How to clean a laptop, phone and TV screen safely

Dust, fingerprints and smudges build up on phone, laptop and TV screens. This guide shows you how to wipe them off without scratching the glass or damaging the coating. It suits anyone with a microfiber cloth and a little patience. Turn the device off first.

How to Clean Your Screens as Fast As Possible, by Techquickie on YouTube. 4 min 24 s.

Video length
4 min 24 s
Time to do it
5 minutes
Difficulty
Easy
Steps
7

What you need

Steps

  1. Turn off the device and unplug it if it is a monitor or TV. A dark screen shows smudges clearly and is safer to wipe.

  2. Dust the screen first with a dry microfiber cloth. Use light circular strokes and skip paper towels or tissues, which can scratch.

  3. For light smudges, dampen one corner of the cloth with distilled water. Wring it out so it is barely damp, never wet.

  4. Wipe the screen gently from top to bottom with the damp cloth. Avoid pressing hard on the panel.

  5. For stubborn marks, add a drop of screen-safe cleaner to the cloth, not the screen. Never spray liquid directly on a display.

  6. Dry the screen with a clean, dry section of the microfiber cloth. Check the edges and corners for leftover streaks.

  7. Let the screen air dry fully before you turn the device back on. Moisture left on the panel can cause damage.

Tips and common mistakes

Never use glass cleaner, vinegar or alcohol on a screen unless the maker says it is safe, as these can strip coatings.

Keep the cloth clean and wash it regularly, because trapped grit causes scratches.

Wipe dust off weekly to stop it turning into hard-to-remove smudges.

Questions

Can I use paper towels or tissues on my screen?

No. Paper products have rough fibers that can scratch glass and coatings. Use a clean microfiber cloth instead.

Is it safe to spray cleaner directly on the screen?

No. Liquid can drip into the bezel and reach the electronics. Put the cleaner on the cloth first.

How do I clean a TV screen without streaks?

Use distilled water on a barely damp microfiber cloth and dry with a second clean cloth. Avoid tap water, which can leave mineral marks.

This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.

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