[FAQ] - Cleaning LCD Screens

[JohnnyV]

You might want to try a product called klear screen (or something similar, don't remember for sure). Its Apple's prefered way of cleaning LCDs and one of the micro fiber clothes. If it was there when you got your powerbook and you can't get it off call Apple and ask for a repair or replacement. If they won't they can always replace it for you at your request (cost around $1100 US).

Hope that helps

[contoursvt]

Ok I know this is completely insane but I cleaned a very dirty screen on an old IBM thinkpad today at work with Mothers Showtime (yes, automotive stuff)

http://www.detailersdream.com/item5490.ctlg

Believe it or not, it worked amazing and left the screen feeling silky smooth I dont know if its bad to use but it was there and I was curious. Hey it was an old laptop nobody cared about so may as well experiment. Turned out well.

[shotts]

Just thought I'd share my LCD cleaning experience. My 18 month old drew me a very pretty picture on my Apple Studio Display. Instead of using the mouse and a drawing program, he used a thick black Sharpie on the surface of the display.

Water didn't even phase the marks, so with nothing to loose, I tried acetone (finger nail polish remover). It cleaned all of the marks from the pen and after 6 months now, I have not noticed any negative long term effects. I've sinced applied a purple moo screen protector in case my kid's artistic side rears again.

I know it's not recommended, but it worked great for me...

Doug

[Malachite]

I paid a visit to the Apple Store today. I'm disappointed to report that I purchased the iKlear cleaner wipes and tried cleaning my LCD to no avail. I spoke with the store experts and their response was "Oh well this is just a risk you inevitably run." Hmm... well that just cheers me up. I can't help but wonder why Apple doesn't do more to prevent this sort of thing. It's quite demoralizing to be honest. Spent $3500 a few weeks ago and now my display is blemished. Ok I'll stop whining.

I recommend to anyone who wants to protect their huge investment to keep the transparent/translucent shipping coating material on the LCD until Apple comes up with a decent way to protect the LCD display. Or just don't buy a laptop. Or don't buy an Apple laptop anyway. The solution some here have mentioned of placing some sort of soft cotton cloth between the display and keyboard should be amended to say to cover the whole surface of where the display meets the computer. My marks are not coincident with the keyboard itself. Also this solution is not the best because it places strain on the latch mechanism. My computer has opened itself up a few times. You should shut down your computer completely and avoid sleep mode under these circumstances.

Regards...

[BIGDOGquake3]

To clean my LCD I use glass cleaner! Spray the stuff on a rag (one or two sprays) and rub, all the gunk comes off!

[JetwingX]

if you want a commertial product to clean you LCD screen, buy iKlear and is backed 100% by apple

[OldScratch]

I've actually used soap and water on a piece of toilet paper on my G3 Powerbook and G3 iBook 500. Took everything right off and didn't leave anything behind. After reading all this, though, I probably won't do it again.

[DaCoov]

Since my ibook is only 2 weeks old I am still very protective of it. I carry it around in the foam sleeve that it was shipped in and I have kept the foam sheet that was placed between the keyboard and display. I figure If I am going to spend that much money I am damn well going to protect it as best I can...who cares what my co- workers say :P.

I have a pair of Oakley sun glasses that came with cloth bag that is the only recommended cleaning cloth for them... I have had to scrub pretty hard on the lenses a few times and can proudly say I have no scratches on them.

So it only seemed logical to use this same cloth to wipe the outside of the case and my lcd. It works like a charm and I would recommend using one fo them that to anyone.