How to Clean a Projector Screen

Cleaning Dust and Small Marks

Spray the screen with short strokes of compressed air to loosen the dust. Purchase a can of compressed air commonly used to clean electronics. Keep the nozzle about 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the screen and use short bursts of air. Blow the entire screen to loosen the dust. Compressed air can be purchased at electronics or big box stores.

Wrap a piece of 2 in (5.1 cm) thick masking tape around your hand. Make a loop of tape around your fingers with the sticky side facing out. Cover your fingernails and knuckles so they do not come into contact with the screen. Using wider tape will help you cover more area when you clean the screen.

Tap the screen gently to remove dust marks ⁄4 inch (19 mm) in size. With the tape wrapped around your hand, press it onto the screen on top of the mark. Lift your hand away from the screen and continue patting it until the mark disappears. Switch between using the frontside and backside of your hand so you don’t put residue back on the screen. Wear latex gloves to avoid getting fingerprints or scratches on the screen. If the mark is larger or is not coming up with the tape, you may have to use a stronger cleaning method.

Wiping the Entire Screen

Mix a solution of 95% warm distilled water and 5% dish soap. Stir the ingredients together in a large mixing bowl so they are completely mixed. This helps remove stubborn stains or stickiness from your projector screen. All-purpose cleaners like Formula 409 or Green Works are good store-bought substitutes.

Wet a microfiber rag with the solution. Dip a clean, white cloth in the water and wring it out completely so it’s damp to the touch. A cotton cloth is preferred since it is soft and lint-free. Avoid using rough or abrasive sponges since they may damage delicate screens.

Rub the screen side to side with light pressure. Work from the top to the bottom of the screen. Wipe horizontally across the screen in one direction. Use strokes about 5 inches (13 cm) in length and slightly overlap the area you just wiped so you have full coverage of the screen. Wiping your screen in a circular motion can scratch and damage it.

Wipe off excess water from the screen immediately with a dry cloth. Take a new cloth and dry the area. Make sure to continue using side to side strokes to remove any water that may be left on the screen. Don’t let the solution air dry on your screen or be absorbed since it may leave permanent stains.

Removing Any Residual Marks

Dip the end of a Q-tip in isopropyl alcohol. Make sure the end of the Q-tip is completely saturated with the alcohol. The alcohol will be more powerful than the solution you used prior and it should only be used for spot treatments. Isopropyl, or rubbing alcohol, can be purchased at local pharmacies or convenience stores.

Wipe the mark with the wet end of the Q-tip. Only wipe the area with the mark. Use short side to side strokes, making sure to overlap with areas you’ve already wiped. Rotate the Q-tip as the mark starts to lift off of the screen. Be gentle with the Q-tip. You shouldn’t be pressing into the screen too hard.

Use the other side of the Q-tip to dry the spot right away. Don’t let the alcohol soak into the screen, or else it could leave a permanent stain. Dab the dry end of the Q-tip on the mark to remove the alcohol and any mark that is left over. You can also use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe the area dry.

Finished.