If you spend any time on your computer, you’ve probably noticed that your screen can become rather filthy over time. Not knowing how to clean a computer screen is usually what puts most people off doing so.
Many people are afraid that they’ll damage their monitor by cleaning it, which simply isn’t true if you know how to clean a monitor screen properly. Leaving your screen filthy can interfere with work, gameplay, movie watching, and many other computer-related tasks.
A dirty screen can be distracting, and if it’s in your office it can make it appear untidy. Therefore, learning the best way to clean a monitor screen will not only stop you from becoming distracted when using your computer but also enhance the overall appearance of your office.
This ultimate guide to cleaning a computer screen will tell you everything you need to know to keep your screen spotless without the fear of damaging it. If you require office cleaning services in London or throughout the UK, then please get in touch.
How to clean a monitor screen
Stay away from window cleaning products.This is an important piece of advice that is relevant to many people. Most people assume that because their screen is made of glass, then window cleaning products are the best thing to clean them with.
However, this isn’t the best way to clean a monitor and may cause damage. Although window cleaning chemicals can be okay to use on other items that contain glass, computers aren’t one of them.
Computer screens are often coated with special protective materials or materials to enhance the appearance of what they project to the user. Using chemicals can cause a breakdown in these protective coatings and cause irreversible damage to your monitor.
Which products should I use?
There are several products on the market that are specially formulated to clean computer screens safely and effectively.
Some computer supply companies stock these products, or you may be able to get hold of them through commercial cleaning companies. You should only use cleaning chemicals that specifically state that they are designed for cleaning computer monitors.
If you are in a commercial environment then you’ll want to use the computer cleaning products available to keep your systems in the best condition. If you are in a home environment, however, distilled water and vinegar can be a good solution for cleaning your monitor without buying specialist products.
You should be aware, however, that this probably isn’t the best solution for a commercial environment as the smell of vinegar can linger for some time.
Stay away from rags
Although you may have some rags stashed away for cleaning your home or office, you need to be careful what you use.
Although rags can be good to wipe down hard surfaces in the home or office, they have no place in your computer cleaning routine. Furthermore, you may also like to clean with paper towels or other disposable paper-based products, this is another no-no.
Paper products and rags can contain rough fibres that can scratch computer screens or break down protective coatings over time. The same principle that applies to eyeglasses also applies to computer screens – any cloth that isn’t soft or made of microfibre generally isn’t a good choice for cleaning a monitor.
Why keeping a computer screen clean is important in a commercial environment
If you’re an office manager then you likely have a team of people working on computers regularly that you manage. Ensuring your team has clean devices to work from may sound like a minor concern but it can have an impact on your team’s productivity.
If your team is working in a clean environment, then their morale is likely to be higher and in-turn productivity and work quality will also improve. Keeping monitors clean is also important in terms of the company’s appearance and helps systems hold their value if they are to be sold in future when you upgrade.
If your office has regular visitors then you’ll want to keep it spotless, as a dirty workplace doesn’t have a great effect on your professional image.
How to clean a computer screen – the process for DIY cleaning
If you choose to clean your computer screens yourself, then it’s best to follow a step-by-step routine to ensure that your cleaning process is consistent. Follow the below steps when cleaning your monitor(s):
1. Make sure that your screens are turned off
Turning your screens off won’t only protect you from being electrocuted when cleaning your systems, it’ll also make any dirt easier to identify.
2. Remove any dust
Removing dust is important before you start to add any cleaning solution to your screen. Dust can scratch your screen if you put too much pressure on your cloth, so removing dust should be done carefully. Use a microfibre cloth to remove any dust slowly by moving the cloth in circular motions.
3. Add your solution to the cloth and clean the grime
Once the dust has been removed, add your cleaning solution to the cloth and then start to wipe off any grime that you can see on the screen. You should work in slow circular motions again and avoid putting too much pressure on the screen. If there are smudges, don’t scrape these, instead, go over them again. You may need to repeat the process several times to remove all dirt and grime from the screen.
4. Don’t turn your monitor back on until it’s dry
Leaving the monitor to dry before powering back on will minimise the chance of any damage being caused by moisture entering the system.
Keeping monitors clean
Keeping your monitors clean is something that can be difficult, particularly if you work in an office environment. Having the time to clean multiple screens regularly can be impossible for anyone with a busy schedule.
In these instances, it can be a good idea to call in the help of a specialist cleaning team that use computer-safe products and are used to keeping offices clean. If you want to minimise the chances of computers becoming dirty, then it’s a good idea to ensure that employees are not allowed food at their desks and that they wash their hands thoroughly after food breaks.