth rag (like for cleaning glasses lens) or a paper towel, and fold it into a square. Run the square under any temperature water, and then squeeze all the water out till its relatively damp. Then wipe down your m14x. Thats what I do, works great. For the screen, I do basically the same thing except I use windex
     
    Gearsguy, Sep 10, 2011
    #2
  3. Matthew293

    Matthew293 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    24
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Get a pair of microfiber cloths. One for the screen and one for the rest of the device. As for the cleaner Im not sure. I sometimes use alchohol based glasses cleaner. I would personally not use windex, even though its probably not too different from glasses cleaner.

    Edit: paper towel leaves to much little particles everywhere and can leave little swirl marks on the glossy display
     
    Matthew293, Sep 10, 2011
    #3
  4. jrowinski

    jrowinski Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    102
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    +1 microfibers w/ some soapy water
     
    jrowinski, Sep 10, 2011
    #4
  5. Gearsguy

    Gearsguy Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    570
    Messages:
    1,592
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    Soapy? Eh. Like I said in my first thing, Id recommend more just a damp microfiber cloth rather than a soapy wet one :\.

    But I guess it depends on how dirty it is. The damp rag should get off oils, but if your m14x smells then yeah like the other guys said give it a bath LOL
     
    Gearsguy, Sep 10, 2011
    #5
  6. niko2021

    niko2021 Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    93
    Messages:
    592
    Likes Received:
    6
    Trophy Points:
    31
    You shouldn't really use windex or anything with ammonia or alcohol on screens, they can change the color of the plastics on the screen, windex is for glass really.
     
    niko2021, Sep 10, 2011
    #6
  7. Jovan for PREZ

    Jovan for PREZ Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    2
    Messages:
    211
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    LCD TV display cleaners would work well on the screen. As for the rest, a damp microfiber cloth like the ones that glasses come with is sufficient.
     
    Jovan for PREZ, Sep 10, 2011
    #7
  8. Mudig

    Mudig Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    8
    Messages:
    212
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Just buy some multi surface wipes.
     
    Mudig, Sep 10, 2011
    #8
  9. KWKSLVR

    KWKSLVR Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    33
    Messages:
    48
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Microfiber + dilluted distilled vinegar and water
     
    KWKSLVR, Sep 10, 2011
    #9
  10. lucretius

    lucretius Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    62
    Likes Received:
    14
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Microfiber cloths are great - lint free. However, unless there's an ammonia free version of Windex, I'd avoid it. I'd also avoid acetone. Most of the time water is fine. If necessary, a little hand soap (i.e. nonabrasive) is ok.
     
    lucretius, Sep 10, 2011
    #10
  11. Coflash

    Coflash Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    8
    Messages:
    110
    Likes Received:
    11
    Trophy Points:
    31
    Yep, windex is really bad for any screen. I learned that lesson after prolonged use on my M1710.
     
    Coflash, Sep 10, 2011
    #11
  12. KWKSLVR

    KWKSLVR Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    33
    Messages:
    48
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    I agree, usually a damp microfiber is all it takes. When mine get totally filthy I add a little vinegar and it comes right up. Just use distilled water so it won't leave spots and clean gently.
     
    KWKSLVR, Sep 10, 2011
    #12
  13. TwelveV

    TwelveV Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    72
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    On my pc keyboard, I sometimes use 90% rubbing alcohol (dilute with distilled water if you need to) to get off dirt/oils. For the screen, just use (distilled) water. Wet a microfiber cloth and rub gently.
     
    TwelveV, Sep 11, 2011
    #13
  14. CC268

    CC268 Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    39
    Messages:
    573
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    31
    Thanks for the responses guys!
     
    CC268, Sep 11, 2011
    #14