Clean and Protect Your Screens

By Teri O.

Did you know??? You should never use Windex or alcohol on your TV or computer screen. These screens have special coatings that can be damaged by the chemicals. For cleaning screens, it’s best to stick to products labeled as specifically designed for electronics, or make your own homemade screen cleaner out of natural ingredients.

Choosing the right screen cleaner depends on a few important factors. Here’s what to look for:

Safe Ingredients: Avoid cleaners with alcohol, ammonia, bleach, or abrasive particles, because these can damage your screen’s coating.
Ease of Application: Check if the cleaner comes as a spray, pre-moistened wipes, or a gel, depending on your preference and the type of screen you have. Avoid spraying any liquid directly on the screen—it can seep into the device and cause damage.
Compatibility: Some screens, like touchscreens or high-end monitors, may require specialized cleaners. Always check your device’s user manual for cleaning instructions tailored to your specific screen type, and check the cleaner’s label for compatibility with your device.
Screen Cleaning Kits: Look for products labeled as screen-safe or electronic-specific. These typically include a non-toxic liquid cleaner and a microfiber cloth.
Lint-Free Cloth: A microfiber or lint-free cloth is gentle on the screen and ideal for removing dust and smudges without scratches.

Here are some safe DIY alternatives you can use to clean your electronic screens:

Microfiber Cloths: These soft, lint-free cloths are gentle and safe for cleaning screens without scratching. Use them dry to brush off dust, or lightly dampened with distilled water to remove smudges.
Distilled Water: Plain distilled water is best for screens because it’s free from minerals that leave water spots. Lightly dampen a microfiber cloth with distilled water to clean your screen without leaving any mineral residue.
Distilled Water and Mild Dish Soap: Combine a small amount of mild dish soap with distilled water (e.g., a drop of soap in a cup of water). Apply the mixture to a cloth—not directly to the screen—and gently wipe the surface.
Distilled Water and Vinegar: Mix distilled water and white vinegar in equal proportions into a spray bottle. The vinegar helps break down residue and grime, while the water dilutes the vinegar and prevents it from damaging the screen.
Isopropyl Alcohol (70%): TV and computer screens have coatings sensitive to alcohol which can make them hazy, but it’s safe for most glass screens (like smartphones). Dampen a microfiber cloth with it lightly and wipe gently.
Compressed Air: For keyboards and monitors, compressed air is useful for removing dust and particles without touching the surface.

Bayes Home Care Screen Cleaner and Protectant

I’ve had my Hanns·G 28” widescreen computer monitor for over 12 years. I love it but they don’t make them anymore. I’ve always been afraid to clean it for fear of scratching or damaging the screen. But finally I couldn’t stand it any longer, it was covered with so many spots and looking so gross! I went online trying to find a safe cleaner that wouldn’t hurt my screen, and was surprised at how many of them contain alcohol or ammonia.

I had kind of given up, but then I found the Bayes Electronic Screen Cleaner Spray Kit with Premium Microfiber Cloth on Amazon. It may be a small bottle, but it’s a good value for what you get — especially if you only clean your screen as often as I do, ha. Also, since it’s only 2 ounces, that means it’s a TSA-friendly travel size. This can be handy if you’re taking your laptop on a trip and want to keep it clean.

Sure, you can just use distilled water, but then you’re stuck with a whole gallon of it when you only need a tiny amount. Plus it doesn’t come in a cute little spray bottle, and it doesn’t contain anti-static properties to help keep your screen dust-free. In general, they always say not to spray any solution directly on your screen, as it can drip down into places it shouldn’t go. But the Bayes Electronic Screen Cleaner formula is drip-free, so you can safely spray it on your screen, which is what I did.

I was amazed at how it got my filthy screen looking so spotlessly clean and streak-free with merely two passes over the whole surface! I’d even say this screen cleaner is worth it just for the microfiber cloth. It’s 10 inches square so plenty big. It’s not smooth and flimsy like an eyeglass cloth, it actually has a soft suede texture which helps rub out even the most stubborn grime in one swipe. Here’s a before and after photo:

The Bayes Home Care Screen Cleaner and Protectant is non-streak (for real!), anti-drip (true!), and anti-static (no dust yet). It has a very faint clean scent. Its formula helps repel fingerprints and static on monitors, laptops, phones, LCD and LED screens. Made in the USA by Lab Clean of Los Alamitos CA. Alcohol- and ammonia-free. Certified cruelty-free (Leaping Bunny). Ingredients: Water, Polymer, Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol.