Do you find laptop fingerprints too annoying? Well, you’re not the only one experiencing this nuisance.
Oil, dirt, dust, and fingerprints on your laptop screen are like a mystery, you don’t always know the reason why they appear. You think you already cleaned them but after a day or two later, there they are again!
This article will help you how to clean fingerprints off your laptop screen in an easy and effective way.
Table of Contents
How to clean fingerprints off a laptop screen
You can clean fingerprints off your laptop screen through simple wiping using a microfiber cloth. But if you noticed the prints are still there, use a cleaning product. In terms of cleaning solutions, you can either make one or just use a store-bought product. Either way, both work well in eliminating fingerprints that cling toughly on your precious laptop LCD. Just remember, when using a liquid cleaner, never directly spray it onto your laptop’s screen.
Ways to properly clean fingerprints off your laptop screen
Method 1: microfiber cloth for simple cleaning
This is the easiest and safest way to clean fingerprints off your laptop is using a microfiber cloth. They are designed to clean lenses and LCDs.
Before you clean your laptop’s screen, make sure you turn off your laptop first for safety purposes. This will also make fingerprints and dirt more visible.
When using a microfiber cloth, gently wipe the fingerprints off in one direction. Do not press too hard or wipe in different motions to avoid damaging the display screen.
Check to see if there’s any dirt or fingerprints left. Repeat the process if necessary.
Method 2: sponge wiping
If simple wiping doesn’t work, try using a sponge. But not the rough area. Use the soft side instead.
Turn your laptop off, remove the battery and make sure it is not charging or plugged into any power source. This will make sure your laptop is safe from water drips.
Dampen the sponge with water. Don’t soak it to avoid water drippings. This could damage your laptop’s parts.
Using your damp sponge, carefully wipe the fingerprints off.
Check to see if there’s any residue left.
You can repeat the steps but make sure the surface is already dry before wiping it again to avoid watermarks.
Once the screen is spot-free, let it dry throughly first before closing your laptop.
Method 3: cleaning solution for stubborn fingerprints
If all the ways mentioned above failed, then it’s time for you to use the help of cleaning products.
You have two options to choose from: one is to use safe spray-cleaners designed to clean lenses and LCDs, but this is a bit costly.
Or you make your own cleaning solution, but this requires more effort.
If you decide to make your own, avoid tap water, acetone, methyl, and ethyl alcohol because these substances are way too harsh for your screen.
Instead use equal parts of distilled water and white vinegar, or equal parts of distilled water and isopropyl alcohol. Mix it and fill it into a spray bottle.
Shut down your laptop before the cleaning process. And since you’re using a liquid cleaner, remove the battery and plug it out from its power source.
Because you’re using spray bottles, place a light cloth or paper towels over your laptop’s keyboard to absorb any liquid that may drip.
Spray your cleaning solution onto the microfiber cloth until it is damp (not wet).
Carefully rub the microfiber cloth onto the spotted area.
Again wipe in one direction only.
Check again to see if there’s any fingerprints residue left. Repeat the steps if needed.
Double-check to see if the screen is completely dry before closing the lid. To be sure, leave it to air dry for at least 30 minutes up to 1 hour.
So there you have it. Aa the necessary methods to wipe annoying fingerprints off your laptop’s screen.
And if you’re the type of person who always eats and drinkss while using a laptop, it’s understandable that you may occasionally touch your laptop’s screen.
Just don’t forget to regularly wipe your screen to avoid having too much work at a later stage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Fingerprints off a Laptop Screen
Can I use a feather duster to clean off fingerprints from a laptop screen?
A duster is a good idea but a feather duster is not. This is because feather dusters will only push the dirt into different directions, but it won’t clean it. A duster is a bit stickier and will collect dirt as you clean the laptop screen.
Can I alternatively use paper towels or tissue paper if for cleaning a laptop screen?
Paper towels and tissue paper should not be used to clean as they can scratch the screen of your laptop.
Can I use water only to clean fingerprints on a laptop screen?
Since fingerprints are oily, you cannot just clean it with water alone because oil and water don’t go well together. This is why you need white vinegar or isopropyl water mixed with the water.
Summary
Using Shirts, paper towels, and toilet paper are not advised when removing fingerprints from laptop screens.
They can leave scratches and debris on the screen. Use a microfibre cloth instead.
When cleaning your screen wipe gently without too much pressure and pressing to avoid damaging the screen which may cause pixel burnout.
Wipe in one direction only to eliminate streaks completely.
Always turn off the laptop, remove the battery and unplug from the power source.
Make sure to use white vinegar only. Avoid apple cider vinegar or any other type of vinegar.
Use distilled water instead of tap water since distilled is chemical-free.
Avoid products containing ammonia such as acetone and most types of alcohol. Isopropyl alcohol is the only kind you should use.
Spray only a minimal amount of liquid onto a microfiber cloth to prevent watermarks.
Good luck with removing fingerprints from your laptop screen!