Cleaning

[cApNhOwDy]

So I'm using an LCD monitor with a glossy screen. What's the best way to clean the screen and maintain overall health? I spent $500+ on this thing so I want to take the best care of it.

 

[bmaverick]

NEVER EVER use anything like Windex or ammonia or chloride type cleaners. These are alright for CRT monitors. BUT NOT ever LCD monitors.

I use a product made by KleenMaster called Brillianize in the 8-0z pump spray bottle. It's sold everywhere.

http://www.brillianize.com

 

[cApNhOwDy]

Yeah I tried using some crap from Best Buy, I followed the instructions down to the t, but it just made everything look worse. I'll pick up a bottle of that Brillianize, is there anything I can use around the house in the meantime to get these horrendous streaks off?

 

[bmaverick]

Don't use dish soap either, it will dry out the plastic layer on the LCD screen.

 

[bmaverick]

There is another product that does well for the LCDs and plexi if you have a gaming computer and a plexi window.

Plexus Plastic Cleaner

It's used mostly in automotive to protect and clean plexi head lamps on BMWs, Volvos and the like. Motocycle users use it on their plexi windshields. Others use it on the plexi dash for the gauges. The Stealth bombers use it too and the air force. Only $20 a can. A little goes a long way.

http://www.amazon.com/Plexus-Plastic-Cleaner-Polish-13oz/dp/B000BGJVS0

FYI -- to apply either the Plexus or the Brillianize, use new and clean coffee filters. They work the best.

 

[cApNhOwDy]

Coffee filters, arent they rough? What makes coffee filters a better alternative to a soft cloth.

 

[evilsofa]

1. Never EVER use Windex or other ammonia-based cleaner for any LCD monitor. It is almost as bad as using sandpaper. The viewing surface of an LCD monitor is not glass.

2. I have no idea what is in the Brillianize and Plexus talked about here. I found a mention somewhere that Brillianize includes a bit of silicone. More info needed, but I recommend against.

3. Use a microfiber or other soft cloth. You can find microfiber cloths at any eyeglasses store. I am not sure you should use coffee filters - I think they are not soft enough, so I recommend against.

4. Use distilled water. You should be able to find some at a grocery store. Distilled water is the ONLY guaranteed safe liquid to clean an LCD monitor with.

5. Eventually, you may get fingerprints or oils that just distilled water and microfiber cloth just won't remove. Use a mild alcohol-based cleaner, but as few times as possible, because continued use can screw up the monitor's finish. You should be able to find an appropriate cleaner at the eyeglasses store you got the microfiber cloth from.

6. Glossy finish is more fragile than anti-glare finish.

 

[cApNhOwDy]

So then I should grab a microfiber cloth and distilled water and wipe my screen down with that about once a month?

 

[evilsofa]

Yes.

 

[Kryptonite]

i use this stuff.

http://www.klearscreen.com/

 

[Lake]

Another tip is never spray anything directly on the screen. Spray the liquid on the cloth, then wipe it down.

 

[One2The3]

Another tip is never spray anything directly on the screen. Spray the liquid on the cloth, then wipe it down.

Whoops!
Hehe better stop doing that before I do any real damage.

 

[cApNhOwDy]

Does anyone suggest against using distilled water and a microfiber cloth? If not, then I think I'll go with that. I think I'd prefer not using any sort of chemical formula on my computer, just in case.

 

[HardwareGuru]

Nope, distilled water and a microfiber cloth is all you need. I used Screen Cleaning Spray from Digital Innovations, they work good to. They sell this at Circuit City and CompUSA and even Best Buy.

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Digi...sem/rpsm/oid/118386/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

 

[Lake]

Does anyone suggest against using distilled water and a microfiber cloth? If not, then I think I'll go with that. I think I'd prefer not using any sort of chemical formula on my computer, just in case.

That is fine. Just do what I said above and not spray anything directly on the monitor. Just enough water to to get the cloth slightly damp.