TFT monitors

[TonyWarrington]

It is important to realise that with TFT you are dealing with a plastic material not glass. Glass cleaners containing alcohol or ammonia can have a detrimental effect on plastic. Therefore IMO you should never use household cleaners on a TFT screen - even if it seems ok now you cannot be sure of any long term issues.

I try to be cautious cleaning TFT screens as I believe it is possible that moisture can be drawn through the screen by capillary action. Therefore spraying any liquid on screen could be absorbed through the surface and could prove impossible to remove and ruin the screen.

Whenever possible I try to use a micro fibre cloth very slightly dampened with clean water then use a similar dry cloth to remove any traces of moisture - using a very light touch.

If there is a need for greater cleaning then I usually go for one of the commercial screen cleaners for TFT screens. The ones I have used contain a spray and a cloth - never spray the screen directly, instead spray the cloth very lightly and apply and clean off as above

 

[Estrella]

All i know is that you are a blatant liar.

Damn! You found me out. I confess I really don't wash my hair with Castrol GTX. What gave it away ?

I then went on to point out my reasons for using Mr sheen, and that i have had no problems with it.

Now who is the blatant liar ?

i also note at least one other TFT screen is cleaned by a similar product to Mr sheen with no ill effect.

so that's your screen and one other. Well that proves your beyond any doubt then

may i suggest that you go away

Right back at ya!

It is important to realise that with TFT you are dealing with a plastic material not glass. Glass cleaners containing alcohol or ammonia can have a detrimental effect on plastic. Therefore IMO you should never use household cleaners on a TFT screen - even if it seems ok now you cannot be sure of any long term issues.

I try to be cautious cleaning TFT screens as I believe it is possible that moisture can be drawn through the screen by capillary action. Therefore spraying any liquid on screen could be absorbed through the surface and could prove impossible to remove and ruin the screen.

Whenever possible I try to use a micro fibre cloth very slightly dampened with clean water then use a similar dry cloth to remove any traces of moisture - using a very light touch.

If there is a need for greater cleaning then I usually go for one of the commercial screen cleaners for TFT screens. The ones I have used contain a spray and a cloth - never spray the screen directly, instead spray the cloth very lightly and apply and clean off as above

I knew someone wlse who knew what they were talking about would pitch in eventually. Thanks Tony.
http://www.wisegeek.com/how-can-i-clean-a-tft-computer-monitor.htm

 

[cjard]

If youre careful with your screen it shouldnt actually need cleaning that often. TFT screens don't have static electricity problems like CRT and don't dust up quite so much. I typically dust my TFTs once every 4 months or so, using a dry soft cloth. I also insist when people come to point at my screen that they do not touch it and do not poke it with a pen. Any marks (such as the "tin of beans" incident on the girl's laptop one night) that are a little more stubborn have always come off using a water-damp cloth only. You can also consider compressed air as it will remove nearly all visible dust quickly and at no risk to the screen. It can be bought in aerosol form.

Incidentally I have seen a TFT screen that was cleaned with some kind of harsh cleaner, and the colours it showed (e.g. a plain blue windows desktop) bore patches that looked like the output from a spray. Whether it was the plastic surface that was damaged and more opaque, or that some electrochemical disturbance of the actual leds inside, I'm not sure, but I'd definitely avoid using any form of chemical cleaner that was not specifically designed for such screens. It's worth noting too that mechanically rubbing some insulative materials can cause a static build-up that will cause it to become more dusty, more quickly..

 

[tim west]

that some electrochemical disturbance of the actual leds inside

Leds? A TFT screen is an LCD device.

 

[masona]

Filtered water and a lint free cloth for me.

I would be nervous to use any cleaning products which are generally abrasive & corrosive