You can safely clean a computer monitor with a few simple steps and the right materials, while avoiding damage to the screen’s delicate coatings.

Quick Scoop

  • Turn off and unplug the monitor before you touch the screen.
  • Use a dry microfiber cloth first; never use paper towels or tissues.
  • If needed, lightly dampen the cloth with distilled water or a screen-safe cleaner, never spray liquid directly on the screen.
  • Avoid ammonia, window cleaner, bleach, and harsh alcohol on most modern monitors.

Step‑by‑step: how to clean a computer monitor

1. Power down and prep

  1. Shut down your computer and turn off the monitor.
  1. Unplug the power cable and any connected devices for safety and better visibility of smudges.
  1. Let the screen cool if it was running hot so cleaner does not flash‑dry into streaks.

Think of this like washing a window on a cool, cloudy day instead of in harsh sunlight—it gives you a clearer result.

2. Remove loose dust (dry clean)

  1. Take a clean, soft microfiber cloth (the same kind used for glasses).
  1. Gently wipe the screen with almost no pressure.
 * Many manufacturer guides suggest light circular motions; some professionals prefer straight strokes in one direction to avoid micro‑swirls if grit is present.
  1. Shake out or swap the cloth if it picks up visible dust so you are not dragging particles across the surface.

If your screen only had light dust, you can stop here.

3. Deal with fingerprints and smudges (damp clean)

If you still see fingerprints or oily marks:

  1. Lightly dampen a corner of the microfiber cloth with one of these:
 * Distilled water (safest general option).

 * A monitor/screen cleaner specifically labeled safe for LCD/LED/OLED.

 * Some manufacturers allow a 50/50 mix of distilled water and isopropyl alcohol or white vinegar, but only if they explicitly state it.
  1. Wring or squeeze the cloth so it is just slightly damp, not wet or dripping.
  1. Wipe the screen gently, using either:
 * Light circular motions, or
 * Single, straight strokes from top to bottom or side to side, lifting the cloth between passes.
  1. Immediately follow with a dry section of the cloth to reduce streaks and help dry the surface.
  1. Let the screen air‑dry completely before turning it back on.

Imagine you are cleaning a camera lens: light touch, minimal liquid, and patience get you a clear result.

What NOT to do (very important)

  • Do not spray any liquid directly onto the screen; always apply it to the cloth first.
  • Do not use household glass cleaners, ammonia, bleach, or strong solvents—these can strip anti‑glare and protective coatings.
  • Do not use paper towels, toilet paper, tissues, or rough fabrics; they can leave lint and cause micro‑scratches.
  • Do not press hard on the panel, especially on LCD/LED and OLED screens, as pressure can damage pixels or leave bright spots.
  • Avoid high‑concentration alcohol unless your monitor’s manufacturer explicitly allows it.

Extra tips for different monitor types

  • Standard LCD/LED monitors:
    • Use only microfiber and either distilled water or a screen‑safe cleaner.
  • Matte/anti‑glare screens:
    • Be extra gentle and avoid harsh chemicals, which can cloud or patch the coating.
  • Touchscreens:
    • They pick up more fingerprints; many brands allow specific alcohol‑based wipes designed for electronics, but always check the manufacturer’s recommendations first.

A quick routine clean every week or two with a dry microfiber cloth keeps dust from building up so you need less liquid and less effort over time.

Simple HTML table of do’s and don’ts

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Action Recommended? Details
Turn off and unplug monitor Yes Improves safety and makes smudges easier to see.
Use microfiber cloth Yes Soft, lint‑free, avoids scratches and streaks.
Use dry wipe first Yes Often enough for dust; reduces need for liquid.
Dampen cloth with distilled water Yes Safe for tougher smudges if cloth is only slightly damp.
Spray cleaner directly on screen No Liquid can run into edges and damage electronics.
Use window cleaner or ammonia No Can damage anti‑glare and protective coatings.
Use paper towels or tissues No May scratch and leave lint on the screen.
Press hard to remove marks No Risk of pixel damage and pressure spots.

Quick TL;DR

  • Power off and unplug, then wipe with a dry microfiber cloth.
  • For stubborn smudges, use a slightly damp microfiber cloth with distilled water or screen‑safe cleaner—never spray directly on the monitor.
  • Skip glass cleaners, harsh chemicals, and paper towels to protect the screen coating and keep your monitor looking new.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.