See clearly with proper monitor care Published July 9, 2010 By 21st Communications Squadron PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The 21st Communications Squadron would like to help users with the following computer tip. We encourage users to follow weekly tips to further their computer knowledge. This week's tip is on how to clean a monitor. CRT monitors are the large, bulky monitors with the hard glass screen and are very easy to clean. Apply water or a cleaning solution to the paper towel or cloth and wipe the screen. You can also use that same towel or cloth to clean the entire monitor case. Liquid crystal display monitors are thin flat electronic visual displays that are more sensitive. If not cleaned properly, the risk of scratching or damaging the screen increases. The same applies to LCD televisions. Try to avoid cleaning with paper towels, toilet paper or tissue paper, which could easily scratch the screen. First turn the monitor off before cleaning. Next, apply LCD cleaning solution to a soft cloth. If you do not have a cleaning solution you can make your own using de-ionized or distilled water and vinegar or isopropyl alcohol. Tap water or mineral water may leave white streaks on your screen, because of the dissolved salts. Mix the vinegar or isopropyl alcohol in distilled water in a 1:1 ratio (½ distilled water and ½ vinegar or isopropyl alcohol). Then apply the solution to your cloth and gently wipe your screen in one direction from top to bottom. Avoid spraying the solution directly onto the screen. Lastly, wait for your screen to dry before turning it on.