1/14/2011Cleaning Monitors
Cleaning Monitors
Now that you've had enough time to set up and play with the new gadgets you received during the holiday season, you'll need to begin cleaning monitors to remove smudges and dust. Whether it's your big-screen HDTV or an old CRT monitor you use in the basement, electronic monitors need to be cleaned from time to time so that they're in top form. However, these delicate pieces of equipment can be damaged if they're not cleaned properly. Be sure to tell your maid service to not clean these surfaces during their routines so you can take care of them safely by yourself-unless, of course, your maid service specializes in cleaning these types of devices!
If you have a soft LCD screen, fingerprints and other smears might make reading your screen difficult. To clean it, purchase a soft microfiber cloth or use very soft cotton. Rub the screen gently and avoid putting pressure on the soft surface. If this dry rub doesn't do the trick, dip the tip of the cloth in rubbing alcohol and try again, moving in a wide circular pattern. Never spray the screen with a liquid as this can react with the liquid inside the screen if it seeps into a crack.
Glass monitors are much easier to clean. Before starting your work, though, unplug the device and make sure that there isn't a static charge built up on the screen by quickly touching it. Next, spray regular glass cleaner into a soft cloth (not a paper towel, which can scratch the glass surface) and gently buff the screen until it is clean and streak-free. Don't forget to wipe down the top and side of the monitor where dust might accumulate.
Some devices, such as cell phones and iPads, have special coatings that reduce the appearance of fingerprints. The same goes for monitors with glare reduction and UV-reduction coatings. If ammonia-based liquid cleaners are used on these surfaces, the special coatings will quickly degrade and lose their effectiveness. Instead, opt for a soft, lint-free cloth with a small amount of water on the tip. If this doesn't quite work, read the manufacturer's instructions for tips on how to best clean the surface.
Projection screens and projectors pose different issues for those who want to tidy up their media equipment. Turn off the projector and allow it to cool. With a special lens cleaner and cleaning pad, gently wipe the lens to remove any dust or smudges. Wipe in a circular motion to avoid scratching the lens. Next, check the screen itself to see what type of material it is made of. Linen-based screens can be vacuumed and dusted with common cleaning tools while plastic-based screens might need a special chemical to get fully cleansed.
While you're cleaning your media equipment, don't forget the other pieces that are often neglected! DVR boxes, VCRs, DVD players and other devices are often forgotten and can accumulate a tremendous amount of grime. This can impact the device's performance over time and even cause it to overheat. Clean it according to the manufacturer's instructions and it'll remain in working order for quite some time.
Keep your monitors clean, and you'll reap the benefits of crystal clear media viewings throughout the rest of the new year!
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