What's the deal with microfiber cloths?

[donline]

Hi folks,

Is it just me or is anyone else suspicious about microfiber cloths (the kind for cleaning screens and glasses for example)? I wonder about them in terms of health (breathing in the tiny fibers made from synthetic, non-biodegradable petroleum-byproducts) and also their effectiveness.

I recently used a microfiber cloth to clean my laptop monitor and it totally covered it in fibers. Any ideas on how to fix this problem without creating more mess?

Thanks!

 

[Mr Kagouris]

No, you're not alone. The majority of PC technicians have all gotten Stage 4 cancer from using them. Burn any that you have.

In all seriousness, using a piece of paper (preferably not too rough) to wipe away the fibers should work.

 

[burdenbound]

I feel like this is a setup for a Jerry Seinfeld joke. You may want to look into buying monitor wipes, they are basically diluted down versions of alcohol wipes you get to clean your hands.

 

[ssddx]

if you are that worried about microfiber cloth... to add to your paranoia... did you know that your keyboard and you phone have more bacteria than most toilet seats?

the cloth is fine, though you can also use other towels or paper towels if you wish.

 

[burdenbound]

if you are that worried about microfiber cloth... to add to your paranoia... did you know that your keyboard and you phone have more bacteria than most toilet seats?

Thats why I communicate exclusively through next generation toilet communications.

 

[donline]

No, you're not alone. The majority of PC technicians have all gotten Stage 4 cancer from using them. Burn any that you have.

In all seriousness, using a piece of paper (preferably not too rough) to wipe away the fibers should work.

Thanks Mr Kagouris
So I guess a few paper towels would be fine to use (perhaps slightly dampened)?
I would also like to ask you and ssddx about USB mini-vacuum cleaners - are these safe or a good idea to use?

 

[donline]

if you are that worried about microfiber cloth... to add to your paranoia... did you know that your keyboard and you phone have more bacteria than most toilet seats?

the cloth is fine, though you can also use other towels or paper towels if you wish.

Thanks ssddx

I'm not concerned about bacteria, it's the synthetic man-made/unnatural (non-biodegrable/non-biocompatible) things that I don't like

I also have a mini USB vacuum cleaner and was wondering if that's safe or a good idea to use? (I was thinking about sucking up all the fibers from the cheap microfiber cloth). The vacuum is similar to the ones mentioned here: http://www.vacuumsguide.com/keyboard-usb-mini-vacuum-cleaners/.

Thanks again

 

[Mr Kagouris]

Just use a dry paper towel (again, not too rough) to wipe away the fibers or get monitor wipes. No need to over-complicate things.

 

[ssddx]

if it has soft bristles it may not scratch the screen but may not remove fibers either as they might be sticking with static charge . you could try, but i would suggest using a slightly damp (with water) paper towel instead. not so damp that it drips, just damp enough you can feel a little moisture.

i've been cleaning screens for over 10 years in this way and they are still like brand new. some chemicals can eat away at screens and specialty cleaning products are too expensive and not worthwhile.

can paper towels leave residue? sometimes, but you can normally wipe them off fine - it depends on the brand of paper towel really.

synthetic? do you have carpet in your house? paint? glue? any plastics? chances are you are surrounded by synthetic fumes and debris but are not aware of it

 

[donline]

if it has soft bristles it may not scratch the screen but may not remove fibers either as they might be sticking with static charge . you could try, but i would suggest using a slightly damp (with water) paper towel instead. not so damp that it drips, just damp enough you can feel a little moisture.

i've been cleaning screens for over 10 years in this way and they are still like brand new. some chemicals can eat away at screens and specialty cleaning products are too expensive and not worthwhile.

can paper towels leave residue? sometimes, but you can normally wipe them off fine - it depends on the brand of paper towel really.

synthetic? do you have carpet in your house? paint? glue? any plastics? chances are you are surrounded by synthetic fumes and debris but are not aware of it

Thanks ssddx

Yes, I think you might be right with the static charge (plus the fibers are really tiny which makes things harder).

I've read on a few websites that you shouldn't use paper towels (e.g. http://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Computer-Monitor/LCD-Screen), so now I'm concerned that using paper towels is too rough and will scratch the monitor? Why do these websites say that paper towels will create scratches?

What are your thoughts on compressed air and USB mini-vacuum cleaners for cleaning?

Was also wondering about using a paintbrush to clean between the keyboard keys? Good idea?

As you say, many unnatural influences in the environment, but do my best to minimise them

Thanks

 

[Mr Kagouris]

Compressed air and USB mini-vacuums won't do shit unless you plan to pick up every single microfiber off the screen.

Paper towels will only create scratches if they are too rough.

Paintbrush is a good idea for keyboard keys, although if you don't use one of medium roughness (if that makes sense) it won't be very effective, and if you use one too rough you might scratch the keys.

Also, please, the structure you are standing in is an "unnatural influence". Heck every time you light a fire it's an "unnatural influence". Instead of blindly worrying about things because they are "unnatural" try to do your best to educate yourself on what actually harms you. Being in the mere presence of a cellphone is more harmful to you than having anything "synthetic" in your house.

 

[ssddx]

like i said, i've used paper towels for over 10 years without issue. my current lcdtv is at least 6 years old and i've used nothing but paper towels and water to clean it. the absorbent kind... bounty, etc not the stiff brown cheap ones. i also do not clean it more often than necessary... even in this dusty house with animals normally only once every few months is normally sufficient.

compressed air works best for keyboards. turn it upside down and give it a good shake and blast. for keys i normally use a cloth but a brush of some sort (scrubbing brush) may clean the sides better. just remember not to use too much liquid. cleaner is fine on most keyboards but be aware if they are rubberized do NOT use cleaner as it will get soft.

 

[ffg7]

I use the regular white paper towels not the brown paper used at garages.

 

[donline]

Compressed air and USB mini-vacuums won't do shit unless you plan to pick up every single microfiber off the screen.

Paper towels will only create scratches if they are too rough.

Paintbrush is a good idea for keyboard keys, although if you don't use one of medium roughness (if that makes sense) it won't be very effective, and if you use one too rough you might scratch the keys.

Also, please, the structure you are standing in is an "unnatural influence". Heck every time you light a fire it's an "unnatural influence". Instead of blindly worrying about things because they are "unnatural" try to do your best to educate yourself on what actually harms you. Being in the mere presence of a cellphone is more harmful to you than having anything "synthetic" in your house.

Thanks Mr Kagouris

Sounds like paper towels and soft-medium brush should do the trick.

Yea, certain things are definitely way more harmful than having some synthetic materials in the home, as you say. There's some good EMF/RF guards available these days (though perhaps the best thing would be to move out into the middle of nowhere and be away from cell phone towers etc). I guess it's all about finding a balance between integrating with modern-day living and staying healthy.

 

[donline]

like i said, i've used paper towels for over 10 years without issue. my current lcdtv is at least 6 years old and i've used nothing but paper towels and water to clean it. the absorbent kind... bounty, etc not the stiff brown cheap ones. i also do not clean it more often than necessary... even in this dusty house with animals normally only once every few months is normally sufficient.

compressed air works best for keyboards. turn it upside down and give it a good shake and blast. for keys i normally use a cloth but a brush of some sort (scrubbing brush) may clean the sides better. just remember not to use too much liquid. cleaner is fine on most keyboards but be aware if they are rubberized do NOT use cleaner as it will get soft.

Thanks ssddx

I stick with using paper towels then (and occasionally old cotton t-shirt), with a little water to dampen.
I've been using the same ones as you (well, different brand, but your usual white kitchen paper towel). Simple to use and quite effective.

What do you use for more stubborn 'stains' like fats etc on the screen/keyboard that water alone does not remove? I'm tempted to use some water with a few drops of Dr Bronner's liquid soap, and spray this onto the paper towel and wipe. Good idea?