Is Your Dusty Monitor Causing Headaches and Eye Strain?
Do you find that you are often suffering from headaches while using your laptop or computer? Perhaps you are noticing that your eyes are sore or dry when working? Then your dirty monitor could be to blame.
Your computer screen’s electrical charge attracts dust particles to it, so dust gathers on the screen. Cleaning your screen can not only reduce the amount of dust on the screen, it can help to eliminate electrostatic particles that are emitted from your computer monitor. Electrostatic particles on your computer screen can push dust particles towards your eyes, and this can lead to dry, sore or irritated eyes.
If your screen is dusty or dirty, it can also mean that your eyes become strained in order to see the screen clearly. Straining your eyes can lead to headaches so you’re on the paracetamol all day, which of course isn’t good for you.
Eye strain can be more serious however too, and can lead to long term eye problems and vision problems. It is much easier, healthier and safer to ensure that you screen is cleaned regularly.
How to clean your computer screen safely
To clean your computer screen, always ensure the screen is switched off as it allows you to see the dust and dirt better, and can also prevent damage to the screen.
Once it’s off, spray a clean dry cloth with window or glass cleaner and wipe around the frame of your monitor. This will easily remove any dirt and dust from the edges of the screen. Next, take a lint-free soft dry cloth to dust over the screen to remove any dust and loose particles. Microfiber cloths are ideal for this, as they won’t scratch the screen. Never use paper towels or any type of abrasive cloth to wipe the screen. Also make sure that you don’t press too hard and don’t scrub — you will be using cleaning products to remove tough dirt.
To clean the screen, soak a cloth in water and wring it out so that it is slightly damp. Use this to wipe over the screen — you may need to apply a little pressure to get any tough spots clean.
Next, take some screen cleaner (window cleaner also works), and using a clean dry cloth, apply the cleaner to the cloth and wipe over the screen. White vinegar mixed with water works quite well and helps to get stubborn marks off more easily. If you still struggle with tough marks, try holding a damp cloth over the mark for a few seconds — this can help to loosen it — and then wipe. Gently wiping in a circular motion can help too.
It can be handy to keep a packet of screen wipes on your desk to wipe over the screen every day.
Most importantly, never use any soap based products when cleaning your computer screen, as these can leave residue and can again lead to eye strain and give you a headache.
This article originally appeared in: http://www.theofficesuppliessupermarket.com/articles/is-your-dusty-monitor-causing-headaches-and-eye-strain
