Knowing how to clean a monitor is one of life’s essentials – and it’s something that many people everywhere face frequently. And despite its ability to elevate your home office ideas instantly – the process is incredibly simple (especially when equipped with expert cleaning tips).
Whether you’re looking to remove fingerprint smudges or just general life debris from your screen, the process remains the same. Here’s how to enjoy a streak-free finish that will make your monitor usage that bit brighter for a little longer.
How to clean a monitor – expert tips for a streak-free finish
(Image credit: Davide Lovatti)
According to Sara San Angelo (also known as The Cleaning Lady (opens in new tab)), you should avoid using any cleaner other than a cleaner specifically formulated for electronic screens (such as this one from Amazon (opens in new tab)). This is especially important for electronic touch screens.
‘These are very sensitive devices, and cleaners with bleach, ammonia, or an acidic cleaner like vinegar can erode the screen and cause permanent damage,’ she says. But what does the cleaning process involve?
1. Prepare a monitor for cleaning
Before spraying a monitor, cleaning expert, Elizabeth Davis (opens in new tab) recommends turning off your power and removing all surface dirt with a microfiber cloth. ‘If you see any stubborn spots, dampen the cloth with a little bit of water and lightly scrub,’ she says. ‘A microfiber cloth is your best friend if you don’t want to leave any streaks.’
It is also important to wait until your screen has cooled down completely before cleaning. Therefore, it might be better to follow these steps in the morning before work, instead of during your lunch break or soon after finishing in the evening.
‘This is essential for avoiding screens,’ adds cleaning expert Steve Evans of Memphis Maids (opens in new tab). ‘If you used it 5 minutes ago, it’s going to be warm. It’s best to clean it out right when you start your day, so it had plenty of time to rest,’ he says.
2. Use the spray to clean thoroughly
Both Elizabeth and Sara suggest applying the spray directly to the microfiber cloth before cleaning the monitor. ‘You can use a little more pressure when scrubbing, but be careful not to push too hard, which can damage the screen,’ Elizabeth says.
To encourage a streak-free finish, it helps to avoid spraying directly on the monitor or touch screen, as this may also wet other components that should not be exposed to water. ‘Then wipe the screen gently until there are no streaks,’ Sara adds.
(Image credit: Anna Stathaki)
3. Dry the monitor
Once you have finished, Elizabeth suggests using the dry side of your microfiber cloth to buff the screen and remove any remaining streaks or residue that may be causing a problem.
‘This spotless result will accentuate your modern home office ideas without investing much time at all,’ adds H&G’s Editor in Chief, Lucy Searle. ‘It’s a simple process that will make your monitor look better instantly – because no one wants to work with streaks on their screen.’
