Cleaning an LCD Screen

Are you finding it harder and harder to read the letters or see the pictures on your LCD (liquid crystal display) computer screen? Or, you may have one of those fancy LCD televisions, and the pictures aren't quite as crisp and clear as they used to be because the screen is dusty and dirty. You know that it is time to clean the screen, but quite frankly you are a bit leery of this process. All the horror stories that you have heard about damaging the screen or maybe turning the screen yellow makes the task even harder to attempt to do.

You can purchase screen cleaning kits at computer supply stores or your local electronics outlet, but they are expensive and the stores aren't always convenient. There have been suggestions of using Windex or other ethyl and ammonia based products for cleaning the screen, but with time your flat screen will yellow.

There really is an inexpensive and simple suggestion. All you need are four items:

• Spray bottle
• Distilled water
• White vinegar or isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol
• Clean, soft cloth

Mix the distilled water and the vinegar or alcohol. (Never use tap water. Tap water has minerals in it which will leave streaks and makes the job harder than it needs to be.) The best ratio is 1:1, which would be like a half cup of distilled water and a half cup of vinegar or alcohol. Put the mixture into the spray bottle.

Make sure the LCD screen or television is turned off. It is much easier to see the dirt with the screen turned off.

Spray the mixture onto the soft clean cloth. Never spray the mixture directly onto the screen. The screen is delicate and that much force could damage the screen. Now gently wipe the screen with the dampened cloth. Start at the top of the screen and very gently make your way down the screen. Let your screen dry before turning it back on. This will only be a few seconds.

A couple of hints that will help keep your screen lasting longer:

• Remember to not touch the screen with your fingers or hands. The oil and dirt from your hands can damage the screen by burning the pixels out. Just like your mother used to tell you, keep your hands to yourself.
• If all you need is a quick dusting of the LCD screen, try using anti-static and anti-cling sheets that are used for the dryer. They are great for removing the dust without damaging the screen.