Monitor Cleaning Guide — Before You Test Pixels
Dust and fingerprints look like dead pixels on white-screen tests. Cleaning properly prevents false alarms and protects anti-glare coatings on laptops and monitors.
Always power off or sleep the display before wiping so you can see smudges under reflected light without risking electrical damage from liquid ingress.
After cleaning, run Fillhex white and black fullscreen pages to confirm specks are gone.
What to use
Dry microfiber is the default. Lightly dampen with distilled water or screen-safe solution if needed—never soak the cloth.
What to avoid
Skip window cleaner, acetone, paper towels, and abrasive sponges. They strip coatings and scratch glass or plastic surfaces.
Technique
Wipe in straight lines from center outward with minimal pressure. Let moisture evaporate before powering on.
OLED and matte panels
Matte coatings scratch easily; use extra-light pressure. OLED is glass-fronted on many TVs but phones may have oleophobic layers—avoid alcohol unless manufacturer allows.
When to test pixels
Clean first, then dead-pixel-test. Document only defects that remain after the screen is dry and smudge-free.
Maintenance schedule
Weekly dust-off for desk monitors reduces buildup that scratches when rubbed. Phones benefit from daily microfiber if used outdoors.