As we all know, projector screens play a major role in the visual experience. However, these screens get dusty and oily after a certain period. Therefore, cleaning the projector screen is essential if you want the same visual experience you had in the past with your new projector screen.
Projector screens are very delicate devices that need utmost carefulness. They’re like most electronic devices; therefore, they need to be cleaned, especially during the dusty periods where there are lots of dust particles in the air and finding their way into our homes and offices.
So, how do we get rid of unwanted particles on the surface of our projector screens?
Below are the simple steps and required tools to clean your projector screen the right way. These are very simple steps to follow; however, take precautions before stepping in because different projector screens are made of different materials. I don’t want you to harm your projector’s screen. Therefore, I have included everything possible in this guide to avoid disrespect for your projector screen.
Requirements: What Material do you need to clean your projector screen?
The following materials are crucial for cleaning a projector screen. I use these things to skyrocket the cleaning tasks.
- Soft cotton cloth, microfiber, or lint-free
- Water in a bowl
- Soap for dishes
- Gloves made of latex
- Tape for masking
- Isopropyl alcohol (or rubbing alcohol)
- Swabs of cotton
Other Cleaning Items: You can use these optional items to simplify the work.
- Air from a can
- Formula 409
- Erasers for large pencils
- Brushes made of foam
Things to consider before cleaning a projector screen
Because not all video projector screens are of the same material, follow the cleaning instructions carefully. Check your screen’s user manual for instructions.
Tip: Consult your dealer or installer if you have a custom-installed screen to ensure that the steps below will not damage the screen material. If your screen requires regular cleaning and maintenance, delegate the task to the dealer or installer.
How To Clean A Projector Screen? Six Simple Steps To Follow
1. Using A Canned Air or A Dry Microfiber Cloth
To begin, remove any loose dust or other particles from the screen. A dry microfiber cloth or bottled air is usable for this cleaning if you’re using clothes to wipe the screen in small parts in a left-to-right or up-to-down manner.
NB: When cleaning a projection screen, you should never use a circular wiping motion. Circular wiping may harm the screen due to differences in the reflecting surface material’s manufacture.
Use brief bursts of canned air to dislodge the dust and particulates. Maintain a distance of at least one inch between the spray nozzle and the screen.
Check the screen after you’ve finished this operation. These may be all you need if there are no signs of dust, particles, or anything else that may obstruct your eyesight. Continue to the following stage if you think you need to move farther.
2. You need a pair of Latex Gloves and Face Mask
Examine the screen for any particles that have clung to it. Next, wrap a masking tape, a foam brush, or a large soft eraser with the sticky side facing out around your hand (covering your fingernails and knuckles). After that, dab the tape on a particle to check whether it is removable. To avoid creating minor damaged areas, avoid contacting the adhesive to the screen surface.
If applying masking tape on the screen makes you uncomfortable, skip this step. Instead, use masking tape to clean a projector screen. After finishing the preceding steps, inspect the screen to see if you need to proceed. Wear latex gloves if you need to touch the screen surface to check it. These will prevent any particles or oils on your hand from going onto the screen surface.
3. Let a bowl and detergent handle this step
If you need to continue, fill a bowl halfway with warm water and a tiny bit of mild detergent. The detergent-to-water ratio should be in the range of 5% to 95%.
NB: Formula 409 is also usable, but do not spray it on the screen. Instead, combine a little quantity with water (do not combine with other detergents) and apply as directed below.
4. A Wet Cotton/Microfiber Cloth
Dip a lint-free microfiber or cotton cloth into the water. Squeeze the clothing after removing it until it’s slightly moist (you don’t want water trickling down the screen or your arm).
Starting at the upper-left or upper-right corner of the screen, make quick left-right or up-down motions. Then, wipe the screen surface or the area you need to clean until you’ve completed the process for the full-screen surface or the areas you need to clean.
Use a microfiber cloth soaked in water and a light detergent cleaning solution, clean projection displays.
NB: To avoid discoloration of the projector screen, use a dry microfiber towel if the water runs down the screen.`
5. A Dry Microfiber/Cotton Cloth
After finishing the moist cloth procedure: Dry the screen with a dry microfiber or cotton cloth. Use the same mild up-and-down or left-to-right motion.
Begin in the exact location where you left off with the moist towel.
Using a dry microfiber towel, clean the projector screen.
When you finish, check to verify if the screen is clean. If that’s the case, you’re free to cease. However, there is one more thing you do if there are still a few trapped particles.
6. Isopropyl alcohol: Use a cotton swab with two ends
NB: Please read the following paragraphs carefully. If the remaining areas don’t influence your viewing experience, skip this last operation if it doesn’t work for you.
Dip one end of the cotton swab into isopropyl alcohol and dry the other. Place the alcohol end on an area on the screen that you want to remove or clean. Wipe the areas with the cotton swabs dry right away. If you keep the area too wet, it may discolor the screen and be impossible to remove.
NB: You may need to use many cotton swabs to accomplish the operation because the dry end of the cotton swab will get moist after a few applications. Alternatively, dab or use simply a left/right or up/down motion with the dry cloth.
You should now have a clear projection screen. If necessary, repeat any of the preceding steps.
FAQs: The following frequently asked questions about projector screens
Everything, such as smoke, sand, pollen, books, rugs, furniture, fireplaces, pets, Etc, is responsible for the dust load. Moreover, it’s composed naturally because of tiny particles of dirt.
Roll-Up Screens: Manual or Motorized Cleaning
If you’re cleaning a manual or motorized pull-up or pull-down screen, be sure it sits for a long time once you finish. You can be sure it’s entirely dry before rolling it up or down into its sealed container. Then if the screen becomes filthy again after being opened, there may be a problem with the housing. Consult the user manual, customer care service, the dealer or installer for assistance.
Finally, note that outdoor projector screens are more prone to dirt than indoor ones. However, that’s all it takes to clean a projector screen.
Related: Best Projector screens, Best Motorized Projector screens, Projector Screens Vs Projector Paints