How to clean a matte computer screen

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The matte finish that we see on almost every monitor screen model is not included by accident. This texture prevents oil and grease stains from being printed on the screen while we fiddle and touch the monitor with our fingers. However, the matte finish of many of the monitor screens does not prevent them from getting dirty to a point that the filth is visible over time, even with the monitor turned on. In this short article we are going to reveal how to clean a matte computer screen and what is the best product for this task.

Should I use alcohol or any other solvent to clean a matte computer screen?

The answer is a big and resounding no. The matte finish of most monitor screen models is attained with a thin porous plastic film on the outer layer of the screen display panel. The repeated use of solvents like alcohol, isopropanol or acetone can dissolve the surface of your monitor screen, leaving a whiteish stained spot on them. Not only you would be creating an irreversible and permanent damage to your screen, you also will make the surface no longer able to project the light from the diodes with the same efficiency, creating distortion of the colors in the affected area.

Is the good old water and soap effective to clean a matte computer screen?

Technically, only adding water in smaller quantities (Important: no dripping water), applied with a damp cloth does not present any risk for our monitor screen. However, this may not be the most recommended method since cleaning the monitor only with water will only smear the grease and oil stain on the surface of our screen. The problem is even greater when we use soap in combination with water.

Simply put, cleaning a matte monitor with soap and water is not recommended. The water evaporates after a short time and this in it all itself, does not represent a major inconveniences. On the other hand, the soap never disappears, and once the surface dries it is almost certain that you will see stains and whitish streaks where you passed the damp cloth.

You also run the risk, if the cloth has solid particles of any substance from the water, of scratching the screen panel surface and create a greater damage beyond just having a dirty monitor.

Can I use Windex to clean a matte computer screen?

No. Windex contains isopropanolamine and ammonia, which will damage the surface of your monitor screen. As we have already seen, the ideal is that you do not use any solvent substance on your screen.

What product is the most effective for cleaning a matte computer screen?

It was previously believed that eyeglass cleaner liquids were the infallible solution to clean a matte monitor screen. The truth is that with the passing of time the chemical composition of this solutions, in its very different forms, brands and variants, has also changed. It was very common to see alcohol-based lens cleaners, including other corrosive substances like vinegar or harmful substances like ammonia. The truth is that assuming the lenses are made of 100% glass, this would be an effective component to use, although making that assumption today is somewhat not as accurate. Currently there are eyeglasses made of all kinds of materials, such as polycarbonate, or including coatings as seen on polarized, anti-scratch and anti-reflective models.

From the range of eyeglass cleaning liquids that we find in the market today, the so-called alcohol-free cleaners can be quite accessible. These, on the other hand, are really effective to clean any matte computer screen.