When you think of Windex, you likely think of cleaning glass surfaces. However, if you have a computer screen at home, perhaps in your office or even at your desk at school, then you might wonder if it’s okay to use Windex on it.
You can’t clean a computer screen with Windex. This cleaning product contains a lot of harsh chemicals, including ammonium hydroxide. And while it’s your best bet for glass and other hard surfaces, the ammonia can destroy LCD screens, and the hydroxide can attack other material coatings such as plastic.
Lucky for you, I know exactly how to clean a computer screen without Windex because nothing will ruin that high-resolution image faster than smudges, grease, and fingerprints. I’ll show you how with a few simple methods!
Can You Clean a Computer Screen With Windex?
Windex is a household cleaning product that can be used for various purposes. You can use it to clean glass, mirrors, and other surfaces. It’s also used to remove fingerprints. However, Windex’s ingredients are too harsh for the delicate components of your computer screen. This cleaning product can dull or remove the screen coatings.
- Sodium Dodecylbenzene Sulfonate
- Ammonium Hydroxide
- Isopropanolamine
- 2-Hexoxyethanol
- Lauryl Dimethyl Amine Oxide
- Wetting Agent
These ingredients pose little concern in glass and other hard surfaces, but computer screens are too delicate to withstand chemical reactions. Computer screens require special care to keep them looking their best and avoid damage. While window cleaning products can seem like an easy way to get a streak-free shine, it’s actually best not to use them on your computer screens.
Typical computer screens have:
- Polarized glass or plastic between which is a liquid crystal layer
- A thin film of indium-tin-oxide (ITO)
- Electric conductive materials
Ammonium hydroxide especially can cause potential explosive compounds to heavy metals such as those found in computer screens.
What Household Product Can I Use To Clean My Computer Screen?
You can use non-toxic household products to clean your computer screen. Computer professionals recommend using a dry microfiber cloth, a little water, or a 50/50 water and vinegar solution.
Although it’s tempting to use paper towels, newspaper, or polish, try not to use these as they’re too abrasive. This is especially true if you’re cleaning a dusty computer screen. When paper and dust are rubbed together, it can cause small scratches on the screen. And when these build up over time, the screen will become dull and interfere with pixelation output.
Can You Use Clorox Wipes on Computer Screen?
You can’t use Clorox wipes for cleaning computer screens. This is because their active cleaning ingredient, isopropyl alcohol, can be too harsh for a computer screen.
As you use your computer for long periods, you’ll notice a buildup of dirt and oil on the screen that can cause it to become unreadable. For effective germ removal, HP recommends a 70% isopropyl alcohol and 30% water mixture. And while these ingredients are found in Clorox wipes, their percentage of them is unknown.
For safety’s sake, it’s best to use the same ingredients in Clorox wipes, but at the amount you know is safe enough for your computer screen.
How Do You Clean Computer Screen Without Streaks?
It’s no secret that cleaning a computer screen can be a difficult task. Without the right supplies and knowledge, it’s easy to leave behind streaks and smears that can make your monitor look worse than before.
The best way to clean your computer screen without streaks is by using a microfiber cloth dampened with 70% isopropyl alcohol and a 30% water mixture. Slightly dampen a small area of the cloth and use gentle, circular motions on the affected areas.
- Turn your monitor off. A black screen will help you identify dirt and streaks better.
- Move your monitor screen so that it faces a light source. It will also help with seeing things better.
Depending on your preference, you can use any of the following to clean your computer screen:
- Dry cloth
- Cloth with water
- Isopropyl alcohol and water solution
- Vinegar and water solution
Let’s assume your screen hasn’t been cleaned in a while, and you decide to use the 70% isopropyl alcohol and 30% water mixture. You can follow these steps to clean your computer screen:
- Dip the cloth into the mixture or spray the mixture onto the cloth directly.
- Wipe the screen from left to right, working your way down as you go. Avoid buffing or rubbing to avoid spreading.
- Keep wiping until any streaks have disappeared.
- Turn the cloth over and use the dry side for wiping. Doing so will help eliminate any microfibres left from the cloth.
If there are still streaks after cleaning, then it’s most likely that either your cloth is dirty or you are using too much cleaning solution. If this is the case, get another cloth and minimize the amount of mixture you’re using. Repeat the cleaning steps until you achieve the desired result.
What Should Never Be Used To Clean a Computer Screen?
Aside from commercial cleaning products with harsh chemicals, another type of product that you should NOT use to clean your computer is a traditional cleaning cloth. If you have an oily build-up on your screen, you should always wipe it off with a wet or dry microfiber cloth instead. Doing so will help prevent any damage that could occur.
Additionally, don’t spray any cleaning solutions, including water, onto the screen directly. If you’re using a damp cloth for germ removal, dip the cloth into your solution or spray it onto the cloth directly.
When using a microfiber cloth, make sure the cloth is damp but not soaking wet. Just a little damp solution should be applied.
Conclusion
To clean your computer screen, you mustn’t use Windex and other commercial cleaning products with harsh ingredients. While computer screens are very durable, they have a delicate film that protects them from the elements.
It’s best to clean your computer screen using the right products and methods, including non-toxic cleaners like vinegar and microfibre cloths.
