How to Clean a Projector Screen

Co-authored by Cleanzen Cleaning Services and Hunter Rising

Last Updated: February 8, 2022 References

To keep the image of your projector crystal clear, you’ll have to keep the screen clean. No matter what kind of screen you have, you can use simple household items as cleansers. By removing dust and marks followed by wiping the screen down, you'll have a fresh display to project on!

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Cleaning Dust and Small Marks

1
Spray the screen with short strokes of compressed air to loosen the dust. Purchase a can of compressed air commonly used to clean electronics.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Cleanzen Cleaning Services
Residential Cleaning Specialists
Expert Interview. 4 February 2022.} 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.^{[2]
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- Compressed air can be purchased at electronics or big box stores.
2
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.^{[3]
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- Using wider tape will help you cover more area when you clean the screen.
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3
Tap the screen gently to remove dust marks ³⁄₄ 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.^{[4]
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- 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.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Wiping the Entire Screen

1
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.^{[5]
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Expert Source

Cleanzen Cleaning Services
Residential Cleaning Specialists
Expert Interview. 4 February 2022.} This helps remove stubborn stains or stickiness from your projector screen.^{[6]
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Research source}
- All-purpose cleaners like Formula 409 or Green Works are good store-bought substitutes.
2
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.^{[7]
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Expert Source

Cleanzen Cleaning Services
Residential Cleaning Specialists
Expert Interview. 4 February 2022.} A cotton cloth is preferred since it is soft and lint-free.^{[8]
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- Avoid using rough or abrasive sponges since they may damage delicate screens.
3
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.^{[9]
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- Wiping your screen in a circular motion can scratch and damage it.
4
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.^{[10]
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- Don’t let the solution air dry on your screen or be absorbed since it may leave permanent stains.^{[11]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Removing Any Residual Marks

1
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.
2
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.
3
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.
4
Finished.

Community Q&A

Question

There are indents in my screen caused by roiled-up dirt. How do I roll my screen all the way down so I can clean right up to the roller?

Mehitable Brauner

Community Answer

It sounds like you may need to remove the roller to clean right up to it. You can remove the 2 screws on either side of the roller housing and then remove the cap. This will allow you to access the dirt.
Question

Windex was put on the entire screen, which left streaks. How can they be removed?

Mehitable Brauner

Community Answer

Spray an undiluted microfiber cloth with Simple Green, then dry off right away.
Question

My screen was in storage and has an outline of a piece of furniture and what seems like spots of the stain of wood. How can I remove these?

Mehitable Brauner

Community Answer

You can try a mixture of 95% water and 5% dish soap to remove stubborn stains or stickiness. For those stains that just don't want to go away, you can try 409 or Greenworks too.