Can we settle this once and for all / How do you clean an LCD screen?

I know there are commercially available cleaners/liquids, but since some of them contain alcohol or ammonia it may not be a good idea to use them. It could cause yellowing of the screen.

Obviously the best thing to do is just wipe off any dust every day, but eventually you will get dirt that doesn't come off unless you use a wet cloth to remove it.

I personally use an LCD cleaning cloth moistened with distilled water ( a regular dry cloth, no chemicals on it that I moisten with distilled water ). That is the best I can think of because I don't trust the stuff you can buy in stores, but is even that a good idea, using any kind of liquid?

Is there any difference between glossy and matte surfaces? Can one method be used on one, but not on the other?

 

I just put my laptop in the sink and hope for the best. Then to wipe it off I usually go with some nice 400 grit sandpaper.

When I feel like being boring I use a damp cloth to get rid of dirt.

 

Personally, I like to light a few candles and clean it "skin on tech" style.

 

you know how you can put glue on your hands, wait for it to dry, then peel it off? that works perfectly to get pesky dust out of crevices and off components!

more seriously: I use a microfiber cloth for dusting, as well as canned air. Ever seen the commercial for the white cloth thing that you "wet and wipe glass for a streak-free clean"? Info-mercial type thing. My grandma thought that was the greatest thing she'd ever seen and ordered a crap load of them. I use one of those to wipe glossy screens. I haven't ever owned a matte screen long enough to get smudges on one..

 

Eh, there's no reason to take it seriously. I just use unscented Cottonelle wipes and tissue.

If I'm really in bum mode I'll use a t-shirt.

As long as you don't use chemicals or abrasive materials, it's all the same.

 

I personally love the sandpaper suggestion above, it works great

In all seriousness, a microfiber rag or photography lens cloth work great. No need for cleaners or anything. You can pick up microfiber towels for dirt cheap at automotive stores if you need them.

 

microfiber rags and lens cloth are great, but my question was mostly regarding those situations when you have to go wet and there will be times when you have to. Just wiping it with a dry microfiber cloth is not going to remove certain spots and smudges.

I saw in the auo matte v.4 manual: "if you get a drop of water on the screen wipe it off immediately or it could cause spots or damage". Made me wonder whether matte screens require a different method, whether even distilled water is safe?

 

There really isn't a time that you'll need anything more heavy duty, unless you've spilled something sticky (like soda) all over your machine- and then you've got bigger problems. Realistically, a screen shouldn't get more than dust on it and maybe the occasional fingerprint smudge. And no, water is never safe around electronics in general. It's far to easy to use too much and cause problems. Screens are more resilient obviously because they've got a plastic exterior, but it could easily drip/run into the keyboard or other components. It's just better to recommend keeping water away from the notebook in general.

I agree with you on the store bought screen cleaners. I've tested out a number of them and they just leave behind streaks and residue which often do more harm than good. Simple tends to be better.

 

Probably would be better to have the laptop off while doing this as well.. Maybe more so for the matte screen, but make sure it's dry before turning it back on. Better safe than sorry. And don't use alcohol. It can, and has, messed things up for people.

This was recommended by NBR in 2k6 lol: ShaggyMAC OptiMist Prime Review
Laptop, Lens & LCD Cleaning Spray | OptiMist Prime by ShaggyMac