Display a fullscreen white background, note every mark, remove dust with a dry microfiber pass, then wipe with a lightly damp cloth. Recheck on white to confirm streaks are gone.
Cleaning without a solid field often leads to excess pressure and missed residue. A white fullscreen turns the panel into a clear inspection surface.
Why white beats wallpaper
Icons, photos, and dark themes hide oily fingerprints along the lower edge and fine dust in the corners. Full white exposes:
- Greasy swipe marks
- Dry dust trails left by a shirt sleeve
- Streaks from the wrong cleaner
Open the TestMyGears white screen, enter fullscreen, and scan slowly before you touch the glass.
Safe supplies
- Microfiber cloth (lint-free; avoid paper towels)
- Distilled water, or a 1:1 mix of distilled water and white vinegar for stubborn grime
- Optional: a manufacturer-approved solution for coated panels
Avoid ammonia window spray, abrasive sponges, and magic erasers. Never spray liquid directly onto the panel.
Step-by-step cleaning
- Shut down or lock the display if you prefer a dark panel while wiping (optional on modern LCD/OLED).
- Inspect on white fullscreen. Note where smudges sit.
- Dry pass: glide the cloth in one direction to lift dust.
- Damp pass: wet only the cloth; use light circular motion from center outward.
- Recheck on white. Remaining streaks appear immediately.
- Optional finish on black to confirm no haze remains on dark content.
Phones and tablets
Use the same workflow. Hold the device under a desk lamp, open white fullscreen in the mobile browser, and clean before fitting a new screen protector.
How often to clean
| Device | Light wipe | Deeper clean |
|---|---|---|
| Desktop monitor | Weekly | Monthly |
| Laptop with daily travel | Every few days | Bi-weekly |
| Touchscreen | As needed | Weekly |
Mistakes that damage panels
- Pressing hard on thin laptop lids
- Rubbing grit before dry dust is removed
- Cleaning while the panel is hot after gaming or charging
Related: How to test dead pixels (clean before a pixel test) · Display uniformity check
