Even if you never touch the screen of your monitor, it somehow has a tendency to collect dirt, dust, and fingerprints. Here are instructions on how to clean it.
When cleaning any computer componet (this includes the monitor) the standard advice is do not spray any liquid on the component and do not use so much liquid on the cloth that it runs off the cloth. Instead dampen a cloth with the liquid and then wipe the component with the damp cloth. The reason for this is that the liquid could seep inside of the case through cracks or vents and short out or ruin the electrical circuitry. As added protection against this happening, you should unplug the component before cleaning and not plug it in until any liquid that may seep inside has a chance to dry (like overnight).
If you clean the screen when it is off, you will be able to see the dirt and smudges better.
Before cleaning, you need to figure out what type of screen you have. Either the screen has a hard glass surface or it is soft. If the screen surface is soft to the touch or if it changes color when you touch it, it is soft. Otherwise, it is hard. CRT monitors (which are the old type of monitor and TV that is not flat), most touch screens, and most tablet screens are hard, while most LCD or flat panel display screens are soft.
There are some special don'ts for cleaning a soft screen. Don't use a paper towel or any cloth that could scratch the screen. Don't use ordinary glass cleaner (ammonia based liquids, like Windex). And don't press hard on the screen. Pressing hard anywhere on the screen could damage it (I know because my laptop screen has a pernament light spot on it because of this).
First try cleaning the soft screen with a dry, soft cotton cloth. If that does not clean it good enough, put water or rubbing alcohol on the cloth. Only dampen the cloth. Do not get it so wet that the liquid runs down the screen.
With a hard screen made of glass (as on a CRT monitor) you can use ordinary glass cleaner, but if the screen has anti-glare protection or some other special surface the ammonia in the cleaner could ruin it, so it is best just to steer clear of those types of cleaners. Water or alcohol should work fine. Hard screens do not require a light touch as the soft screens do.
Once the screen is clean, turn your attention to the rest of the monitor. Wipe off the back, top, and sides or better yet, vacuum it off being sure to suck out any dust that has accumulated in the vents. Be careful not to let any cleaning solution run or drip through the vents. While we are talking about the vents, never let books or papers stacked on the monitor obstruct the vents. The vents are there for a reason. Obstructed vents can cause the monitor to overheat or even catch on fire.
Even though the inside of a conventional monitor (CRT) can get quite dusty, it is not recommended to clean the inside unless you are an experienced technician because the picture tube contains high voltage even after the power has been shut off.
A dusty, smudgy monitor may not harbor dangerous bacteria which could make you sick or even kill you, but still, don't you think it is important to be able to see the screen? So, come on, get up off your chair, find a soft cloth and water, and clean your monitor now.
Ray Geide
Author of Ray's Computer Tips and many top computer software
Super Win Software, Inc.
http://www.superwin.com
How to Clean the Monitor
