Effective Ways To Remove Streaks And Smears From Your Monitor

A clean monitor can make all the difference to your viewing experience, whether you're working, gaming, or binge-watching your favourite series. While cleaning your monitor is easy, it's important to do it right to avoid damaging your screen. Here's a step-by-step guide to removing smears and keeping your monitor in pristine condition.

Use a microfiber cloth to wipe the screen gently

Using a microfiber cloth is the recommended method for gently wiping your monitor screen. Microfiber cloths are extremely soft and effective at attracting dust and absorbing oils. They are also gentle enough that they won't damage your screen.

Before using the microfiber cloth, ensure that it is clean and free of any grit or dirt. A single speck of dirt or sand could cause scratches on your screen, so it's important to be cautious.

When wiping the screen, use gentle, light pressure and avoid circular motions. Instead, use wide, sweeping motions from side to side or top to bottom. This technique will help prevent streaking and ensure even distribution of any cleaning solution you are using.

If your monitor has stubborn stains or fingerprints, you can dampen the microfiber cloth with a small amount of water or a mild cleaning solution. It is important to avoid using excessive moisture, as this could lead to liquid seeping into the edges and corners of the screen, potentially causing damage.

For best results, use a separate dry microfiber cloth to wipe the screen after cleaning to ensure that all moisture is removed and to prevent streaks.

By following these steps and using a microfiber cloth gently, you can effectively remove smears and smudges from your monitor screen without causing any damage.

Avoid using paper towels or harsh chemicals

Paper towels are abrasive enough to scratch the screen's coating, and you'll be "seeing things" permanently. Paper towels, along with t-shirts or other household rags, might be harbouring a stray piece of dirt, sand, metal, or something else that could scratch your display in a single wipe.

Harsh chemicals can also damage the display. Ammonia-based cleaners, for example, can damage your screen by stripping anti-reflective coatings, cause clouding, or worse. Monitors are sensitive, so it's best to avoid using corrosive substances. This means no alcohol- or ammonia-based cleaners (like diluted rubbing alcohol or Windex).

Instead, opt for a mixture of distilled water and white vinegar in a 50-50 ratio for cleaning. This solution is gentle enough to remove smudges and dirt without harming the monitor's surface.

Use distilled water or a mild cleaning solution for stubborn stains

If you're dealing with stubborn stains on your monitor, it's time to bring out the big guns: distilled water or a mild cleaning solution. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you tackle those stubborn stains effectively and safely:

Step 1: Power Down and Unplug

Before you begin cleaning, it's important to turn off your monitor and unplug it from the power source. This is crucial for two reasons: it makes it easier to see the dirt and dust, and it's safer for both you and your equipment.

Step 2: Gather Your Tools

For this step, you'll need a microfiber cloth. Microfiber cloths are soft and gentle, reducing the risk of scratches. Avoid using paper towels, regular cloth towels, or any other abrasive material, as these can damage your screen.

Step 3: Prepare Your Cleaning Solution

The cleaning solution you use will depend on the type of stain you're dealing with.

Option 1: Distilled Water

If you're dealing with light stains, distilled water is a great option. Dampen your microfiber cloth with distilled water, but be sure it's not soaking wet. You want to avoid getting the edges of your screen wet, as the moisture can seep into the monitor.

Option 2: Distilled Water and White Vinegar

For tougher stains, a mixture of equal parts distilled water and white vinegar is a powerful yet gentle solution. This combination is effective at removing stubborn smudges and food stains without harming your monitor's surface.

Step 4: Clean the Screen

Using gentle, broad strokes, wipe the screen with your damp microfiber cloth. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this can damage the screen. If the stain is particularly stubborn, continue rubbing gently and be patient. Remember, never spray your cleaning solution directly onto the screen.

Step 5: Dry the Screen

Before turning your monitor back on, it's important to ensure that the screen is completely dry. Use a dry microfiber cloth to gently wipe the screen, absorbing any remaining moisture. Alternatively, you can let the monitor air-dry, but be sure to give it enough time to fully dry before powering it back on.

Bonus Tips:

• Always apply any liquid to the cloth, never directly to the screen.
• Clean your monitor regularly to prevent stubborn stains and make the cleaning process easier.
• Avoid using household glass cleaners, as they often contain harsh chemicals like ammonia, which can damage the screen's coating.
• For touchscreen monitors, be extra gentle to avoid wearing out the touch sensors.
• If you're dealing with a particularly tough stain, you can try using a very small amount of diluted dish soap in distilled water.

By following these steps and taking a gentle, patient approach, you can effectively remove stubborn stains from your monitor and keep it looking like new.

Turn off and unplug the monitor before cleaning

Turning off and unplugging your monitor is the first and most important step when it comes to cleaning. This may seem obvious, but it's crucial for two reasons. Firstly, it's a safety precaution to protect you from electrical shocks. Secondly, it makes dirt and smudges more visible, allowing you to target your cleaning efforts effectively.

Before you begin cleaning, ensure you have the right tools. You'll need a microfiber cloth—this is important because other materials, like paper towels or household rags, can be abrasive and cause scratches on your screen. Microfiber cloths are extremely soft and designed to attract dust and absorb oils without damaging your monitor. It's a good idea to have more than one microfiber cloth, as any dirt or grit on the cloth can harm your screen. Keep them stored in a safe, dust-free space.

Once you've turned off and unplugged your monitor, and gathered your microfiber cloths, you're ready to start cleaning. Gently wipe the screen with a dry cloth to remove dust, being careful not to press too hard. This initial dusting will make it easier to spot any smudges or fingerprints and will help ensure you don't accidentally scratch the screen when applying a cleaning solution.

Now, with the monitor still turned off and unplugged, it's time to apply a cleaner. Spray a small amount of a specialised computer screen cleaner onto your microfiber cloth—never spray directly onto the screen. If you don't have a specialised cleaner, you can use a mixture of distilled water and white vinegar in a 50-50 ratio, or a tiny amount of mild dish soap diluted in distilled water. Remember, you don't want excess liquid on the cloth; it should be slightly damp, not wet enough for water to drip or run down the screen.

Gently wipe the screen with your damp cloth, using circular motions. This will help avoid streaks and ensure an even distribution of the cleaning solution. Pay attention to your technique, using light pressure and being mindful of any grit on the cloth that could damage the screen.

Finally, use a second dry microfiber cloth to remove any excess cleaner and avoid streaks. Don't forget to clean the corners and edges of the screen, as dust often accumulates in these areas. Once you're satisfied, turn on the monitor and inspect it for any missed spots or streaks. If necessary, turn it off and unplug it again, and repeat the cleaning process.

Clean the bezel and back of the monitor with a separate cloth

To clean the bezel and back of your monitor, use a separate cloth and a mild cleaning solution. This process will ensure that your screen is left streak-free and that all dirt and dust are effectively removed.

Firstly, turn off your monitor and unplug it from the power source. This is an important safety precaution and will also make dirt and smudges more visible.

Next, prepare your cleaning solution. If you have a glass-coated screen, use distilled water or a 50/50 mixture of distilled water and white vinegar. For non-glass-coated screens, you can use water or a mild cleaning solution. Avoid using tap water, as it may contain minerals that can leave streaks.

Now, dampen a clean cloth with your chosen cleaning solution. Be sure not to soak the cloth—you don't want water running down the screen and collecting in the edges and corners.

Gently wipe down the bezel and back of the monitor with the damp cloth. Use light pressure and wide, sweeping motions to avoid getting water on the screen itself.

Finally, use a dry cloth to remove any remaining moisture or residue from the bezel and back of the monitor.

By following these steps, you can effectively clean the bezel and back of your monitor, leaving it streak-free and looking like new.

Frequently asked questions