Using alcohol wipes is a common way to clean screens on laptops and other electronics. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of using alcohol wipes on laptop screens. We’ll look at alcohol percentages, alternative cleaners, cleaning tips, coating types, and manufacturer guidelines. By the end, you’ll know whether alcohol wipes are an effective and safe way to clean your laptop screen.
Pros of Using Alcohol Wipes
One of the main pros of using alcohol wipes to clean a laptop screen is that they are very effective at cleaning. The alcohol in the wipes helps to break down and remove oils, grease, fingerprints, and other tough stains on the screen (Apple). Alcohol is able to dissolve these types of residues much better than water alone.
Another advantage of alcohol wipes is convenience. The wipes come individually packaged so you can easily carry one with you to do a quick cleaning of your screen while on-the-go. They provide an easy cleaning solution without having to mix any solutions.
Furthermore, the main ingredient in alcohol wipes, isopropyl alcohol, is excellent at removing smudges, fingerprints, and dust from laptop screens. When used properly, alcohol wipes can leave your screen looking clean and streak-free (ZDNet).
Cons of Using Alcohol Wipes
The main drawbacks of using alcohol wipes on laptop screens are potential damage to anti-reflective coatings and streaking. Most laptop screens today have anti-glare, anti-reflective coatings that protect the screen and improve visibility. However, these coatings can be damaged by the alcohol in wipes, according to Apple (source). The alcohol can strip away the coating over time, leaving the screen prone to glare, reflections and clarity issues.
Alcohol wipes may also leave streaks on a laptop screen as the liquid evaporates. The streaks can temporarily distort the screen image. Vigorous wiping or using too much liquid increases the chances of streaking. Soft microfiber cloths are less likely to streak compared to papery wipes.
Alcohol Percentages
When using isopropyl alcohol wipes to clean a laptop screen, the percentage of alcohol is an important consideration. Higher percentages of alcohol tend to be more effective at cleaning and disinfecting, but they also carry higher risks of damaging the screen coating or plastics.
Most experts recommend using a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe to safely clean laptop and monitor screens. This provides sufficient cleaning power while minimizing the potential for damage. Concentrations over 90% are not recommended as they can be too harsh on many screen coatings.
As Apple notes, “Using a 70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipe, 75 percent ethyl alcohol wipe, or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, you may gently wipe the hard, nonporous surfaces of your Apple product, such as the display, keyboard, or other exterior surfaces. Don’t use bleach or hydrogen peroxide as they may damage the surface.” https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204172
In summary, a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe strikes the right balance for safety and effectiveness when cleaning laptop screens and other devices.
Alternative Cleaners
When it comes to cleaning your laptop screen, you’ll want to avoid using household cleaners that contain ingredients like ammonia, ethyl alcohol, or acetone. These can be too harsh and end up damaging the screen coating. Instead, there are some safer, more effective options to try.
One of the most readily available and gentle cleaners is plain water. Dampening a soft microfiber cloth with water and gently wiping down the screen can lift away dust, dirt, and oil. The key is to barely dampen the cloth and wipe gently in order to avoid getting any excess moisture on the screen. Allow the screen to fully dry before closing the laptop.
Another good option is to use a dedicated screen cleaning solution designed specifically for cleaning screens without scratching them. Popular screen cleaners like Whoosh! and iKlear are formulated with mild cleaners that lift dirt without damaging coatings. These screen cleaners often come with microfiber cloths.
Soft microfiber cloths are ideal for cleaning laptop screens because they are lint-free, very absorbent, and less abrasive than paper towels. Dampening a microfiber cloth slightly with water is often sufficient for cleaning dust and fingerprints off a laptop screen without chemicals. Gently wipe in one direction rather than circular motions.
Cleaning Tips
When cleaning your laptop screen, it’s important to be gentle. Here are some tips for effective cleaning without damaging your display:
Use light pressure when wiping. Scrubbing too hard can potentially scratch the screen. Gently glide the cloth across the surface.
Avoid excessive dripping or liquid pooling. You only need a slightly damp cloth. Too much moisture getting into the internal components can cause permanent damage.
Immediately dry any wet areas. Don’t let liquid sit on the screen. Wipe away moisture right after applying and allow the screen to fully air dry before closing the laptop.
Check the manufacturer’s guide for any specific instructions. Some brands may have custom cleaning recommendations.
Inspect for debris before wiping. Look for any grit or dirt particles that could create scratches if rubbed across the screen.
Use soft, lint-free cloths only. Materials like paper towels can be abrasive on the delicate display.
Unplug before cleaning. Make sure the laptop is powered off and disconnected from any outlets to prevent electric shocks.
Test on a small area first. Check a corner of the screen to ensure the cleaning method won’t damage the coating.
Coating Types
Laptop screens come in two main types of coatings – matte and glossy. Matte screens have an anti-glare coating that diffuses light and reduces reflections. Glossy screens provide a clearer, sharper image but are more prone to glare issues.
Alcohol wipes are generally safe to use on matte screens in small amounts, as long as you avoid rubbing too hard. The anti-glare coating helps protect the screen. However, alcohol can damage and strip away the coating on glossy screens over time with repeated use.
According to BenQ, you should avoid alcohol and bleaches on glossy monitors, as it can leave permanent scars on the lustrous surface [1]. The alcohols can dissolve the protective layer and cause discoloration or scratches.
Most manufacturers recommend gently wiping glossy screens with a soft, lint-free cloth dampened with water or a gentle screen cleaning solution. Harsher chemicals like alcohol or acetone should be avoided.
Manufacturer Guidelines
Major laptop manufacturers like Dell, HP, and Lenovo often provide cleaning instructions for their devices. Here’s a summary of their recommendations:
Dell advises using a soft, lint-free cloth dampened with water to clean the laptop screen. They caution against getting any liquids directly on the screen and do not recommend using alcohol or detergents ([1]).
HP states you can use an alcohol wipe or a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth to gently wipe the screen. They warn against applying liquids directly to the screen ([2]).
Lenovo recommends using a dry, soft, lint-free cloth to wipe the screen. If needed, you can use a lint-free cloth moistened with computer screen cleaner or a 50/50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water ([3]).
In general, major manufacturers suggest caution when using liquids to clean a laptop screen. Lightly dampened cloths are preferred over directly applying liquid cleaners. Alcohol wipes could be used gently but may not be officially recommended.
[1] https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/000131488
[2] https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c06107372
[3] https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/solutions/ht498475-important-information-on-cleaning-your-computer-s-display-lcd-screen
The Verdict
So should you use alcohol wipes to clean your laptop screen? The decision is not straightforward. The key factors to consider are:
- Alcohol wipes with 70% isopropyl alcohol are less likely to damage coatings than those with 90%+ alcohol.
- Some cleaning agents like water, distilled water, vinegar, etc. are less risky than alcohol.
- Screens with matte and antiglare coatings are more prone to damage from alcohol than glossy screens.
- Excessive scrubbing pressure can ruin coatings regardless of cleaner used.
- Manufacturer guidelines take precedence if available for your specific device.
With proper care and gentle wiping technique, a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe may be used infrequently for cleaning difficult debris on a laptop screen. However, it’s generally recommended to start with a cleaner like distilled water and only utilize alcohol as a last resort if needed. The decision depends on your particular laptop screen type, finish, and manufacturer guidance. When in doubt, take the most cautious cleaning approach to avoid permanent damage.
References
While writing this article, I consulted the following sources:
- Computer manufacturer websites like Apple, Dell, HP, etc. for their display cleaning recommendations
- Consumer technology sites like CNET and Tom’s Guide for general display cleaning tips
- Alcohol prep pad / wipe manufacturers to understand the typical alcohol percentages used
- Scientific papers and dermatology sites to research effects of alcohol on coatings and skin
- Other consumer articles and forum posts on using alcohol wipes for cleaning
However, I aimed to provide my own analysis and conclusions based on my research, rather than just copying or rewriting from these sources.