This article will share with you how to clean a flat screen tv or computer screen without causing damage.
Cleaning sensitive electronics can be a nerve racking or scary experience.
Hi my name is Jason. I am a computer science professor, PC repair specialist and computer nerd.
I have been working with computers and technology before flat screen TV’s and monitors were a thing. In my profession, I have had to repair devices due to in correct cleaning habits.
If not cleaned properly, it is easy to damage the screen on a computer, Macbook, laptop or television, resulting in hundreds of dollars in repair or replacement costs.
However, cleaning these items are pretty straightforward with the proper supplies and techniques.
How to clean a computer or flat screen tv
A Few Do’s and Don’ts when cleaning technology:
Please note, this article may include affiliate links. You can read the full disclosure at the bottom of the page.
Make sure your device is turned off
When cleaning the device’s screen, it is important to have the device turned off before cleaning.
It is possible to damage your electronics if you clean them while they are powered on.
Ask your clients to shut down any computer or tv’s before your visit.
When the device is off it is will also be easier to get a streak-free clean because the screen will be black.
Never use paper towels
Paper towels or other abrasive cloths can scratch and severely damage the LED, LCD or OLED screen, resulting in unhappy clients and hundreds of dollars in damages.
To remove dust from the device’s television screen it is best to use a clean, dry microfiber or antistatic cloth.
I recommend that you have a dedicated cloth for only cleaning these types of screens to help prevent leftover residue from damaging the screen or leaving streaks.
Never use water
I am sure you have heard the saying that electronics and water do not mix. Well, it is not a myth….Water can damage the screen on your device, as well as the electronics inside.
If you must use a screen cleaner for streaks and smudges, it is important that you spray the cleaner on the microfiber to slightly moisten it rather than spray the cleaner directly on the screen.
This will ensure that you do not get any of the liquid on the sensitive electronics. If you can if can squeeze or ring water out of the cloth it is TOO WET!!!
Steps on how to clean Technology
Like dusting a room, it is best to start at the top and work your way down. Start at the top of the device and dust the perimeter, back and cables.
This handheld microfiber duster is great for getting around and behind the technology.
It is faster than using a microfiber towel. Plus, you can run it over the cords for a quick dust.
Before cleaning the screen, it is important to dust the top and sides of the device before cleaning the screen. LED, LCD and OLED screens create a magnetic charge that attracts dust.
If you clean the screen of the electronic device before dusting the rest of it, may result is double the work as you may have to clean the screen again.
Also, when cleaning the screen, it is best to start at the top of the device and work down to prevent falling dust from clinging to the newly cleaned screen.
Cleaning the computer or flat screen tv
Use a separate cloth to clean the screen than you used when dusting the perimeter, back and cables. This way you are not transferring dust onto the screen.
How to Clean a MacBook Screen
Cleaning a MacBook screen is similar to the steps above. Make sure your MacBook is turned off to prevent damage. Use a dry microfiber to dust the entire device before cleaning the screen.
Since the screen is located directly above the sensitive electronics of the device, be extra careful that any electronic cleaning solution you use does not run down into the keyboard or screen bezel.
To reiterate from above, it is best to use a dry microfiber to dust the screen and use dedicated electronic cleaning wipes to remove fingerprints and smudges.
How to Clean a Laptop Screen
Cleaning a laptop screen is similar to cleaning a MacBook, however, some laptops have touchscreens that may make cleaning a little more involved.
It is extremely important that the device is turned off, not only to prevent damage, but to prevent accidental input from touching the screen.
There have been a few times where I have cleaned a touchscreen only to accidentally change a setting or close some important work.
Touchscreen devices tend to get more fingerprints, smudges and grime that traditional, non-touch screens.
Using an electronic cleaning solution sprayed on the microfiber or using a pre-moistened electronic screen wipe is best for these types of devices.
How to Clean a Flat Screen tv
Similar to cleaning a MacBook screen, most flat screen tv’s do not have touchscreens. However, these devices are much larger and can be more difficult to reach.
Often times, utilizing a dry microfiber towel is all that is needed to dust off the screen of the device.
If the TV is located in a hard-to-reach area, a cleaning pole with a microfiber duster or extender may be needed, however, take care not to damage the screen.
Best Products to use when cleaning a computer screen or flat screen tv
Cleaning Cloths safe to clean flat screen tv and Computer Screens
For general dusting and cleaning of LCD, LED or OLED screens it is best to use a lint-free microfiber designed for electronics.
These Wisdompro microfiber cleaning cloths are great for cleaning these delicate surfaces.
The cloths can be washed and reused, however, do not wash them with detergent, fabric softener or soap as it can damage the microfiber and the electronic devices you clean with them.
Spray Cleaner safe for flat screen TV’s and Computer Screens
For fingerprints or smudges, it may be necessary to use a cleaner that is designed for LED, LCD and OLED screens. Using a product such as Screen Mom Screen Cleaner Kit, is a great way to get rid of those unsightly blemishes.
When using the Screen Mom Screen Cleaner Kit It is important that you spray the cleaner on the microfiber to slightly moisten it rather than spray the cleaner directly on the screen. This will ensure that you do not get any of the liquid on the sensitive electronics.
Cleaning Wipes safe for Computer Screens and TV’s
If using a spray cleaner is not to your liking, you can also use a product like Endust for Electronics.
These pre-moistened, one-use wipes are great for a quick, smudge-free cleaning. However, make sure any wipes you use are designed for use on electronics.
Never use furniture wipes, they can contain oily chemicals that can damage your screen or leave hard to remove streaks.
How to clean flat screen tvs and computer screens
