LCD Monitor Cleaning
Information...
Written By:
Kia Javadi
LCD (Liquid
Crystal Display) Monitors have quickly replaced CRT (Cathode
Ray Tube) Monitors as the predominant video output devices
for new computers and laptops. These thin, flat-panel
display appliances offer convenience and space efficiency at
a very reasonable cost, making the LCD monitor desirable for
both the manufacturer and consumer. This guide
provides information on cleaning your LCD Screen.
How To Clean An LCD Monitor?
LCD screens are much
more susceptible to streaking and picking up oils than older
CRT units are. This is especially true with Laptops /
Portables as the screen is transported from place to place
and, when shut, can come in contact with a keyboard unit.
While in contact, oils and residue left behind by your
fingers on the keys can transfer onto the LCD screen and
make it dirty. This process can happen every time you
shut your laptop case. Luckily, however, cleaning an
LCD monitor is an easy process that can be done anywhere at
little or no expense. It is important to know what
materials to use and the proper procedure though so that you
don't do more damage than good.
Firstly, an LCD screen is NOT a glass surface so traditional
alcohol or ammonia based glass cleaners (ie- Windex) cannot
be used. LCD screens are made of plastic and
alcohol/ammonia can cause irreversible damage to them.
Manufacturers have reported that such products can cause
your screen to go cloudy/turn yellow, can make the surface
material very brittle, and can cause surface cracks that can
not be repaired. Instead of using a standard cleaner
it is recommended to either use water or a mild glass
solution that is ammonia and alcohol free.
Alternatively, there are many LCD-specific cleaning products
available today. Two such models are the Kensington
Screen Guardian LCD Cleaner and the Meridrew's KlearScreen
Spray.
Before beginning to clean your screen it is important to
turn it off first. After doing so, select a clean
lint-free cloth material for wiping. It is important
to select the softest cloth you can find to avoid
scratching. Never use standard paper towels as they
are too abrasive for the LCD surface and can cause damage.
Also, always remember to dampen the cloth material with your
cleaning solution and then apply the dampened cloth to the
LCD screen. Spraying liquid directly onto the screen
is NOT recommended.
How Can I Make My Own LCD Cleaning Solution?
The safest (non-commercial) LCD cleaning solution you can
use to clean your monitor is water. Using water will
assure that you are not applying dangerous chemicals to the
LCD material. In some cases, however, water alone will
not do the entire job or will leave parts of your screen
unclean.
To
create a safe LCD cleaning solution for yourself, simply
dilute Isopropyl Alcohol down to 50% (or less) in water.
Isopropyl Alcohol is the standard alcohol product that can
be found in any drugstore - typically in solutions that are
between 90-98% pure. To achieve the 50% level simply
mix 1 part water for every part of Isopropyl Alcohol.
Ie - 1 Cup of Alcohol / 1 Cup of Water.
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