Cleaning a TFT monitor requires a lint-free cloth and gentle pressure. Using traditional glass cleaners can damage the plastic screen. Instead, use water and a microfiber cloth or a commercial cleaner specifically for LCD monitors. Anti-glare screens and keeping the monitor out of reach can also help keep it clean.
Many laptops and notebook computers now have a type of screen called a thin film transistor (TFT) monitor. It’s not unusual to find the terms “LCD monitor” and “TFT monitor” used interchangeably by computer experts, but the same basic advice applies to both types of screens. To clean one properly, you should use a lint-free cloth and very gentle pressure. If the screen is very dirty, plain water or water with a small amount of vinegar can be used to clean it, but the liquid should never be sprayed directly on the monitor.
Putting pressure on a TFT monitor can cause permanent damage to the electronically sensitive crystals pressed between two thin sheets of plastic, which makes cleaning a more involved process than cleaning its glass-coated CRT cousin. It can also draw moisture into itself through capillary action, so spraying a liquid cleaner directly onto the screen can also be problematic. Any moisture absorbed through the surface of the screen will not come out voluntarily and could mar the entire display.
To properly clean a TFT screen, it’s important to remember that it’s plastic, not glass. Traditional glass cleaners usually contain alcohol or ammonia, which is harmless to glass but harmful to plastic. Never use household glass cleaners, as ammonia or alcohol will eventually cause the plastic to yellow and degrade.
Instead, many experts suggest using clean water and a lint-free microfiber cloth designed for cleaning optics. A small amount of a weak acid, such as vinegar, may be added to the water if the monitor is heavily contaminated with surface dirt or other substances. The cloth should be only slightly damp and wiping should be in a vertical/horizontal direction. Use a dry cloth to remove any traces of moisture. Use a very light touch and clean a TFT monitor only when the power has been turned off.
Some computer peripheral manufacturers market cleaners intended specifically for LCD, plasma, or TFT monitors. These cleaners usually don’t contain ammonia or alcohol, although it’s worth reading labels before buying any commercial cleaning product. Some cleaning kits contain a spray bottle of solution and optical-quality cleaning and drying cloths. One or two sprays of the cleaning solution should be enough for routine maintenance, although many experts recommend spraying the cloth, not the monitor. It is still important to use a very light touch when cleaning the screen with a commercial cleaner.
Some computer users purchase an anti-glare screen or Lexan® screen protector to keep the monitor from getting too dirty. When a laptop or notebook computer is folded for storage, the screen can come into contact with the keyboard and collect traces of skin grease, dirt, or other contaminants. Therefore, it may be useful to clean the keyboard of a laptop before closing the lid. Keeping your monitor out of the reach of small children or inconsiderate coworkers can also help keep it clean. Curious people are often tempted to poke at a flat screen monitor, so you may want to take steps to discourage this behavior.
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