Flat Panel Cleaning

[Welch]

With the revolution of flat panels being the way to go when that old trusty CRT goes, comes new tips and tricks for taking care of this new technology.

Being that I recently switched to an LCD (My 21" CRT was not dead, but needed to retire) I have found that the flat panels do not take kindly to the typical stuff that previously could be used on the glass for a CRT. Seems that all of the different sprays I have VERY carefully tried out on older LCDs... loves to smear them, or leave a haze.

My question to other members of the TR forums:

What is the best cleaner/method for taking grubby kid prints off of an LCD, without ruining the surface or leaving any sort of smear/haze. What have you found works best for your flat panel (This can include Glossy and Non-Glossy displays... even Plasma screens) Is it time to go old fashion spit shine again

[Archer]

Isopropyl alcohol.

[Usacomp2k3]

I have some general computer cleaner that I got at a black friday sale a couple years ago that says it works on LCD's. Use it every 6 months or so and it works great. I think it was 3m something or other.

[Flying Fox]

Just plain water is no good?

[Rev_Night]

what i have found best is to use an ultrafine sandpaper (2500, def not 800). Since it's so fine, you really dont have to worry about using too much elbow grease on your LCD monitor. Its cheap, lasts a long time, and the dirt comes right off.


http://www.tapplastics.com/shop/product.php?pid=165

[bitvector]

I've heard isopropyl alcohol can cause the screen to discolor over time (depending on the plastic used), but some people dispute that. Ammonia definitely can, though.

Viewsonic specifically says to use a "non-ammonia, non-alcohol based" solution. Apple says "Warning: Don't clean the screen with a cleaner containing alcohol or acetone."

I use Klear Screen: I'm sure it's overpriced, but it does clean the screen pretty well and the package I got comes with some nice microfiber cloths.

[ssidbroadcast]

I've heard isopropyl alcohol can cause the screen to discolor over time (depending on the plastic used), but some people dispute that. Ammonia definitely can, though.

Viewsonic specifically says to use a "non-ammonia, non-alcohol based" solution. Apple says "Warning: Don't clean the screen with a cleaner containing alcohol or acetone."

I use Klear Screen: I'm sure it's overpriced, but it does clean the screen pretty well and the package I got comes with some nice microfiber cloths.

What about a vinegar-based window cleaner?

[Pax-UX]

Spit and a TP

[Welch]

Holy ****... some of the suggestion are just ........

Rubbing Alcohol, i hope to god your joking that works fine if its a glass surface, or metal.. but on something thats a plastic or whatever the LCD top is made of will just eat it over time...

Sand paper...... Wow... tell me your not looking to have someone post back pissed at ya ahaha.

Still does not seem to be any good option other than a plain old damp paper towel.

[Archer]

One of my LCD manuals calls for isopropyl.

I haven't checked the other one since it doesn't require cleaning yet.

When in doubt, read the manual.

[FroBozz_Inc]

Sandpaper That's insane, even if it's ultra fine.

I use Kensinton brand screen cleaner. There is no list of ingredients.
It does say it's good for laptop screens so that's what I use on LCDs.

I know years ago, there were some coatings on some CRT monitors that could be ruined using alcohol. That was a long time ago, though.

I don't have a feel for if using straight rubbing alcohol is OK for LCD's nowadays though.

[Archer]

I don't have a feel for if using straight rubbing alcohol is OK for LCD's nowadays though.

My older one lists isopropyl as being OK. My new one states no alcohol.

[Sargent Duck]

I would have thought a damp paper towel, or a J-cloth, or a micro-fiber rag would have been ideal.

[mdalli]

Uh, I hate to state the obvious, but have you thought about contacting the screen's manufacturer? Maybe ask them what they recommend to clean the surface?

[Choralone42]

What about a vinegar-based window cleaner?

The company I work for does a lot of laptop repair work and we've used vinegar based window cleaner for years to clean LCDs and laptops. We also use lint free towels.

In general the best idea is to spray some of the cleaner on the towel, wipe off the screen and then with a dry section of towel make a second pass over the LCD. Unless it's REALLY dirty that usually does the job.

[Welch]

Uh, I hate to state the obvious, but have you thought about contacting the screen's manufacturer? Maybe ask them what they recommend to clean the surface?

Uhh, have you thought that I'd rather get the suggestions of my fellow TR posters? If I wanted the recommendation of the manufacturer I would have taken it. Nothing wrong with looking for some tricks of the trade. Who knows... perhaps there was some sort of special sex wax that gives the screen a glossy finish allowing me to see more vibrant colors, and I would have missed that vital information if it weren't for the fact that I asked... Never know.

[Captain Ned]

Who knows... perhaps there was some sort of special sex wax that gives the screen a glossy finish allowing me to see more vibrant colors.

Which one should I use?

http://www.sexwax.com/site/surf_shop/wax/index.html

[Vrock]

Simple Green. Mix 1 part Simple Green to 8 parts water. Clean with a microfiber cloth.

[Sargent Duck]

Who knows... perhaps there was some sort of special sex wax that gives the screen a glossy finish allowing me to see more vibrant colors.

Which one should I use?

http://www.sexwax.com/site/surf_shop/wax/index.html

Nice.

[Welch]

Glad someone knew what I was making a reference to ...

Quick Humps 6X Extra Hard, without a doubt... Aint nottin betta!

[emi25]

I think standard windows cleaner will do the job.

[Heiwashin]

i use a gel cleaner with a lint free rag They sell it in stores for almost nothing, and it gives a perfect streak free "risk" free clean

[ReAp3r-G]

well my LCD panel on my laptop is currently suffering from some gray-ish spots on it...its not affecting the image or has anything to do with dead pixels...but it just won't come off...it has like patches of gray on random parts of the screen...looks like dust, and that "dust" is stuck real good on the screen...

anyone know how to remedy this problem?

[Thresher]

The problem is the anti-glare coatings that most LCDs have on them. Most cleansers, especially ones with alcohol or ammonia in them will eat the anti-glare coating off or make it discolor.

The best thing I have found is lens cleaner from Walmart. It's cheap, it works really well, and it's safe for coated glass.

[Rev_Night]

Dont listen to these haters, sandpaper works like a charm. Just go ask any HomeDepot worker and they will know what you are talking about.

god, a bunch of IT nerds who cant take off their blinders to see the forest thru the trees. Sandpaper has been working for me for years and i have every confidence it will work for you.

[ReAp3r-G]

The problem is the anti-glare coatings that most LCDs have on them. Most cleansers, especially ones with alcohol or ammonia in them will eat the anti-glare coating off or make it discolor.

The best thing I have found is lens cleaner from Walmart. It's cheap, it works really well, and it's safe for coated glass.

so its caused by alcohol based cleaners? but the weird thing is i haven't used any such cleaner for my LCD panel...anyone else have this problem? i'd really like to get the gray dust like stains off my LCD panel it looks pretty horrible and annoying

edit: my laptop LCD panel is standard matte finish...

[twolfe18]

keep it real simple, use H2O! if anyone has something on their LCD that they can get of with a damp cloth and a little massaging, then they should reconsider how they treat their LCD in the first place.

[Dizik]

Simple Green. Mix 1 part Simple Green to 8 parts water. Clean with a microfiber cloth.

Heh....why am I not surprised in your recommendation? I used that stuff all the time when I was in the Air Force. I think the DOD has mandated that Simple Green be used to clean anything and everything under the sun. Desks, monitors, aircraft, weapons...you name it.

[ReAp3r-G]

keep it real simple, use H2O! if anyone has something on their LCD that they can get of with a damp cloth and a little massaging, then they should reconsider how they treat their LCD in the first place.

h2o ain't working buddy...i don't know how to get the discoloration or watever it is off my panel...

[twolfe18]

discoloration from what... orange juice, motor oil? it sounds like you have a pretty extreme condition!