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Your computer's monitor can be one of the most expensive components of your system. This is equally true for both a laptop monitor or a desktop monitor. Even moreso, your monitor is the computer component that it most affected by dust in the air. Monitors attract dust so much that it can be tempting to run a feather duster across the top, but that doesn't work out very well. (Not to mention, waving a brush around your monitor is likely to knock it over if you're not careful.)

So, how do you clean your LCD screen?



Turn your background black and hide all icons. Set your background to a solid black color, but leave the monitor on. This will allow you the best view of all the debris hiding on your monitor. Since the monitor is still on and displaying, it will help highlight the dust hanging out on your screen without camouflaging it. A bright background like white or blue can hide blemishes and dust.

Use a dry, soft cloth. Use a very dry, very soft cloth to brush the dust from the screen. Microfiber cloth is ideal; you can usually find it at your local electronics shop or eyewear store. (The same cloth used to clean eyeglasses works great on your computer.) Brush the cloth lightly on the monitor, moving the dust away from the edges of the screen. Let the microfiber pick up the dust from the monitor surface, and shake the cloth clean away from your computer.

Don't apply pressure to the monitor, so that your force doesn't inadvertently damage the cells that create your monitor's picture. Some cleaning kits may include a brush for trouble spots. If you use a brush, make sure the bristles are very soft or you may cause scratches.

Try a cleaning mixture. If you need to clean a smudge from the screen, pick up a bottle of screen cleaner at a consumer electronics store. This solution is free of materials that could damage your screen or leave behind unattractive white marks. Some chemicals can do bad things to your equipment, so be sure the solution is intended for use on monitor screens.

In a pinch, you can use an even mixture of white vinegar and distilled water. This works pretty well, but commercial monitor cleaners are the safest option.

Don't spray cleaner directly on your monitor. Doing so will form droplets of liquid that can run inside your computer's edges and damage components. Instead, spray cleaning solution on a microfiber cloth and use the cloth to wipe at the smudge. Don't rush by pressing on your screen; take your time to slowly and safely clean your monitor.

Additionally, do not use so much cleaning solution that wiping the monitor leaves rivulets of liquid behind, since this can take longer to dry and leave marks on the screen.

Let it dry naturally. Once you've finished wiping your monitor, let it air dry. Do not close your laptop computer. Especially don't give in to the temptation to dry it with a rag. Let the air dry your monitor and leave it sparkling clean and ready to use.