How to Clean Computer Screen? Learn safe ways to clean a computer or laptop screen using a soft, lint-free cloth and the right cleaning method while avoiding scratches, excess moisture, and harsh chemical cleaners. Microsoft recommends not spraying or pouring liquid directly onto the screen.
How to Clean Computer Screen?
To clean a computer screen safely, turn off and unplug the computer or monitor, then gently wipe the display with a soft, lint-free cloth; if needed, lightly dampen the cloth with water rather than spraying liquid directly onto the screen. Microsoft and Apple both recommend avoiding direct liquid application and abrasive or unsuitable household cleaners.
What You Need to Clean a Computer Screen
You don't need many supplies to clean a monitor or laptop display.
Soft microfiber or lint-free cloth: Best for removing dust, fingerprints, and light smudges.
Clean water: Useful when a dry cloth isn't enough.
Screen-safe cleaning solution: Use one only if your display manufacturer's instructions allow it.
Two clean cloths: One can be used for cleaning and another for drying.
Avoid rough towels, paper towels, tissues, and abrasive materials because they can scratch or damage certain screen surfaces. Apple specifically recommends a soft, lint-free cloth for its displays.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean a Computer Screen
1. Turn Off the Computer or Monitor
Shut down your computer and disconnect the monitor from power before cleaning.
A dark screen also makes dust and fingerprints easier to see.
2. Let the Screen Cool Down
If the display has been running for a long time, allow it to cool before cleaning.
This also makes it easier to see smudges clearly.
3. Remove Loose Dust
Use a dry, soft, lint-free cloth to gently remove dust.
Don't press hard against the display. Microsoft notes that fingerprints and oily spots generally don't require aggressive rubbing.
4. Remove Fingerprints and Smudges
If dry cleaning doesn't remove the marks:
Lightly dampen the cloth with water.
Make sure the cloth isn't wet or dripping.
Gently wipe the screen.
Use a dry section of the cloth to remove remaining moisture.
Never spray water or cleaning solution directly onto the screen. Liquid can run into openings and potentially damage internal components.
5. Let the Screen Dry
Allow the display to dry completely before turning the computer or monitor back on.
Check the edges and corners for any remaining moisture.
Best Cleaning Methods Compared
Cleaning Method Suitable? Best For
Dry microfiber cloth Yes Dust and light fingerprints
Slightly damp lint-free cloth Yes Smudges and oily marks
Screen-safe cleaner on cloth Usually, if manufacturer permits Stubborn marks
Paper towel Avoid Can scratch or leave fibers
Glass cleaner Avoid May damage screen coatings
Household cleaner Avoid Can damage display surfaces
Directly spraying liquid Never Risk of liquid entering display
Abrasive cloth Avoid Can scratch the screen
What Should You NOT Use on a Computer Screen?
Avoid Glass Cleaner
Do not assume that because a monitor looks like glass, ordinary glass cleaner is safe.
Microsoft specifically says not to use glass cleaner or other chemical cleaners on Surface touchscreens.
Avoid Household Cleaning Products
Avoid products containing harsh chemicals unless the display manufacturer specifically approves them.
Apple advises against window cleaners, household cleaners, solvents, ammonia, abrasives, and hydrogen-peroxide-containing cleaners for its displays.
Don't Spray Directly on the Screen
This is one of the most important rules.
Put any approved liquid on the cloth, not directly on the display. Both Microsoft and Apple warn against spraying or pouring liquid directly onto screens.
Don't Use Excessive Pressure
LCD, LED, OLED, and other flat-panel displays can be damaged by excessive pressure.
Use gentle strokes instead of pressing hard on stubborn spots.
How to Clean a Laptop Screen
The process is similar for laptops.
Shut down the laptop.
Disconnect the charger and other accessories.
Close the lid briefly if needed.
Open the screen again.
Wipe dust with a dry microfiber cloth.
For fingerprints, lightly dampen the cloth with water if appropriate.
Gently wipe the display.
Make sure the screen is dry before closing or using the laptop.
Apple recommends disconnecting power and using a soft, lint-free cloth for Mac displays.
How to Clean a Monitor Screen
For a desktop monitor:
Turn off the monitor.
Disconnect its power cable.
Remove loose dust with a dry microfiber cloth.
Use a slightly damp cloth for stubborn fingerprints if permitted by the manufacturer.
Avoid getting moisture around ports, buttons, speakers, or screen edges.
Allow it to dry before reconnecting power.
How Often Should You Clean Your Computer Screen?
There is no single schedule that applies to every computer.
A good approach is to clean the screen whenever visible dust, fingerprints, or smudges accumulate.
Touchscreen devices may need more frequent cleaning because they are handled directly.
Microsoft recommends cleaning Surface touchscreens frequently while avoiding excessive rubbing.
How to Remove Greasy Fingerprints
For oily fingerprints:
Turn off the display.
Use a clean microfiber cloth.
Gently wipe the affected area.
If the marks remain, slightly dampen the cloth with water.
Wipe gently again.
Finish with a dry portion of the cloth.
Don't repeatedly scrub the same spot with heavy pressure.
How to Clean a Touchscreen Computer
Touchscreen displays require the same basic care, but they often collect more fingerprints.
Use:
Power off → dry microfiber cloth → lightly dampened cloth if necessary → gentle wiping → dry completely.
For Microsoft Surface devices, Microsoft allows a soft, lint-free cloth and, when necessary, water or an isopropyl alcohol solution of 70% or less, but its instructions specifically warn against glass cleaners and direct spraying.
Always check the cleaning instructions for your exact device because screen coatings can differ.
Can You Use Isopropyl Alcohol?
Sometimes, but only when the manufacturer specifically permits it for your particular display.
For example, Microsoft's Surface guidance permits an IPA solution of 70% or less for certain Surface devices.
Apple also has device-specific guidance, including different instructions for certain nano-texture displays.
Therefore, don't automatically apply alcohol to every monitor or laptop screen.
How to Clean a Nano-Texture Display
Some specialized Apple displays use nano-texture glass and require different care.
Apple recommends using the supplied polishing cloth for these displays. For difficult marks, Apple provides specific instructions that may allow a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution depending on the device.
If your screen has a special coating, follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions rather than using a generic screen-cleaning method.
Common Mistakes When Cleaning a Computer Screen
Mistake Why It Can Be a Problem Better Approach
Spraying cleaner directly Liquid can enter the display Apply approved cleaner to cloth
Using paper towels May scratch or leave fibers Use lint-free microfiber cloth
Using glass cleaner May damage coatings Follow manufacturer instructions
Pressing hard Can damage the display Use gentle pressure
Cleaning while powered on Makes moisture and electrical risks less desirable Power off first
Using too much liquid Can seep into openings Use a lightly dampened cloth
Scrubbing repeatedly Can wear surface coatings Use gentle passes
Quick Cleaning Flowchart
Turn off computer/monitor
↓
Disconnect power
↓
Remove dust with a dry lint-free cloth
↓
Still dirty?
↓
Lightly dampen cloth with approved liquid
↓
Gently wipe screen
↓
Dry with a clean lint-free cloth
↓
Check for remaining moisture
↓
Reconnect and use the computer
How to Keep Your Computer Screen Cleaner
You can reduce how often the display needs cleaning by changing a few habits.
Avoid touching the screen unnecessarily.
Keep food and drinks away from the computer.
Keep the workspace relatively dust-free.
Use clean hands when operating a touchscreen.
Don't place objects against the display.
Close a laptop when transporting it, following the manufacturer's guidance.
Store the computer away from excessive heat and direct sunlight.
Microsoft notes that excessive heat and prolonged direct sunlight can affect Surface displays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use water to clean my computer screen?
Yes, a small amount of water on a soft, lint-free cloth can be appropriate for many displays, but follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific screen. Never spray or pour water directly onto the display.
Can I use Windex on my computer screen?
It is generally best to avoid glass cleaners such as Windex unless the manufacturer specifically says the product is safe for your display. Microsoft and Apple both advise against certain household and glass cleaners.
Can I clean my screen with a paper towel?
A soft lint-free or microfiber cloth is a safer choice. Paper products can leave fibers and may be abrasive on some display surfaces.
Should I clean my computer screen while it is on?
It's better to turn off and unplug the computer or monitor first. This also makes fingerprints and dust easier to see.
Can I spray screen cleaner directly onto the screen?
No. Apply an approved cleaning solution to the cloth instead of spraying the screen directly.
How do I clean a laptop screen without damaging it?
Turn off the laptop, use a soft lint-free cloth, avoid excessive pressure, and use only a small amount of manufacturer-approved cleaning solution when necessary.
Final Answer
The safest general method for cleaning a computer screen is to turn it off, remove dust with a soft lint-free cloth, and gently wipe stubborn marks with a slightly damp cloth. Never spray liquid directly onto the display, use excessive pressure, or use household glass and abrasive cleaners unless the manufacturer specifically approves them.
