Monday, September 28, 2009

Fix A Scratched Laptop Screen

Fix a Scratched Laptop Screen


Clean the Screen


Before you try anything else, clean the surface of your laptop screen. If there is any dirt or debris on it and you rub it in, you may cause more scratches or smudges to appear. This will also allow you to get a better look to determine where the scratch is or if it is simply a smudge. Take a soft cloth and spray distilled water on it. Gently rub the cloth in a circle across the screen and allow it to dry. Repeat this if it is necessary to clean the screen. For stubborn smudges, mix 1/2 part distilled water and 1/2 part white vinegar and clean the screen with this mixture.


Remove the Scratch


Once the screen is completely dry, there are two methods you can use at home to repair a scratch.


The first is the petroleum jelly method. Take a cotton swab and coat it in petroleum jelly. Rub the petroleum jelly into the scratch until it is completely covered. Use a soft cloth, dampen it if needed, to rub the petroleum jelly off the screen, but make sure not to rub it out of the scratch. The petroleum jelly should cause the scratch to blend in with the rest of the screen, unless it is a particularly large cut.


The second method is the pencil eraser method and works best for small scratches that are not in the middle of the screen and are less noticeable. Take a new, clean eraser that has not been used and gently erase the scratch. Keep applying pressure until it disappears. This only works for scratches on the very surface of the screen.


Clean with a Kit


If the scratch doesn't disappear with these two methods, or is unusually deep, you may need to buy a repair product (see link in Resources). While a repair product for a laptop screen is uncommon, often a CD repair solution will work. Once you get the repair solution, follow the instructions exactly to try and eliminate the scratch once and for all. Test the product on something unimportant before trying it on your laptop. Chemicals in products vary and one may work while another may not.


Consider buying a screen protector to prevent scratches from occurring in the future.

Tags: petroleum jelly, clean screen, distilled water, Laptop Screen, repair product, repair solution, Scratched Laptop