Skip to Content

What Can You Use To Clean Laptop Screen?

Dust, smudges, and fingerprints can all make our laptop screen look like something out of a horror movie. Laptop screens are delicate, so care needs to be taken when they are cleaned. What can you use to clean a laptop screen?

You can use a soft cloth such as microfiber, to clean your laptop screen. Use gentle pressure when cleaning to avoid damaging the screen. If using a spray cleaning solution, always spray the liquid onto the cloth first and then gently wipe the laptop screen.

Wiping laptop screen with a wipe

Whether you work from home, are doing online schooling, or simply browsing the internet, our laptops get a lot of use these days.

Regularly cleaning the laptop will not only prolong the life of the laptop, but it will keep you and your loved ones healthy too.

But before you reach for that disinfecting wipe, there are a couple of things you first need to find out.

Laptop Screen

Not all laptop screens are made of the same material. There are two types of screens – glass-covered and non-glass-covered. You will need to consult your User’s Manual to learn which one you have.

If you do not have the User’s Manual, it is worth the time to do a quick Google search and find out which type of screen your laptop is. Different screens can handle different types of cleaners.

Glass-covered screens are more durable and can handle stronger cleaning solutions, such as rubbing alcohol.

Non-glass-covered screens which are LCD or LED screens, can become permanently damaged if you use the wrong type of cleaner. The wrong cleaner can damage the pixels and then the entire screen will have to be replaced.

Always read the ingredient list of any cleaner you decide to use. Never use cleaning products that contain the following ingredients:

  • Ammonia
  • Acetone
  • Toluene
  • Methyl chloride
  • Methyl alcohol
  • Ethyl alcohol
  • Ethyl acid

These ingredients are particularly harmful to the coating on a laptop screen.

Can You Use Glass Cleaner To Clean Laptop Screen?

Wiping clean glass

Glass cleaners effectively remove dirt, dust, fingerprints, and even drool from our windows and glass doors. But can you use glass cleaner to clean a laptop screen?

As a general rule, glass cleaner should not be used to clean a laptop screen unless you know for a fact the laptop screen is glass. The harsh chemicals in glass cleaner will damage an LCD or LED screen.

Using glass cleaner will give you a nice, clear screen – initially. The damaging effects of glass cleaner are cumulative.

Over time, the chemicals can cause the anti-glare coating to become yellow or look cloudy. Some screens even become brittle and crack. By the time the effects are visible, the damage is done and the screen will have to be replaced.

Some Apple products recommend specific products to be used on their laptop screens. Always consult your User’s Manual or look online to see which type of laptop screen you have and what cleaning solutions are recommended.

Can You Use Windex To Clean Laptop Screen?

Window glass spray bottle

The windows in our home are crystal clear when we clean them with Windex. Can you use Windex to clean a laptop screen?

As a general rule, you should not use Windex to clean a laptop screen. Windex contains ingredients that will remove the anti-glare coating on the laptop screen and eventually damage the components of the screen.

The only time Windex can be used is if the screen is glass. Some laptop models have a covering of glass over the screen, similar to a cell phone screen protector.

Windex will remove dirt, smudges, and fingerprints but it will not disinfect the screen.

While Windex glass cleaner, in general, should not be used on a laptop screen, the product line does have a cleansing wipe that is designed to be used on electronics, specifically laptops.

Can You Use Hand Sanitizer To Clean Laptop Screen?

Hand sanitizer

Hand sanitizer is known for being effective at cleaning our hands and killing germs. Can you use hand sanitizer to clean a laptop screen?

As a general rule, hand sanitizer should not be used to clean a laptop screen. Diluted alcohol can be used to clean a laptop screen because it evaporates quickly. However, hand sanitizer has a high alcohol content that can potentially damage the screen.

Another reason why hand sanitizer, in general, should not be used is that most sanitizers have added ingredients that are not meant for electronics, such as fragrance and skin softeners.

If you do not have hand sanitizer available, you can make a solution of water and rubbing alcohol to clean the laptop screen. Mix 1 cup of water with 8 capfuls of rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle.

Can You Use Cloth To Clean Laptop Screen?

Hand using cloth to wipe table

Cloth material is used every day to clean a variety of surfaces in our home. Can you use a cloth to clean a laptop screen?

You can clean a laptop screen with a cloth that is soft and gentle, such as a microfiber cloth. Microfiber does not produce lint and is non-abrasive. Cotton can contain fine particles that will scratch the delicate exterior of the screen.

The two most important things to keep in mind when using a cloth to clean your laptop are that the material needs to be extra soft and it should not produce lint.

Laptop screens, especially touchscreens, are durable but they are delicate. Over time, cotton begins to break down and can scratch delicate surfaces.

Cotton also produces lint. The static created from using a cotton cloth will cause the lint to collect on the screen, creating a bigger mess that is more difficult to get rid of. Lint will collect on the screen and can collect in the keys, creating another problem.

Can You Use Water To Clean Laptop Screen?

Wiping laptop screen with a wipe

Water is the main ingredient needed when cleaning anything. Can you use water to clean a laptop screen?

You can use water to clean a laptop screen if the water is filtered or distilled. Water contains minerals that can be damaging to a laptop screen, especially hard water. Only use enough water to dampen the cleansing sloth. Never use a soaked cloth to clean a laptop screen.

Water is the best and most cost-effective choice when it comes to removing dust and fingerprints from the screen. But even water deserves some caution when it comes to our laptop screen.

Tap water contains minerals that can be damaging to the delicate screen covering. The risk for damage is exceptionally high if you live in an area with hard water.

Never use tap water to clean your laptop screen. Only use water that has been filtered or distilled.

Do not use a cloth that is soaked in water. Using a soaked cloth can cause water or excess moisture to get in behind the screen, damaging the internal components.

If the screen is exceptionally dirty or the smudges are not coming off, do not use more pressure to clean the screen. Applying too much pressure can damage the screen.

Rewet the cloth and use it again or continue reading this article for suggestions on which cleaning solutions are effective at safely and easily cleaning and disinfecting your laptop screen.

Can You Use Colin To Clean Laptop Screen?

Window glass spray bottle

Colin is a disinfectant cleaner that can be used on a variety of surfaces. Can you use Colin to clean a laptop screen?

You can use Colin to clean a laptop screen if the product is designed for use on electronics. Electronic safe Colin products do not contain ammonia or alcohol. Colin will safely remove dust, smudges, and fingerprints, leaving behind a clear screen that will also repel dust.

Never spray Colin directly onto the screen. Spray the product onto a soft, lint-free cloth such as a microfiber cloth.

Spraying any liquid onto the screen can cause the moisture to get in behind the screen, and between the kays, causing damage to the internal components, and damaging the laptop.

Can You Use Eyeglass Cleaner To Clean Laptop Screen?

Eyeglass spray cleaner

Eyeglass cleaner is great at removing fingerprints, dust, dirt, and even makeup from our eyeglasses. Can you use eyeglass cleaner to clean a laptop screen?

You can use eyeglass cleaner to clean a laptop screen. Eyeglass cleaners are alcohol-based and are designed to not scratch or ruin the anti-glare coating of the laptop screen. Use a soft cloth to spray the cleaner onto and then gently wipe the screen.

Depending on the type of eyeglass cleaner you use, some cleaners contain alcohol. The minimal amount of alcohol in the cleaner will not harm the laptop screen and will be beneficial in disinfecting the screen.

Never spray the eyeglass cleaner directly onto the screen. The fine mist can cause tiny water droplets to get in behind the screen, damaging the inner components.

Use a microfiber cloth or eyeglass cleaning cloth. Spray the cleaner onto the cloth and then gently wipe the laptop screen from side to side.

Be careful to not apply too much pressure on the screen. Applying too much pressure can damage the screen pixels, ruining the appearance of your screen.

Can You Use Wipes To Clean Laptop Screen?

Woman pulling cleaning wipes out of package

There is a wide variety of cleansing wipes on the market. Can you use wipes to clean a laptop screen?

Generally speaking, you should not use wipes to clean a laptop screen unless it is designed specifically for electronics. Wipes can have added ingredients such as ammonia, high amounts of alcohol, or even added skin softeners that can damage the delicate laptop screen.

There is a vast array of wipes on the market that are designed to clean or disinfect a variety of surfaces. You can use wipes to clean your skin, remove make-up, kill germs, and even clean your pets’ paws.

But caution needs to be taken when it comes to cleaning our laptop screen. With a variety of wipes to choose from, this means there is a variety of ingredients that are not laptop screen friendly.

This content is owned by Wabi Sabi Group and was first published on Apr 28, 2022..

Here are some examples of common wipes and whether or not they should be used on a laptop screen.

Can You Use Alcohol Wipe To Clean Laptop Screen?

Alcohol wipes should not be used on a laptop screen. The alcohol content is very high and can be damaging to the screen. The alcohol content should not be greater than 70% and should be diluted with water when used to clean a laptop screen.

Can You Use Baby Wipe To Clean Laptop Screen?

Baby wipes should not be used to clean a laptop screen. Baby wipes are gentle – but for the skin. They contain added moisturizers and surfactants that can damage the screen or, at the very least, leave a streaky residue that will not come off easily.

Can You Use Wet Wipe To Clean Laptop Screen?

Wet wipes are soft, cloth-like wipes that are used for a variety of purposes. But not all wipes are created equal, especially when it comes to laptop screens. Only use wipes that are designed specifically for electronics.

Can You Use Clorox Wipe To Clean Laptop Screen?

You can use a Clorox wipe to clean your laptop screen if it is designed for use on electronics. Regular Clorox wipes contain other chemicals that can interact negatively with the laptop screen’s coating, damaging it.

Can You Use Vinegar To Clean Laptop Screen?

Vinegar is a natural germ and bacteria killer. Diluted vinegar is safe to use on a laptop screen. Mix 1 part vinegar with 1 part water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto a soft cloth and gently wipe the laptop screen.

Can You Use Lysol Wipes To Clean Laptop Screen?

Lysol wipes should only be used if they are designed for electronics or if your laptop screen is glass. Regular Lysol wipes have a high amount of alcohol and other ingredients that can be damaging to the protective coating on a laptop screen.

How To Clean Laptop Screen Properly

Our laptop screens take a lot of abuse. The screen gets covered in germs from eating and talking in front of it, not to mention when we sneeze.

Cleaning the laptop screen keeps the screen looking good but it is also crucial to keeping us healthy.

Whether your laptop is a touchscreen or not, there are basic cleaning tips to keep in mind before you clean any laptop screen.

Power Down

Make sure the laptop is turned off before cleaning it. There are a few good reasons for doing this.

Powering off the laptop will give the laptop a chance to refresh and install any pending updates. The most important reason, however, for turning the laptop off before cleaning is for safety reasons.

Cleaning the screen can create static electricity. While the amount of static is small, there is always a chance the static could create a shock, damaging the internal components of the laptop.

Cleaning Solutions

Never use abrasive cleaning solutions to clean a laptop screen. Laptop screens are delicate.

Using an abrasive cleaner such as bleach will ruin the finish on the screen. Over time, the internal components of the screen will become ruined as well.

Always read the ingredient list of a cleaner or wipe you want to use to clean the laptop screen. Some cleaners have added ingredients that can ruin the coating on a laptop screen.

Care should also be taken even when using water to clean the screen. Water contains minerals that can damage the screen. At the very least, these minerals can leave more streaks on the screen.

Only use water that has been either filtered or distilled, especially if you live in an area with hard water.

Never spray any cleaning solution directly onto the screen. Always spray the solution onto the cleaning cloth first. Use enough solution to moisten the cloth, not soak it.

Cleaning Cloths

It is tempting to use our shirt sleeve or kitchen towel to clean the laptop screen but resist the urge.

This article was first published on Apr 28, 2022 by Wabi Sabi Group..

Cotton fabrics break down over time and can scratch delicate surfaces such as a laptop screen. Cotton also produces lint that will cling to the screen, making it especially difficult to remove.

In general, only a microfiber cloth or cloth used for cleaning eyeglasses should be used to clean a laptop screen.

Never use napkins or paper towels to clean the screen. These materials will most certainly scratch the screen.

Never wipe the screen in a circular motion. Wiping in a circulation motion will damage the screen because of the amount of uneven pressure being applied. The screen should be wiped from side to side.

Be careful to only use gentle pressure, even on any stubborn smudges. Using too much pressure can scratch the screen and damage the internal components of the screen.

WabiSabi Group is the owner of this article and was published on Apr 28, 2022 and last modified on .

To properly clean your laptop screen, turn the laptop off to avoid any static electricity that might be created from wiping the screen. Use a soft, lint-free cloth such as microfiber. Use cleaners that are electronic safe and do not contain ammonia or high amounts of alcohol.