Over the years, laptops have evolved not just in terms of design and power, into more often than not having touchscreens just like or mobiles.
Now, while the touchscreen laptops offer a bucket load of advantages, especially when you are cramped up for room and cannot use a mouse, they are more high-maintenance.
That means not cleaning them regularly can result in problems, and repairing a touchscreen laptop will cost you the big bucks.
So if you do not want to be spending thousands of dollars on repairs, here’s how you can keep your laptop screen protected from dust, dirt, grime, oils, and sticky stains in under 10-minutes.
Plus, a few tips to ensure you do not have to clean it every day (because we know how hectic like can be at times).
How to Clean Touchscreen Laptops
Get Rid of Dust Using a Fiber Cloth
If you use a DSLR camera or glasses, you probably already have a collection of these clothes. You might have even got a couple free with your glasses and lens cleaning kit and guess what. These are perfect for laptops, as well.
Microfiber cloths are the way to go because they do not leave behind any lint or debris of their own and are so soft that you do not have to worry about scratches even if you happen to use it slightly roughly.
Yup, you can also use cotton or other materials, but these are very likely to leave their dirt and stains behind. But avoid using towels and tissues at all costs. That is because they are not as soft as they might seem when you wipe your hands and can easily lead to scratches.
Step 1: Grab a new fiber cloth that has been tailor-made for cleaning eyewear and camera lenses like this pack of 6 Magic Microfiber Cloths that will come in handy to clean not just your laptop but also your TV, mobile, etc.
Step 2: Make sure your laptop is neither on nor connected to a power source. This is great both for safety reasons and also because a dark screen will show you exactly where most of the dust lies, thus making the process more efficient.
Step 3: With light pressure, start moving the cloth across the screen but make sure you do it in a single direction. This is important because if you scrub it or move the fabric in all directions, it can lead to scratches or result in the dust getting collected elsewhere.
Step 4: Keep on wiping until you have covered every corner of the screen.
For Dirt and Grim, a Sponge is Ideal
While you will mostly have to worry about dust, there will be days when it can get worse as dirt and grim take over your laptop screen. If that happens, a microfiber cloth won’t be enough as it will only get dirty, which means you will most likely have to throw it away. So what can use rather than sacrificing your microfiber cloth?
Time to go for a damp sponge instead!
But make sure the sponge isn’t an old one. If you don’t have a new sponge, you can get a pack of 24 household sponges here. Also, avoid using tap water as it can leave mineral marks on the screen, making cleaning even harder.
I would recommend using only distilled or Deionized water, but if not that, filter water is the next best alternative.
Step 1: Once again, the first and foremost thing is to ensure your laptop isn’t on or connected to a power source and if you know the in and out of your computer, you can also remove the battery since you would be using a damp sponge.
Step 2: Dip a part of the sponge in the water and make sure you wring it well to avoid it from dripping onto the keyboard.
Step 3: With little pressure, wipe the dirtiest portion of the screen, and if you notice any drips wipe that off with a dry cloth immediately before it penetrates to the inside.
Step 4: Next up, wipe the screen dry using a microfiber cloth but don’t switch it on immediately. Let all the water dry out completely, which should take about 15-20 minutes and only then turn it on or close the door.
Use Solutions When it Gets Sticky and Oily
Oil and sticky stains can be a real nuisance because they are tough to clean, and sometimes neither a fiber cloth or even a damp sponge will do the trick.
Step in eyeglass cleaning solutions like the Klear Glass Cleaner. I recommend this mainly because it is non-toxic and does not contain any Ammonia or Alcohol.
You are also provided with a Microfiber cleaning cloth to ensure your laptop screen looks just as good as it did when you first bought it.
But if you don’t want to spend a few dollars or are in the mood for some DIY, you can also make your own cleaning kit. Here’s what you need for that.
Ingredients:
- Distilled water
- White Vinger or high-percentage isopropyl alcohol
Procedure:
Just mix the distilled water along with the white vinegar or high-percentage isopropyl alcohol in equal parts. White vinegar is one of the best cleaning ingredients and works perfectly, whether it is your laptop or mobile and can also help you remove sticker residue from the laptop.
Now let’s get to cleaning:
Step 1: Like with previous methods, even here turning your laptop off and removing it from the power source is essential. Removing the battery is optional.
Step 2: Spray the solution on a microfiber cloth Spray (just a tad, so the cloth is only damp and not dripping of the solution).
Step 3: Once again, apply little pressure and move the cloth from one end to the other. If streaks happen to appear, switch to cleaning in smaller circles but do not put pressure as it can damage the display.
Step 4: Continue to spray and clean until you get rid of the stickiness or the oil stains and remember to wipe off any drips before it reaches the keyboard.
Step 5: Use the laptop only when the display completely dries, which should take no more than 10-15 minutes depending on the amount of solution used.
Few Tips to Keep in Mind
Tip 1: Don’t forget to clean it regularly
Like with all electronics, if you want your laptop’s touchscreen to operate at optimal levels, i.e. give you the same bright and clear display it did at first while not lagging at every click, you will have to clean it regularly.
While cleaning it once every 2-3 days is a good habit, doing it once a week is a must, especially if you happen to be stuck to your laptop all day long. Apart from this, another thing to ensure the longevity of your laptop is to clean the inside either with a vacuum or cloth.
Tip 2: Like with Food, wash hands before using the laptop
Another thing you can do to reduce the need to clean your laptop is to wash your hands before sitting for work or gaming. It’s even more important if you are in the habit of snacking around your laptop.
That is because oil from the skin can make the screen and keyboard greasy.
Tip 3: Avoid household cleaners
If you thought you don’t need a special eyeglass or lens cleaner for your laptop, you have got it wrong.
That is because your household cleaners have been formulated to clean tough stains and contain harsh chemicals that can damage the screen and result in loss of color, brightness, etc.
On the other hand, eyeglass cleaners are non-toxic and specially designed to clean sensitive glass surfaces.
Tip 4: Always keep the laptop door shut
How often do you move away from the desk to not return for hours or fall asleep without closing the laptop door?
Closing the laptop door when it is not in use is the simplest way to keep it protected from all kinds of stains and dust. Not just that, it will also keep away harmful sunlight that damages the screens visibility overtime.
Tip 5: Always carry it around in a laptop bag
If you happen to live on the go, you will always want to carry your laptop around in only the laptop bag as it does not just protect the computer for dust and dirt but also from any exterior damage.
Avoid carrying it in your handbag or backpack, especially if you are taking other stuff with you as these backs lack the cushioning needed to protect the laptop screen and body.
This Amazon Basic laptop bag will cost you about $20, is ultralight and can easily fit in even the biggest of laptops. Plus, there are multiple compartments so you can also carry the chargers and other accessories and essentials around with ease.
And even with all that load, it won’t hurt your shoulder as the shoulder strap makes carrying it even for long hours a breeze.
Spending $20-$25 today will save your $1000 or more laptop for tomorrow, especially since we are talking about touchscreen laptops.
Conclusion
With this cleaning guide, you should have your touchscreen laptop looking and functioning as good as new for quite a few years. If you have any questions, do get in touch with us.
You can write by dropping a comment below or get in touch or using the contact page.
Do not underestimate the need to clean a laptop as it will save you thousands of dollars in the future.
