How do I get this crap off my LCD?

Mar 29 19:51 UTC 2005

My Compaq Presario laptop has some sort of decorative, vaguely shimmery paint
or something on part of the area below the keyboard---to either side of the
trackpad and between the keyboard and the trackpad.  It appears that some of
this paint or whatever it is has been rubbing off on the screen---there's an
arc of something on the screen, and a corresponding area on the wrist area
that is missing a layer of whatever this coating is.

Does anyone know how to get this crap off my screen, and keep any more of it
from rubbing off?  Screen wipes and dry dusters have been largely ineffective,
and i'm not fully familiar with the effect of water on LCD screens. . . .

response 2 of 7:

Feb 15 17:22 UTC 2006

This is what we send to our end-users where I work:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
We have received a few questions on the proper way to clean laptop and
other LCD (flat) screens.  It is important to remember that these
displays are not glass like the larger CRT monitors, and that certain
chemicals can do irreparable harm (for example, ammonia can turn the
screen yellow). Also, anything more abrasive than a cotton t-shirt (a
paper towel for example) is too abrasive. They can etch the screen,
resulting in streaks and glare.

The optimal combination is a soft cloth, like one you would use for
eyeglasses, and a 50/50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water. The
expensive LCD cleaners you find in stores are simply a fancy bottle with
the same 50/50 mixture.  Please remember, anything that contains
acetone, ethyl alcohol, toluene, ethyl acid, ammonia, or methyl chloride
will destroy your screen.  Windex contains ammonia which will eat away
the anti-reflective coating on your screen.  Please do not use Windex!

To clean your LCD screen, follow these steps:

CAUTION:
Isopropyl Alcohol is a flammable liquid.

1. Power off your computer and monitor.
2. Wipe the screen gently with a soft DRY cloth.
3. If marks remain, moisten the cloth with your cleaning liquid. 

Remember: do not spray or pour any liquids directly onto the screen.
Gently stroke the cloth across the display in one direction, moving from
the top of the display to the bottom.

4. Be sure the LCD or flat panel screen is dry before closing it or
powering on your computer.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hope this helps!

response 4 of 7:

Feb 15 17:50 UTC 2006

It probably doesn't matter, but I would assume 91% isopropyl alcohol.
That would leave you fairly close to a 50:50 mixture.

response 6 of 7:

Feb 16 00:46 UTC 2006

WHy not detergent?