Cleaning a flat screen monitor

[GoSeahawks]

How do you clean a flat screen monitor? My son got his greasy little hands on it and now there are obvious hand prints running the full length of the screen.

He also did this to my HDTV, and I've wondered how to clean that as well. Should I just use water and paper towels? That doesn't seem right.

[cthomer5000]

we're talking LCD obviously, right?

[Franklinnoble]

Spit on it and wipe it off with your sleeve.

[GoSeahawks]

we're talking LCD obviously, right?
Yes, sorry for forgetting that part.

[A-Husker-4-Life]

I was told water and a clean soft cotton wipe.

[GoSeahawks]

I was told water and a clean soft cotton wipe.
Thank you

[GoldenEagle]

I would not put water on a LCD. I use KlearScreen and it works well.

[GoSeahawks]

I would not put water on a LCD. I use KlearScreen and it works well.
Where would I find that? Electronic stores?

[A-Husker-4-Life]

I would not put water on a LCD. I use KlearScreen and it works well.

I use water and a soft cotton cloth to wipe down my LCD screen, it appears to work great. I just dampin the cloth and wipe down the screen, it will dry on it's own if you down use to much water. I've used this method for years and my monitor is fine, so I'm not for sure where you got your information about not using water..

BTW you can make your own Klearscreen solution, its basically 50/50 solution of water and 98/90% rubbing alcohol..

[Drake]

I just lick my laptop screen until it's clean.

[Bee]

Just buy a new one.

[Miller Time]

For my HP Pavilion f1503 computer monitor, I unplug the monitor, mix 1 part Isopropyl Alcohol (90%) and 1.5 parts water and gently wipe the screen with a soft cloth. Usually takes 10-15 minutes to dry.

You can get the Isopropyl at any drug store.

[cthomer5000]

I could swear I've read to specifically not use alcohol on LCD screens.

edit: either i was misinformed or i'm not remembering correctly... see below

[cthomer5000]

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>How Do I Clean and Maintain the LCD Screen on My Dell™ Portable Computer?
</td></tr><tr><td>
</td></tr><tr><td>
</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td class="para">Table of Contents</td></tr><tr><td>1. Clean the LCD. (http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dsn/en/document?c=us&l=en&s=gen&dn=1011125#1)</td></tr><tr><td>2. LCD Maintenance (http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dsn/en/document?c=us&l=en&s=gen&dn=1011125#2)</td></tr><tr><td>3. General Additional Information (http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dsn/en/document?c=us&l=en&s=gen&dn=1011125#3)</td></tr></tbody></table><input name="__EVENTTARGET" value="" type="hidden"><input name="__EVENTARGUMENT" value="" type="hidden"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>
</td></tr><tr><td class="para">1. Clean the LCD.</td></tr><tr><td class="para">
<table summary="CAUTION" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr valign="top"> <td> http://support.dell.com/US/EN/KB/DOC_IMAGES/10568782.GIF
</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffcc">CAUTION:</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffcc" valign="top">
Isopropyl Alcohol is a flammable liquid.
Never spray or pour any liquid directly on the LCD panel.
Do not clean the screen while the system is on.</td></tr></tbody></table>
Shut down the computer.
Disconnect power to the system or monitor.
Wipe the LCD screen gently with a soft dry cloth.
If any marks remain, moisten the cloth with LCD cleaner, and then gently stroke the cloth across the display in one direction, moving from the top of the display to the bottom. <table cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr valign="top"> <td>http://dsnimg.dell.com/images/external/images/Applications/notice.gif</td> <td bgcolor="#f5f5dc" valign="top">NOTICE: </td> <td bgcolor="#f5f5dc" valign="top">Do not use any of the following chemicals or any solutions that contain them: Acetone, ethyl alcohol, toluene, ethyl acid, ammonia, or methyl chloride. If you have a different chemical or solution and are not sure whether it is suitable, do not use it. Using any of the chemicals in the previous list may cause permanent damage to the LCD screen. Some commercial window cleaners contain ammonia and are therefore unacceptable.</td></tr></tbody></table>
Be sure the LCD screen is dry before closing it or using the computer.
<table id="table1" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr valign="top"> <td>http://dsnimg.dell.com/images/external/images/Applications/Note.gif</td> <td bgcolor="#eeeeee" valign="top">NOTE: </td> <td bgcolor="#eeeeee" valign="top"> There are many cleaning solutions sold specifically as LCD cleaners. You can use these to clean LCD screens on Dell notebooks. Alternately, you may use a 50/50 isopropyl alcohol and water mixture. Microfiber cloths such as those used to clean eyeglasses are excellent for use with LCDs.
</td></tr></tbody></table>
</td></tr></tbody></table>

[Deattribution]

Water can leave spots though (if you use too much). Also you don't want to apply too much pressure when cleaning the screen as the pixels can be rather fragile.

If you have a local Comp-usa they sell a cleaning kit that works well here http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?pfp=SEARCH&Ntt=cleaning+kit&N=200063&Ne=200000&Ntk=All&product_code=333405&Pn=LCD_Cleaning_Kit

[Miller Time]

NOTE: There are many cleaning solutions sold specifically as LCD cleaners. You can use these to clean LCD screens on Dell notebooks. Alternately, you may use a 50/50 isopropyl alcohol and water mixture. Microfiber cloths such as those used to clean eyeglasses are excellent for use with LCDs.

That's pretty much what I do and it has worked fine for me. Hope that helps!

[Mustang]

You need to be like Joan. I think you need to address the root cause and administer some beatings...


"No... greasy hands... EVER!!!!"

[Greyroofoo]

make the kid do it