How to clean cell phone, laptop or TV screens?

It is customary to say, especially coming from the elderly, that today's generations spend twenty-four hours in front of a screen. Despite the apocalyptic tones, there is a grain of truth in this, largely due to the process of digitization that the job market has been going through in recent years. Bearing this in mind, as clean screens of TV or monitors correctly? After all, an analogue problem still persists: screens are susceptible to dirt and grease, even if we avoid touching them as much as possible.

In this aspect, the most common mistakes are the use of household on the screens, as well as the use of very rough and unsuitable cloths for the task. Note that as important as the utensils used is also the amount of solution allowed (such as water and isopropyl alcohol) when necessary and the force applied during cleaning.

Do not use chemicals!

In the past, tube television monitors — formally called CRT — had sturdy glass screens that were usually sanitized with traditional household cleaning products, such as window cleaner. After all, it was practical to clean the window and use the same product to turn the monitor.

With the introduction of monitors and TVs from Plasma, LCD e LED , the material has become a considerably more sensitive plastic and, consequently, can be damaged when exposed to aggressive products. In this way, window cleaners, detergents, bleaches and other chemicals are a bad choice because they have ammonia, alcohol, ether and other compounds in their formulas, as they can harm the plastic material of the screen. Odorants, waxes, abrasives and the like are also contraindicated. In fact, the only things needed to keep televisions and monitors clean is a soft cloth and water — and it doesn't even need much.

How to clean monitors in general?

Before anything else, the recommendation is always to turn off the device and/or unplug the power cord. It may seem unnecessary, but it is always a useful and valid practice before performing any type of maintenance on the equipment. To clean the notebook screen, it is also recommended to disconnect the battery.

Then identify the degree of dirt. if it's just powder, a soft, dry cloth — microfiber is recommended, although wool, flannel or other smooth fabrics will also work — will do the trick. Rub it on the screen carefully and without applying pressure so as not to damage the screen. Alternatively, a brush It can also be used, since the bristles can also reach edges, crevices and edges that the cloth cannot reach.

If observed finger marks and/or grease, take the soft cloth and lightly dampen them with water. If it is possible in its distilled version, pure H20 without minerals and other substances in its composition, is better. Take a good look: it's for moistening, not wetting. A spray bottle usually squirts the right amount and is a big help, but never spray the water directly on the screen.

Likewise, gently rub it from top to bottom. Then, use another dry cloth to remove excess moisture. It is noted that the use of gloves can be useful precisely so that the fingerprints do not remain on the surface during the cleaning process itself.

In the event that the water doesn't do the job — looks like you've made a lot of mess, huh? — Dell supports the possibility of using a mixture of 70% propyl alcohol (especially for electronics) and 30% water. Still, the recommendations are the same: use a damp cloth, not wet, and gently rub from top to bottom. This type of feature is usually needed to clean grease stains, which are more difficult to remove.

If you are interested in hearing the manufacturers' own words, Samsung, Sony, LG and Dell have sections on their own websites explaining how to maintain the screens they produce.

What about cell phone screens?

Smartphone screens, due to continuous handling, also require care. Particularly at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the main new concerns was how to clean the screen smartphone in order to prevent the virus on its surface. The fact of touchscreens being, well, touch screens, makes it necessary to know how to clean grease stains that end up passing from your fingers to your device.

As much as they are much more resistant (something necessary, as it is a product of constant handling), the touch screens of cell phones need the same care as a TV or monitor. Basically, the bread microfibre remains our greatest ally, and aqueous solutions are again discouraged except in the most necessary cases. We also suggest paying attention to the roughness of the cloth: among other tools that are soft enough and that can be useful are a brush and a cotton swab.  

Although it seems practical, avoid alcohol gel at all costs, even if the screen is much more resistant than a regular LCD television or notebook screen. The only alcohol allowed is isopropyl alcohol, which is again a good idea in the event that dirt persists. Also remember to turn off your cell phone before proceeding with cleaning.

Does screen wiper work?

Observing this still analog need to clean screens that eventually become dirty with both dust and grease, some options for specific solutions for cleaning screens appeared on the market. The question remains: do these screen cleaners work?

If we take a closer look, we will find that the formula of most of them is composed of water and isopropyl alcohol, two substances already mentioned before and that will not harm the screen in regulated amounts. In practice, there is no problem using them as long as the formula does not contain ammonia or other type of alcohol other than isopropyl. In the worst case, these window cleaners usually come with a microfiber cloth, the main one recommended for cleaning screens.

See also:

Discover: how to clean cell phone screen without damaging it.