How to Clean a Computer Screen? | The Right Way, Step by Step

Most screen damage comes from good intentions. A spray of glass cleaner, a paper towel, a little extra pressure on a stubborn smudge — each one risks permanent streaks or a ruined display. The proper way to clean a computer screen is simpler than you think, and you probably already own everything you need.

What You Need To Clean a Computer Screen Safely

You only need two things: a clean, soft, lint-free microfiber cloth and plain water. That’s the entire kit for most cleaning jobs.

Any cloth marked “lint-free” — including the one that came in the box with your monitor — works well.

For tougher grime, a dedicated screen cleaner is fine, but check the label first. Apple’s support guidance says to avoid window cleaners, household cleaners, aerosol sprays, solvents, ammonia, abrasives, and cleaners containing hydrogen peroxide or acetone. If a cleaner lists any of those, keep it away from your monitor.

Step-by-Step: How To Clean a Computer Screen

The actual cleaning takes about two minutes when you follow the right order. Here’s the procedure that works for Macs, Apple displays, and standard monitors alike.

1. Power down and unplug. Shut down the computer and disconnect it from power. For an external display, disconnect both the power cable and the cable running to your computer. This makes smudges easier to see and removes any electrical risk.
2. Wipe with a dry cloth. Use a clean, dry, lint-free microfiber cloth to remove loose dust. Work in gentle strokes, one direction, without pressing hard.
3. Dampen the cloth for stuck-on spots. Lightly dampen a fresh microfiber cloth with water only. It should feel barely moist — not wet enough to drip. Wipe the screen gently, then go back over it with the dry portion of the cloth to remove any moisture.
4. Wait for it to dry completely. Don’t turn the device back on until the screen is fully dry. Moisture that seeps into the edges or openings of a display can cause real damage.

The success sign is simple: the screen looks clean with no streaks, and you never see a drop of liquid on the display itself. If a spot won’t come off with water, dampen the cloth a touch more and hold it over the spot briefly before wiping — never press harder.

If you’d rather have a purpose-made product than improvise with cloth and water, a dedicated spray is fine as long as you spray it on the cloth, never the screen. We’ve tested the options and rounded up the ones that are safe for modern displays in our best computer screen cleaner picks.

What Not To Do When Cleaning a Screen

The mistakes below cause nearly all cleaning-related screen damage. Avoid them and your display will outlast the rest of your hardware.

• Never spray anything directly on the screen. Liquid runs down into the edges and openings, where it can short-circuit components or leave permanent marks.
• Never use window or household cleaners. Windex-style products, glass cleaners, and all-purpose sprays leave residue and can strip the anti-reflective coating.

Consumer Reports offers the same core advice for laptops: power down, use a soft cloth, and keep water or a screen-specific cleaner on the cloth rather than on the screen.

FAQs

Can I use rubbing alcohol on my computer screen?

Apple’s guidance explicitly warns against solvents and ammonia. Stick to plain water on a microfiber cloth for regular cleaning, and reserve alcohol wipes for keyboards and other hard surfaces.

How often should I clean my computer screen?

Wipe away dust with a dry microfiber cloth once a week or whenever you notice buildup. A full damp-cloth cleaning is only needed when you see visible smudges, fingerprints, or dried spots. Cleaning more often than that is unnecessary and increases the small risk of scratching the surface.

Is it safe to use eyeglass cleaner wipes on a screen?