How to clean a laptop, phone or TV screen safely
Our cats and dogs only clean your screen virtually. When it's time for the real thing, a dry microfiber cloth handles most smudges, and a little distilled water handles the rest.
The short version: turn the screen off, wipe gently with a dry microfiber cloth, then use the same cloth lightly dampened with distilled water for anything left. Never spray liquid straight onto a screen, and always check your device maker's own cleaning instructions first.
What you need
- Two clean microfiber cloths. One for dry wiping, one to dampen. Wash them without fabric softener, which leaves a film.
- Distilled water. Tap water can leave mineral spots.
- Optional: a screen-safe cleaning spray. Spray it onto the cloth, never onto the screen.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. It doesn't change the price you pay.
How to clean a laptop screen
- Shut the laptop down and unplug it. A black screen shows smudges best, and you won't click anything by accident.
- Wipe the screen with a dry microfiber cloth using light, straight strokes. Don't press hard: laptop panels flex.
- For marks that remain, dampen a corner of the cloth with distilled water, wring it until it's barely damp, and wipe again.
- Dry with the clean side of the cloth and let the laptop sit open for a few minutes before closing the lid.
Tip: our screen cleaning mode turns the screen solid white or black so you can see every smudge, and ignores taps while you wipe.
How to clean a phone screen
- Turn the phone off or lock it, and unplug it.
- Wipe with a dry microfiber cloth. For greasy fingerprints, use a cloth barely dampened with water.
- Some makers, including Apple, say a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe can be used gently on the outside of the phone. Check your model's guidance, keep moisture out of openings, and skip it if you use a matte screen protector.
- Don't use compressed air, abrasive powders or kitchen cleaners.
How to clean a TV or monitor
- Turn it off and let it cool. A warm screen dries cleaners too fast and streaks.
- Dust first with a dry microfiber cloth, supporting the frame with your other hand.
- For fingerprints, use a cloth lightly dampened with distilled water. Many TV makers advise against alcohol, ammonia and other solvents on their panels, so check your manual before using any spray.
- Matte and anti-glare monitors scratch and polish easily. Use the gentlest pressure and never scrub one spot.
Screen cleaning mistakes to avoid
| Mistake | Why it's a problem |
|---|---|
| Spraying cleaner directly on the screen | Liquid runs to the edges and can seep behind the panel. |
| Paper towels or tissues | Wood fibers can scratch coatings and leave lint. |
| Glass cleaner with ammonia | Ammonia can damage anti-glare and anti-fingerprint coatings. |
| Acetone, bleach or abrasive cleaners | They can strip coatings or cloud plastic screens. |
| Cleaning while the device is on and hot | You can't see smudges, and liquid dries into streaks. |
| Pressing hard on a stubborn spot | Pressure can damage LCD pixels. Dampen and wipe again instead. |
Want a laugh while you're at it?
Before you clean, let a cat lick your screen, or hand the job to Zooey the pug. They won't remove a single fingerprint, but they're good company.