No longer are we in the age of these robust cathode ray tube monitors, however, they are still appreciated by certain enthusiasts and professionals for their unique display qualities, such as superior color rendering and zero input lag. As such we want to ensure they are well-maintained and looked after by cleaning them thoroughly and appropriately. This isn’t just about aesthetics but also helps enhance viewing clarity and extend the life of the device. In this post, we’ll go through how to carefully clean these types of screens and due to their age and design, we require a specific strategy to avoid damage
Preparing to Clean Your CRT Screen
Before getting into the cleaning process, it’s important to take proper safety measures as well as gather the correct materials to ensure a safe and effective cleaning session. Here is how to get started:
Safety Precautions
You always want to unplug your CRT screen from the electrical outlet before the cleaning procedure. This will help not just with your safety but also protect the monitor from electrical damages
If you ever owned a CRT screen you know that these monitors get quite warm during operation. So give your screen some time to cool down before you start cleaning to avoid any risk of burns or thermal shock to the glass.
Be very cautious with the liquids around your CRT monitor. If any liquid enters the vents this can cause serious damage to the electronic components inside.
Gather Cleaning Materials
Here is the list of the recommended supplies to use:
- Soft, Lint-Free Cloth
- Appropriate Cleaning Solutions (ones without ammonia, acetone, or alcohol)
- Soft cleaning brush or Compressed Air
- Spray Bottle (Optional)
Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide
Cleaning your CRT screen properly involves several key steps. This is how to proceed once you have prepared your monitor and gathered your cleaning supplies:
1. Gently Dust with a Brush or Compressed Air
Begin by using a soft brush or compressed air nozzle to get rid of accumulated loose dust and debris. This will aid in preventing scratching the screen in the next step of applying your wet cleaning solution. You’ll also want to regularly dust off the ventilation openings as CRT screens have more compared to modern screens and therefore accumulate more dust and debris. If these aren’t regularly cleaned out, it may affect the monitor's temperature and functionality.
2. Cleaning The Glass Screen
Prepare the Cleaning Solution:If you’re using a diluted dish soap solution, make sure you pour a small amount of soap into a large amount of water. Your goal is a mild solution. CRT screens can generally tolerate regular cleaning agents because they lack sensitive electronic layers directly under the surface.
Apply the Cleaner: You want to lightly spray the cleaning solution onto the cloth, not directly onto the screen. The cloth should be damp, not wet, and dripping excessive amounts of water as this will risk moisture seeping into unwanted areas
Wipe the Screen: Then, gently wipe the screen in a circular motion starting at the center and then moving outwards. This method will ensure that you avoid streaking and helps with cleaning across the entire surface.
3. Dealing with Stubborn Stains
If you have stubborn stains, commonly occurring when you eat food near your screen, apply a small amount of cleaning solution to the cloth and press gently against the stain. Then let the solution sit for a minute to loosen the grime.
4. Drying and Polishing
After cleaning, use a fresh, dry cloth to remove any remaining dampness from the screen, this will help prevent streaks and remove any residue left over. CRT screens can also generally handle a little more pressure than modern screens when wiping down dry due to the lack of sensitive touch layers.
Maintaining Your CRT Screen with The Hyscreen Kit
Want exceptional cleaning and protective qualities for all your electronic screens including your old-age CRT screens? Here’s what makes our screen cleaning product the HyScreen Kit and formula a standout choice:
