e6400 screen cleaning

hey,

I ordered a certified refurb and the machine is great except the former owner attempted to clean the screen and left tracks all over it. I've searched for the best method to clean the screen and the consensus seems to be using a 50% isopropyl alcohol solution onto a lint free microfiber or soft cloth and to go in small circular or one way motions.

Anyone have great success cleaning their screens with minimal smudging? Does this warrant contacting dell to get the screen replaced? the smudge tracks are significant when the screen is off but otherwise when using the machine they are not noticeable. Otherwise no dead pixels and no other problems. I'd like to clean the screen if I can, I've been meaning to clean my d820 anyway, I havent' cleaned that screen sine I've gotten it.

Thanks

 

If you have any medical gauze, it is an ideal soft cloth to clean the display. A microfiber cloth works even better. (A clean 100% cotton white t-shirt works, too!) =)

As for the cleaning solution to use on the screen, I'm not sure?! I've always used alcohol to clean my keyboard (tiny amount on a cotton ball or swab). For my display, I've always just used a small amount of water to dampen the cleaning cloth and that did the trick.

It sounds like you need something with a little more muscle, though. The least harmful window cleaning solution, according to grandma, is 50/50 water and white vinegar. Of course, your new laptop will smell like FEET for a while afterward.

Just steer clear of 20-Mule-Team Borax and the like.....

 

I use a glasses cleaner, but my friends use 91% alcohol. I spray the glasses cleaner onto a microfiber cloth and apply in a counter-clockwise motion. never use the liquid directly on the screen.

 

thanks for the responses, it appears that there are conflicting reports as to the optimal cleaning solvent. although i've come across multiple instances of the 50/50 isopropyl alcohol/distilled water solvent, i also came across some posts stating that alcohol can dry the screen which i've certainly noticed in the not too distant past with my older laptop. i think ill try this monster iclean solution kit, which comes with its own cloth, it's non-alcohol and non-ammonia and has gotten good reviews on amazon. it's a bit pricey, ~12 bucks at amazon, but relatively insignificant amount to revitalize expensive hardware. unless i come across some better suggestions i'll probably give this product a try.

 

I would dust it first, and then use a very soft and clean cotton cloth, like a diaper, and just water. Wipe gently away from the bezel. If that doesn't do it, follow Dell's instructions.

GK

 

wow i just used the really soft lens cleaner that came with the ipod touch and it basically cleared the whole screen of the grime. very minimal streaking i went uni-directional and tried to have as much surface area per wipe. that soft lens cleaner material is the best just like the dell technical support stated.

my old d820 though it didnt really help much because it has a lot of old liquid type specks. i'll have to use the iclean or other liquid solvent for that.

 

You should not use any glass clearner that contains ammonia or you will harm the anti-reflective coating by slowly turning it yellow. Use an LCD screen cleaner solution and a clean microfiber cloth.

Every refurb system that I've received from Dell has been dirty. I don't understand why they can't clean off the system before shipping.