The best method for cleaning electronic screens (like monitors, TVs, and phones) is to turn off the device, gently wipe it with a dry microfiber cloth, and lightly dampen the cloth with distilled water or a dedicated monitor cleaner for stubborn smudges. Never spray liquid directly onto the screen.
The best screen cleaners are gentle, ammonia-free, and alcohol-free to protect sensitive anti-glare coatings. Top picks combine a safe cleaning solution with a premium microfiber cloth to easily lift fingerprints, dust, and smudges without scratching or leaving streaks.
In this post, we'll go over 5 of the most common cleaning mistakes and how to fix them.
No, it's not recommended to use household glass cleaners on your monitor. These cleaners often contain harsh chemicals like ammonia, which can damage the screen's anti-glare coating or other sensitive components. Instead, opt for a mixture of distilled water and white vinegar in a 50-50 ratio for cleaning.
Yes, you can use eyeglass wipes on computer screens, but only if they are completely alcohol-free. Wipes with harsh chemicals or alcohol can strip away the delicate anti-glare or protective coatings found on modern monitors and laptops.
For fingerprints and stubborn marks, slightly dampen a microfiber cloth with water or a 50/50 mixture of water and isopropyl alcohol. Gently wipe the affected areas in a circular motion until the marks disappear. Make sure not to apply excessive pressure to prevent damaging the screen.
Then I learned this trick to get the cleanest screens on the block - WD-40. All you do is spray WD-40 on a microfiber cloth and wipe down your screens on both sides. You won't believe the difference. I like to put down a tarp because the WD-40 can be messy but my screens never looked so good.
No, you should not use baby wipes to clean your monitor. Baby wipes often contain added lotions, oils, and fragrances that will leave a greasy, streaky residue on your screen and can permanently damage delicate anti-glare coatings.
While white vinegar is an excellent natural cleaner, its acidity means it can damage certain surfaces, strip finishes, or cause rust. You should generally avoid using it on:
If your screen needs something stronger, mix ¼ cup distilled water and ¼ cup white vinegar in a spray bottle. If you don't have white vinegar, a ¼ cup of distilled water and a ¼ of rubbing alcohol will do the trick, too.
Avoid using rough materials like paper towels, tissues, or abrasive cloths. Also, never spray liquid directly onto the screen or use harsh chemicals. These actions can cause scratches, damage the screen coating, or even lead to malfunction.
We recommend you clean your window screens once a year. You may consider cleaning them more often if they are exposed to frequent wind, rain, dust, or other weather conditions.
Yes, Windex is bad for modern electronic screens because it contains ammonia and alcohol, which can damage protective anti-glare coatings, cause clouding, and ruin delicate panels on TVs, laptops, and smartphones. It is highly recommended to avoid Windex and use a dry microfiber cloth instead.
Let it sit for 10-20 minutes. The vinegar will help loosen the residue, so you can wipe it away more easily. Bird droppings or other tough grime: pre-soak the area with a vinegar solution and allow it to soften before scrubbing with a damp microfiber cloth.
To make old or faded window screens look brand new, deep clean them with a 1:3 mix of vinegar and water (or Dawn dish soap). If they are still faded, spray paint the mesh flat black to make them practically invisible, or apply a quick coating of tire shine to restore their deep color.
Cleaning window screens with Dawn dish soap is a quick and effective DIY process. Simply mix 1 teaspoon of Dawn per gallon of warm water, gently scrub both sides with a soft sponge or microfiber cloth, rinse thoroughly with a garden hose, and allow them to completely air dry.
In particular, avoid using vinegar on natural stone surfaces such as marble, granite, and travertine. The acidity can dull these materials over time and may even break down the sealant that protects them from stains.
Yes, you can absolutely mix Dawn dish soap and vinegar. This combination is a highly effective, inexpensive DIY cleaning solution for tackling soap scum, grease, and hard water stains.
With the promise of food and protection, your porch or patio is irresistible to these little critters. While chemical-laden insecticides can effectively eliminate spider infestations, vinegar offers a non-toxic alternative. How does it work? Spiders dislike vinegar's pungent odor, and they avoid areas treated with it.
Protect your screen
Do not use rubbing alcohol, paper towels, compressed air, dish soap or vinegar. All of these can damage your phone: Paper towels can scratch your screen, and vinegar could damage its coating. Do not use hand sanitizer on your phone screen, but do sanitize your hands before touching your phone.
Standard Clorox Disinfecting Wipes are not recommended for most monitors. The chemicals, alcohol, and bleaching agents can permanently strip the delicate anti-glare coatings on display screens, leaving behind streaks and permanent smudges.
Hotels keep glass shower doors spotless by combining strong commercial cleaning agents with routine maintenance and smart preventative coatings. Because they deal with heavy daily guest turnover, housekeeping staff rely on quick but highly effective strategies to prevent soap scum and hard water buildup.
To remove the stubborn, oily haze from the inside of your windshield, use a microfiber cloth with an ammonia-free cleaner, such as a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water or rubbing alcohol and water. Degrease with hot water and dish soap, wipe with vertical/horizontal motions, and buff with a dry towel.
Dish soap is expected to effectively remove WD40 stains!