How to Care for Flat-Panel Computer Monitors


Overview


Learn to care for liquid crystal display (LCD) flat-panel monitors for desktop computers, with plastic screens that can be damaged much more easily than the traditional glass-screen monitors and require special cleaning procedures.

Critical Concepts


Do:

Don't:

Steps to Take


Clean the Screen

  1. Unplug the power supply.
  2. Lightly dampen a clean, soft, lint-free cloth.
    • Use
      • Water
      • IPA (isopropyl alcohol)
    • Don't use
      • Acetone
      • Ethyl alcohol
      • Toluene
      • Ethyl acid
      • Ammonia
      • Methyl chloride
  3. Wipe the screen gently back and forth, not in a circular motion.

Clean the display case

Wipe gently with a non-abrasive, soft, dry cloth to remove dust.

Check for bad pixels

If there's a black, green, or red patch in the screen, one of the transistors is probably damaged. In that case, call the manufacturer for guidance on repair.

For more information, contact the UC San Diego Bookstore Repair Shop