Introduction
When you use your computer, there’s no avoiding the annoying fingerprints that tend to accumulate on the screen—they’re just a fact of life. But if you don’t want to spend hours cleaning them up, follow these simple steps when it’s time to Windex your computer screen!
Windexing your computer screen isn’t recommended by tech experts, but that doesn’t mean it’s never okay to do so in certain situations. A dirty screen can affect your computer’s ability to display colors correctly and leave a layer of residue on the screen. However, most experts are quick to point out that this isn’t an effective way to clean your screen, and many have concerns about the chemicals in Windex having an effect on the computer’s hardware over time. In order to safely index your computer screen when necessary, follow these simple steps.
How can you use windex on a computer screen?
Keeping a computer screen clean is an important part of keeping your computer healthy. When we use our computer screens, they can become dirty from fingerprints, dust, smudges and more. When that happens, it not only makes our screens harder to read, it can also damage them over time. That’s why having a regular cleaning routine with a good cleaner is so important. Today we’re going to talk about how you can use windex on your computer screen to keep it clean. We’ll go over what Windex is and isn’t safe for your screen and give you some tips for keeping your screen clean. But first… What is Windex? First things first, let’s talk about what Windex actually is. It’s made by SC Johnson, which has been in business since 1886. Originally named Johnson’s Prepared Paste Wax Company, SC Johnson was founded in Racine, Wisconsin as a candle company.
- Over its long history, it has expanded into many different areas including household products like Pledge furniture polish and Glade air fresheners. You might be familiar with their Windex window cleaner or Mr Clean Magic Erasers. Both are popular products sold at most major retailers today.
- Can you use Windex on a computer screen? If you have ever wondered if you could use Windex to clean your computer screen, wonder no more! Yes, there are specific cleaners out there designed specifically for monitors but I think using something like Windex is perfectly fine as long as you don’t spray directly onto your monitor! Instead spray it onto a microfiber cloth (you can find those at most major retailers) or paper towel and then wipe down your monitor.
Do’s & Don’ts of Cleaning Your Screen
Cleaning your screens is important because they get so dirty over time. But don’t just grab anything, as some things could damage them.
- First off, it’s really important not to spray any liquid directly onto the screen as that can do more harm than good. You should instead spray some of the cleaner onto a cloth or paper towel, then wipe it down. You’ll want to make sure that you’re using a cleaning solution that’s made specifically for screens.
- There are plenty of those available in stores like Staples, Best Buy, and Target, or online at places like Amazon. When choosing a product, look for one that doesn’t have ammonia and other chemicals, but rather something gentle like distilled water. And make sure the product says for all screens (or whichever device you’re trying to clean). Finally, remember that no matter what kind of cleaning solution you use:
- Always start from the top left corner and work your way down. Don’t forget about apps either—they can build up too if they aren’t being closed properly. You might also want to think about protecting your screen with a screen protector if you don’t have one already—it helps prevent scratching or cracking from falls or spills.
Is it Ok to Use Windex?
Windex is one of many products with ammonia, which can damage screens over time. You should only use a microfiber cloth or non-ammonia product to safely clean your screen. Wipe from the center to the outside in straight lines. Clean from top to bottom in both directions, then from left to right. Use a dry part of the cloth every few swipes for best results. If there are persistent marks, try using rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) with water on a dry microfiber cloth. The alcohol will dissolve dirt and oils while the water removes them.
- Repeat as needed until satisfied with the results. For more stubborn stains, soak an old cotton t-shirt in white vinegar overnight. Gently scrub at the stained area with an old toothbrush until it fades away! Finally, always make sure to keep any product that contains ammonia stored somewhere other than where you’ll be using it so it doesn’t get spilled on the screen. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
Why your computer screen needs cleaning?
We keep our computers on all day long, every day. If it’s not turned off when you go to bed, then chances are good it’ll be running through a full workday or more when you wake up. Like any computer hardware that gets worked hard, your screen is going to gather dirt and grime over time. Cleaning your screen is just as important as cleaning anything else on your desktop, since even small specks can interfere with how clearly you see what’s on screen. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to clean your computer screen in a few minutes. But follow these do’s and don’ts for best results!
How to clean your laptop?
Any computer screen you care about will have a layer of protective coating on it.
- You can clean it with plain water, but glass cleaner works better for keeping it streak-free and without attracting dust.
- To clean your computer screen, apply a drop or two of glass cleaner to a microfiber cloth (the same ones used for cleaning eyeglasses), then wipe from side to side in one continuous motion—and no backtracking! Wipe off any residue with a dry part of the cloth before you apply any pressure.
- Ideally, let your monitor completely dry before turning it back on; if you don’t, moisture could get trapped under your screen, potentially leading to an electrical short.
How to clean your desktop monitor?
Cleaning a desktop monitor is similar to cleaning your TV, computer, laptop or tablet screen. For dust buildup on flat-screen monitors, wipe down with a microfiber cloth that won’t leave lint.
- If you have fingerprints or smudges from touching your monitor, apply a little water to a soft cloth and gently rub until clean.
- You can also use commercial cleaners for plastics to make sure your screen is free of germs.
- Be careful not to get any moisture in between components – as it can cause corrosion! Depending on how dirty your screen is, you may want to consider using an anti-static brush instead of just wiping down with water.
- Either way, be sure to let it air dry before powering back up!
Other ways to clean your electronics
- You can use vinegar, rubbing alcohol, or an electronic screen cleaner.
- If you plan on using these cleaners as well as Windex, make sure to spot test first to make sure it doesn’t leave behind a residue.
- It’s best to use a microfiber cloth—these are safer for electronics and give better results than paper towels. Never spray directly onto your screen; instead, spray on the cloth and wipe clean with light pressure in one direction.
- If you have extra-dirty screens, then follow up with another pass with just water to ensure all residue is removed.
- Keep electronics dry: Water makes electronics short out, so don’t leave them in high-humidity areas like bathrooms for basements.
- In fact, try to keep electronics away from any place that gets lots of moisture. For example, if you live in an area where it rains often or there’s flooding, store your computer in a waterproof bag when not in use.
- Make sure vents aren’t blocked: Check around vents (on laptops) and fans (in desktop computers) to make sure they aren’t blocked by dust bunnies or anything else that might be clogging them up. Clean fans once every two months if possible.
Is there another way to clean my monitor without using any chemical products at all?
One of the best ways to clean your monitor without using any chemical products is to use a dry, soft cloth with a few drops of water on it. Gently wipe the screen with the cloth. If you want to be extra careful, you can also use rubbing alcohol and cotton balls. You should never spray anything directly onto your monitor or use paper towels or any other material that might cause scratches. For example, when cleaning up spilled coffee from your keyboard, you should use a damp cloth (not wet) for the keys and then use a dry cloth for the rest of the keyboard area.
Conclusion
Windex is a great option for cleaning your computer screen. It’s gentle enough to not damage the screen, and it won’t leave any streaks behind. Just be sure to use a soft, lint-free cloth when applying Windex to your screen.
