How to Clean a Chromebook Screen

Concerned about the stylus prints, fingerprints, and smudges compromising the look of your Chromebook?

Knowing how to clean a Chromebook screen the right way is the key to keep it looking like new.

Since many Chromebooks come with a touchscreen display nowadays, you can expect them to pick up grease, oil, fingerprints, dirt, and dust easily. Most people get confused about cleaning a Chromebook screen after a gaming marathon or hours-long work spree.

Lucky for you, we have prepared this guide to help you understand how to clean a Chromebook screen the safe way.

Some frequently asked reader questions are:

• How can I clean my Chromebook screen without causing any damage?
• Is it safe to use hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol for cleaning a Chromebook screen?
• Am I supposed to clean it with a paper towel, tissue paper, or microfiber cloth?

Brace yourself because we’ll be answering all these questions and more in this article.

First Things First: Inspect Your Chromebook’s Display

The best way to check if your Chromebook screen needs cleaning is by shutting it off and using a bright light on it in a dark room. All the dirt and stains would show up under the light.

For proper inspection of the display, follow the steps below:

1. Shut down your Chromebook so that the screen is dark.
2. Grab a bright light and wait until nighttime or go into a dark room.
3. Shine the bright light on the screen.
4. Use the light source as a spotlight for dust and fingerprints while moving the Chromebook around.

Make sure you note all the areas that need cleaning because all the dirty spots will disappear once you power your Chromebook on.

Now comes the burning question.

What Solution Should You Use for Cleaning a Chromebook Screen?

The table below shows which cleaning solutions you should and shouldn’t use to prevent damage to your Chromebook’s display.

Cleaning Solution	Should You Use It?	Why?
Plain water	No	It contains mineral deposits of calcium and magnesium carbonate, which can discolor, scratch, and damage a Chromebook screen over time.
Distilled water	Yes	It works well for a quick clean-up to get rid of dust and fingerprints, given that you use a clean, appropriate material to wipe the screen. It won’t work for grease, oil, and stubborn smudges, though.
Windex and related window cleaners	No	These sprays contain harsh chemicals that can break down a Chromebook screen’s protective layer, leaving visible blobs or lighter areas on display.
Vinegar	Yes (if it’s pure, dilutes, white vinegar without any additives)	When mixed with distilled water in a 75:25 ratio, white vinegar works wonders for cleaning off nasty smudges.
Rubbing alcohol	Yes	A mixture of 70% rubbing alcohol and distilled water in a 1:1 ratio will help you get rid of bacteria, fingerprints, grease, and smudges on your Chromebook screen.
Hydrogen peroxide	No	Since it’s strong, it may leave streaks on the screen easily.
Commercial screen cleaners	Yes	Screen cleaners are specially formulated to keep your Chromebook’s display looking like new. You should look for one that doesn’t leave streaks or damage the screen and cleans in easy wipes. WHOOSH! Screen Cleaner is a good option.

What Material Should You Use for Wiping a Chromebook Screen?

The table below will help you pick the best cleaning material for your Chromebook screen.

Cleaning Material	Should You Use It?	Why?
Toilet paper	No	It easily breaks apart when you start wiping the screen, leaving an annoying mess to clean up.
Newspaper	Yes (if you don’t have a choice)	If you don’t have anything else, a nice fold of newspaper will help clean the screen without streaks and smears.
Microfiber cloth	Yes	This is the best screen cleaner ever. Dust, bacteria, and particles quickly stick to the tiny fibers. You can pick up 98-99% of bacteria, dirt, dust, and grime with just one wipe without scratching the screen! You can get your pack here.
Commercial screen cleaning cloths	Yes (if you don’t have a choice)	This often means repackaged microfiber. You can go for it if you want everything (cloth, spray, and additional items) in one package. This kit may be a good option for you.
Commercial cleaning wipes	Yes	These are sprayed microfiber cloths that require you to simply wipe the Chromebook screen to remove the dirt, grease, smudges, bacteria, and germs. If you’re looking for portability and convenience, check this out!

How to Clean a Chromebook Screen in 5 Easy Steps

Step 1

Power off your Chromebook.

Step 2

Use a microfiber cloth to wipe the screen with gentle pressure. Make straight, horizontal strokes across the display for best results.

Step 3

Ø Clean With Vinegar

1. Add three parts distilled water for one part white vinegar in a spray bottle.
2. Shake vigorously.
3. Spray the solution on the microfiber cloth.

Ø Clean With Rubbing Alcohol

1. For every part of rubbing alcohol, add one part of distilled water in a spray bottle.
2. Spray some of it on the microfiber cloth.

Step 4

Wipe the screen with the microfiber cloth in horizontal motions. Once done, use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to wipe it again.

Step 5

Leave the Chromebook off until the display is completely dry.

Tips for Keeping Your Chromebook Screen Looking Like New

• Don’t eat or drink near your Chromebook.
• Avoid storing or using the device near pets.
• Don’t place heavy objects on top of it.
• Never lift the device by the screen.
• Avoid carrying it with the screen open.
• Make sure there’s nothing on the keyboard before closing the screen.

Our Final Thoughts

Knowing how to clean a Chromebook screen the right way is critical to preventing scratches, discoloration, or damage. For best results, you should make a DIY cleaning solution by mixing distilled water with white vinegar or rubbing alcohol and use a microfiber cloth to wipe the display.

So, what are you waiting for?

It’s time to clean off the pesky smudges, fingerprints, grease, oil, dust, grime, and bacteria from your Chromebook screen!