How to Clean a Laptop Screen

Laptops are the logical progression to new age technological systems. They provide a mobility and improved functionality compared to outdated desktop systems. However, continuous use of  laptops in a variety of environments, touching it constantly to close the screen and even handling it with unclean fingers, takes a toll. You often find laptop screens looking smudged with fingerprints and oil from the fingertips start accumulating on the keys on the keyboard.

Fortunately, you can clean your laptop screens periodically with just a few materials. These cleaning products are inexpensive and very easy to find.

So here’s how to clean a laptop screen.

What you will need to clean your laptop screen

• Soft cloth preferably lint free material (microfiber works best)
• Mild strength dishwashing detergent
• A handheld vacuum cleaner blower attachment at a lower setting or a compressed air can
• Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol)
• Disinfectant wipes (0.5% hydrogen peroxide)
• Small container filled with water
• White vinegar (this is an alternate option)
• Distilled water (alternate option)

How to clean the surfaces of your laptop

If the surfaces of the laptop are not properly leaned, the entire process of cleaning the laptop screen will be futile. It is important to give proper attention to the cleaning of the keyboard because any moisture residue getting under the keys will compromise the overall functionality of your laptop.

Step 1

Turn off the laptop. Unplug it from the power source and if possible take out the battery before you start the cleaning process.

Step 2

Use the compressed air can to direct airflow on the crevices between the keys. You should also use the airflow to remove any crumbs or dust lodged in the air vents along the sides of the laptop.

Step 3

You can also use the blower attachment of a handheld vacuum cleaner to direct moderate airflow on the laptop surface. Always sue the lowest setting available on the vacuum cleaner.

Step 4

Take a piece of microfiber cloth and dip it in isopropyl alcohol or rubbing alcohol. Use this to rub down the keys on the keyboard, the sides, and surfaces of the laptop. The rubbing alcohol evaporates fast, so there is no risk of moisture reside getting under the keys on the keyboard.

Step 5

As an added protection, you can wipe the surfaces of the laptop with a 0.5% hydrogen peroxide wipe. This will disinfect the laptop.

How to clean your laptop screen

If you have the laptop’s user manual, check for any specific, instructions provided for cleaning the laptop. Do not use any harsh chemicals for the cleaning; the laptop screen is very sensitive and might damage easily.

How do you clean a laptop screen with dish soap and water

Always use a mild strength dishwashing soap for this purpose. It is also important to check the quality of the cloth. If you do not have the right kind, buy it instead of using scratchy cloth fibers for the cleaning.

Step 1

Organize all the materials you will need to commence the cleaning process. If you are using water, make sure it is at room temperature. Place it in a small container and ensure that it does not spill on the laptop surface.

Step 2

Use a dry piece of fabric to wipe down the surface of the laptop screen. The cloth should be lint-free and soft. Invest in a microfiber cloth.

Step 3

Dissolve some dishwashing detergent in to the water in the container. Mix the solution until it foams up softly. This mixture will be your secondary line of cleaning to remove any stubborn stains on the laptop screen that were not removed during the dry wipe down. Do not use too much detergent or the screen will become sticky after the cleaning.

Step 4

Wet the microfiber cloth in the detergent solution and softly wipe the screen removing any visible smudges or oily fingerprints. Carefully wipe the edges of the screen and the corners where dust can easily accumulate.

Step 5

Repeat the dry cloth wipe down to remove any streaks left from the wet cleaning. This also absorbs the residue moisture from the solution. Never use paper towels or tissues for cleaning as they might leave bits behind.

How do you clean a laptop screen with vinegar-water solution

Step 1

You can make a 50-50 solution of white vinegar and distilled water in a container.

Step 2

Wipe the laptop screen with a dry soft cloth to remove loose dirt from the surface.

Step 3

Dab a microfiber cloth in the vinegar-water solution and lightly wipe the surface of the laptop screen.

Step 4

Wipe the screen again with a dry cloth to remove any dirt streaks and moisture from the screen.

Regardless of whichever of the above processes you use to clean the laptop screen, when finished, place the battery back in its port. Plug the power cable to the power source and turn the laptop on. Now while the screen is lit, check for any dirt, streaks or dust that you might have overlooked during the cleaning. You can repeat the entire laptop cleaning process twice or three times a month.

So now you know how to clean a laptop screen, don’t you? Try it out!