Fingerprints, dust, and smudges degrade screen clarity and contrast. However, cleaning a modern display with paper towels or glass cleaner can permanently strip anti-reflective coatings.
The Golden Rules of Screen Cleaning
1. **Never use Windex or alcohol-based sprays**: Ammonia and high-percentage alcohol strip anti-glare coatings on OLED and IPS screens.
2. **Use Screen Cleaning Mode**: Turn on our [Screen Cleaning Mode](/screen-cleaning) to illuminate dust against a high-contrast dark backdrop while locking input keys.
3. **Use Microfiber Cloths**: Always use a clean, dry microfiber cloth. Wipe in gentle circular motions.
4. **Moisten the Cloth, Not the Screen**: If smudges persist, lightly dampen the cloth with distilled water. Never spray liquid directly onto the monitor casing.