How to clean your laptop screen

Your laptop screen can get filthy fast, especially if you use it every day. Cleaning your device regularly can help keep the dust, grime, and coffee stains under control. But be careful: Sanitizing your screen the wrong way can make more of a mess and even damage your computer.

At Asurion, we help millions of people fix, troubleshoot, and get the most out of their home technology. From speeding up a slow laptop to learning how much memory your computer needs, we keep the devices you rely on most working all day, every day. Here are our tips for the best ways to safely clean your laptop screen.

How to clean dust from laptop screens

Laptops get dirty, and dust is the number one culprit. Fortunately, it's easy to remove. You can do so safely by using the right supplies and following a few simple steps.

Shut down your laptop

Always unplug and turn off your device before you clean your laptop screen. It's safer and will make it easier to see the debris.

Use a microfiber cloth

1. Gently wipe the screen with a clean, dry, microfiber cloth. Never use paper towels or tissues—their fibers may leave lint behind or scratch the screen.
2. Press gently on the display and wipe in one direction—don't wipe in circles.

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How to clean dirt and grime from laptop screens

If you've dusted the screen but it's still not clean, try these steps:

Use a damp sponge

1. Take a new household sponge and dampen one side of it with distilled or filtered water. Don't use tap water, as the minerals may damage your screen.
2. Wring out the sponge before using it.
3. Gently wipe the dirt or grime with the sponge, and clean up any excess drips.
4. Allow the screen to dry before turning your laptop back on.

How to clean oils and sticky substances from laptop screens

To remove a more stubborn stain, you may need to use a mild screen-cleaning spray. Try spritzing your microfiber cloth with it (never spray the screen directly),then gently wipe the display.

Use a safe screen cleaner

Never use any harsh chemicals, household cleaners, or soap to clean your screen. Here are several safe options:

• Screen-cleaning spray (a formula specifically made for electronics)
• 50/50 mix of distilled water and white vinegar
• 50/50 mix of distilled water and isopropyl alcohol