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    notebook cleaning

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by Hoffa_J, Feb 15, 2009.

  1. Hoffa_J

    Hoffa_J Notebook Enthusiast

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    Would like to know the best ways to clean up fingerprints. Also would your standard glass cleaner be alright to clean the screen? Got a new laptop and I don't wanna use something that will harm it. Thanks for any comments I can get.
     
  2. boypogi

    boypogi Man Beast

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    microfiber cloth :D
     
  3. jetstar

    jetstar Notebook Deity

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    As mentioned above, a microfiber cloth is highly recommended for cleaning notebook screens. I would not recommend using a standard glass cleaner. It might damage the glossy coating of your notebook screen. I would suggest getting a notebook screen cleaner fluid.
     
  4. nfsnyc

    nfsnyc Notebook Consultant

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    I use those nice cloths they give you with glasses lol, i'm assuming thats 'microfiber' if it's a decent pair of glasses ;-).

    Don't push too hard though, some LCD's are ridiculously sensitive, I have a laptop at work that gets a distorted image at the slightest touch!
     
  5. David

    David NBR Random Reviewer NBR Reviewer

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    If you use a glass cleaner make sure it does not contain ammonia as that will damage your screen.

    I personally use THIS with a lint-free microfiber cloth. Works like a charm everytime :)
     
  6. RaYYaN

    RaYYaN Back on NBR :D

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    Water and a micro-fiber
    I clean it gently on where there is some dirt/smudges and it works each time

    Small areas at a time is a better way as it reduces the chance of scratches especially on glossy notebook bodies
     
  7. Cin'

    Cin' Anathema

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    Micro Fiber FTW :D And, you can get some really nice ones at Bed, Bath and Beyond! :D Very decently priced!


    Cin ;) :)
     
  8. flipfire

    flipfire Moderately Boss

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    Huggies wet wipes
     
  9. The_Moo™

    The_Moo™ Here we go again.....

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    lol nice but the micro fiber cloth and use your breath to clean the screen :) and a wipes of coarse
     
  10. RaYYaN

    RaYYaN Back on NBR :D

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    LOL
    Do they actually work well on glossy notebooks???

    If so, I may give them a try
     
  11. flipfire

    flipfire Moderately Boss

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    Yeah it worked for me.

    If it works on a babys bottom, i dont see why not.

    or you can just buy the proper screen cleaning wipes.
     
  12. millermagic

    millermagic Rockin the pinktop

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    Regular paper towels won't scratch a glossy screen. Atleast I haven't scratchied mine with a paper towel.
     
  13. RaYYaN

    RaYYaN Back on NBR :D

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    Doesn't it leave your laptop smelling the same as the wipes [and many babies' bottoms :p]

    I just use a microfiber cloth and water once a week
    Works for me
     
  14. FrankTabletuser

    FrankTabletuser Notebook Evangelist

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    I wet a few Kleenex with an alcohol free LCD screen cleaner and clean with them my whole computer. Immediately after wetting the display I use a dry Kleenex or a dry micorfiber cloth and dry the display with it, the same with the other parts, like casing, keyboard, ...
     
  15. flipfire

    flipfire Moderately Boss

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    Not that you can see anyway. Dry paper towels is much abrasive compared to a microfibre cloth.
     
  16. CalebSchmerge

    CalebSchmerge Woof NBR Reviewer

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    You could also consult the cleaning guide on this site, which has several different methods for cleaning your computer.
     
  17. Cin'

    Cin' Anathema

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    Like your awesome Cleaning Guides! :D
    They helped me, and I thank you for that! ;) :cool:


    Cin ;) :)
     
  18. RaYYaN

    RaYYaN Back on NBR :D

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    Yeah, those articles really helped me out as well :D :D
     
  19. Yotsuba

    Yotsuba Notebook Evangelist

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    I normally use four microfiber cloths (one for wet and one dry) and either car wax or Armor All for the lid of the computer. Then I use an LCD cleaning solution that we have at work and the other two microfiber cloths (once again one wet and one dry) for the LCD panel itself. I don't normally have to clean my screen though, it just gets dusty for the most part.
     
  20. Yotsuba

    Yotsuba Notebook Evangelist

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    I normally use four microfiber cloths (one for wet and one dry) and either car wax or Armor All for the lid of the computer. Then I use an LCD cleaning solution that we have at work and the other two microfiber cloths (once again one wet and one dry) for the LCD panel itself. I don't normally have to clean my screen though, it just gets dusty for the most part.
     
  21. jeremysdad

    jeremysdad Notebook Evangelist

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    +1 on the car wax. Makes fingerprints just buff right off with a soft cloth (flannel works awesome). I waxed my entire Aspire One, except the screen...which I am debating doing still... :confused:

    Before it would look horrible two hours after cleaning, whereas now it looks showroom new for days on end, and just requires some light buffing to restore the gloss. :cool:
     
  22. RaYYaN

    RaYYaN Back on NBR :D

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    Nice regime you have going there

    How often do you carry out this chore ;)
     
  23. Kryckter

    Kryckter Notebook Enthusiast

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    I hear alot of people using wet wipes, I personally stick with the micro-fiber cloths
     
  24. Hualsay

    Hualsay Notebook Evangelist

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    Micro-Fiber ftw! :D
     
  25. RaYYaN

    RaYYaN Back on NBR :D

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    HAHA


    A true fan to get that excited :p
     
  26. yehrulz

    yehrulz Notebook Consultant

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    what will car wax do on the glossy lid of my dv4?
     
  27. ratchetnclank

    ratchetnclank Notebook Deity

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    Melt it.

    Just kidding it will make it super shiny :)
     
  28. Cin'

    Cin' Anathema

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    That's mainly what I use for my lappy and Netbook! :D

    Don't you get excited about Microfiber cleaning clothes? :D :p ;)

    I usually get mine from Bed Bath & Beyond..you can get like five in a pack for about $15 and work just awesomely! :D


    Cin ;) :)
     
  29. Tinderbox (UK)

    Tinderbox (UK) BAKED BEAN KING

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  30. King of Interns

    King of Interns Simply a laptop enthusiast

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    Best idea ever! Rep
     
  31. catacylsm

    catacylsm Notebook Prophet

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    Tissue paper and a glass's cleaner.

    One end of tissue wet (do fast clean wipe strokes in a direction with this end)
    The other end of tissue dry (Follow them strokes in which were wet until its reasonably dry, the dry tissue will also soften)

    Then softly follow the tissue over with the glass cleaner, this can be done in any direction.

    If you a bit worried about this method, try it on some other glossy/shiny household objects for a bit, or say an old phone, it is very reliable to me :)

    Hope this helps.
     
  32. Tinderbox (UK)

    Tinderbox (UK) BAKED BEAN KING

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    tissue paper is too abrasive, also glass cleaner should be used with care as some contain checmicals that can damage your screen.

    It`s best to buy a branded lcd screen cleaner.

     
  33. CalebSchmerge

    CalebSchmerge Woof NBR Reviewer

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    Not to mention that tissue papers are often loaded with lint, which just makes a big mess too.
     
  34. eqmiami

    eqmiami Notebook Consultant

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  35. boostingdsm

    boostingdsm Notebook Enthusiast

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    I use Meguiars Quick Interior Detailer Mist and Wipe. Works flawlessly.
     
  36. KLF

    KLF NBR Super Modernator Super Moderator

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    Never use toilet paper or household paper to clean laptop screen. They might contain small particles of sand and other impurities. Your butt or the kitchen sink doesnt really care what you use to clean them but laptop display is more sensitive and might be scracthed. :D

    They can be used to clean other surfaces of your laptop, no problem. Microfiber cloths are great for screens as earlier suggested. Personally I rather deal with fingerprints / dust on my screen for days than even consider cleaning it without microfiber cloth, I have a reason for that:

    I used to have old Toshiba that previous owner cleaned with household paper. The screen had horizontal scratches similar to patter you would do when cleaning. Lucky me those were only visible when laptop was turned off, they did not affect actual use at all. Still scratches were annoying to look at, knowing how easily they could have been prevented.
     
  37. NotSoTecnical

    NotSoTecnical Notebook Guru

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    micro-fiber and water all you need...
     
  38. Vinyard

    Vinyard Notebook Evangelist

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    Is micro-fiber and water all you really need? If that's the case I will save a lot of money. Thanks...
     
  39. RaYYaN

    RaYYaN Back on NBR :D

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    Works for me :)

    Glad you'll save some money now :D
     
  40. ChaiYeow

    ChaiYeow Newbie

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    Those cleansing kit in the market are quite cheap and safe to use. For me, personally i normally use soft tissue and water. cheap and effective. haha.. that's how the result look like .
     
  41. KLF

    KLF NBR Super Modernator Super Moderator

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    I've meant to answer here again sooner but I kinda forgot.

    Using water is okay but only use moist cloth, not soaking wet! Water and computers do not mix :) Sometimes it would be safer to put laptop screen flat against the table, so water doesn't get inside the bezel.
     
  42. invena

    invena Notebook Enthusiast

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    I like to use a mixture of rubbing alcohol and water. 1 Part Alcohol 2 parts water, the alcohol evaporates quickly, and since there is no ammonia it is safe on your LCD. Also microfiber cloth ftw.
     
  43. Krane

    Krane Notebook Prophet

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    This! And even then I tested it first. The worst thing you can do is to go to clean your screen just to watch is turn hazy.
     
  44. Vinyard

    Vinyard Notebook Evangelist

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    Is alcohol really good for cleaning your laptop? I've heard it could cause damage to your laptop but I don't know if it's true. And yeah... microfiber is a must!
     
  45. Krane

    Krane Notebook Prophet

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    That depends on what your laptop is made of, and how you use it. Many coated or highly polished plastic surfaces can be tarnished by alcohol, while other surfaces remain uneffected. While other times it makes an effective cleaner (and disinfectant) but can still remove painted, such as letters from keys, when too much pressure is applied.

    As a general rule, I'd keep alcohol away from my laptop. However, that said, I did find it necessary--and undamaging--in removing the glue of those annoying product stickers from the palm rest of my computer. And to be completely honest, I've never used a muli-user keyboard without first wiping it with alcohol. However, that's only in the case of desktop keyboards, which are many times more durable than those on laptop.
     
  46. invena

    invena Notebook Enthusiast

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    Yeah it is a little strong, however thats why i dilute it with water to weaken it bit.
     
  47. andponomarev

    andponomarev Notebook Enthusiast

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    I use usual soap + microfiber (#1).
    After that I take the 2nd microfiber cloth and just apply water. Works fine for me.
     
  48. HeardEmSay

    HeardEmSay Notebook Evangelist

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    if no microfiber cloth is available use cotton balls and isopropyl 50 alcohol to clean it.