How To Clean A Laptop Screen, by Insider Tech on YouTube. 1 min 28 s.
- Video length
- 1 min 28 s
- Time to do it
- 5 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Check your laptop maker's cleaning instructions first. Some screens have coatings that react badly to certain cleaners, so confirm what is allowed before you start.
Gather a clean microfiber cloth and a little distilled or filtered water. Skip paper towels, tissues and harsh household cleaners.
Shut the laptop down and unplug it. A dark screen makes smudges easier to see and avoids accidental key presses.
Wipe the screen gently with the dry microfiber cloth to lift loose dust. Use light pressure and work in small circles over the smudges.
If smudges remain, dampen a corner of the cloth with a little water. Never spray liquid directly onto the screen.
For glass-coated screens, use the damp cloth and then buff dry. Glass tolerates slightly more pressure than matte panels.
For LED or LCD screens, use only a barely damp cloth and very light pressure. Stop if you see any moisture pooling at the edges.
Finish by buffing the whole screen with the dry part of the microfiber cloth. Let the screen air dry fully before closing the lid.
Tips and common mistakes
Never spray water or cleaner straight onto the screen, since liquid can run inside the bezel and damage the panel.
Use only a clean microfiber cloth, as paper towels and rough fabrics can scratch the surface.
Avoid alcohol, ammonia and window cleaners unless the manufacturer explicitly allows them.
Close the lid gently and only after the screen is completely dry to prevent streaks and moisture traps.
Questions
Can I use alcohol wipes on my laptop screen?
Only if your manufacturer says it is safe. Many modern screens have anti-glare coatings that alcohol can strip, so plain water on a microfiber cloth is the safer default.
How often should I clean my laptop screen?
Clean it when you notice dust or smudges, usually every few weeks. A quick dry wipe with a microfiber cloth between deeper cleans keeps it clear.
What if water gets into the screen edges?
Stop cleaning, tilt the laptop so the liquid can drain away from the panel, and let it dry fully before powering on. If the screen shows problems afterward, contact the manufacturer.
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.
