Which is the best laptop screen cleaner? Can I make one at home?
Cyndi M., Hazleton, PA
I’m glad you realize that there is a certain way to clean your laptop screen. Doing it the wrong way can damage it and render your computer useless. The same applies to how to clean a television screen.
The best way to clean a computer screen might be a simple lint-free cloth. Use a soft, dry microfiber rag to remove dust and fingerprints when you wipe gently. If gentle pressure isn’t removing spots, it’s time to try something else. Pressing too hard could damage the screen permanently.
If you don’t have a commercial cleaner for electronics, try this recipe. Mix one cup of distilled water with one cup of isopropyl alcohol as one of the ways to clean a TV screen without streaks or to have a streak-free computer screen. Be sure to use the alcohol that has a high percentage over 90%, not the one with only 70% alcohol content.
First, unplug the laptop. Then dampen a soft cloth with the mixture and wipe the screen. Never spray or pour liquid on electronics like your computer or TV or you could permanently damage them and have a substantial cost for replacement.
Fans of distilled white vinegar will be happy to know that this ingredient also works to clean TV and computer screens. Combine one part vinegar with one part distilled water to make a DIY screen cleaner, then moisten a rag with it to erase fingerprints and grime. The same homemade recipe disinfects keyboards, trackpads, and computer mice. Just be sure to let everything dry thoroughly before you plug it back in and use it.
A can of compressed air does a great job when you want to clean dust from a laptop and it is ideal for getting debris from between the keys on the keyboard. Grab a can of compressed air and blow dust out of the ports and between the keys. Be sure to spray the computer at an angle to avoid forcing debris deeper inside the device.
If you want to explore the details about cleaning LCD screens and monitors, check out our recipes for a homemade computer screen cleaner here.