Last Updated on July 25, 2022 by Donnell Henderson
Today we will learn how to clean a fish finder screen — safely.
As anyone who spends time on the water knows, a fish finder is an essential piece of equipment. These devices use sonar to detect fish beneath the surface, allowing anglers to identify areas where they are likely to find their catch. As a result, they have transformed the lives of fishers and the fishing industry and made fishing easier.
The fish finder consists of two main parts, and one of them is a fish finder display. A fish finder screen displays what’s going on under your boat and in your surroundings. It is a reflective coating screen or maybe an anti-reflective coating that displays all species and elements of what’s going on and guides you accordingly. This explains the worth of the fish finder screen and pushes the owner to look after it in every possible manner from simple water.
Does a Fish Finder Screen Need to Be Cleaned?
Over time, the screen of a fish finder can become covered in watermarks (check out the spots in the Humminbird fish finder in the image above), algae and other debris, making it difficult to see the sonar readings and all the icons. This can make the screen hard to read, and you may even miss out on catching that monster fish. Furthermore, the dirt which becomes moist due to the constant exposure to water and ambient light can impact the efficacy of a fish finder and hinder its functions and good visibility. That’s why you must follow a religious routine for cleaning your fish finder’s plastic screen and be careful.
The best way to clean a fish finder delicate surface screen is with a soft, dry cloth. If the screen is dirty, you can resort to other options. The cleaning methods are almost identical to your car’s window screen or LCD Display. With just a little care, you can keep your fish finder in top condition and be sure never to miss a bite!
Thankfully, cleaning the screen is a relatively simple task for finding how to clean a fish finder screen. However, ensure you never go overboard when cleaning it, as it might interfere and impact your fish finder’s performance.
Things to Avoid When Cleaning Your Fish Finder
Fish finders are a great way to help locate fish when you’re out on the water. But if you don’t clean the screen regularly, the build-up of dirt and grime can make it difficult to see what’s going on beneath the surface. So here are a few things to avoid when cleaning your fish finder screen so that its performance and functions don’t get impacted:
- Don’t use harsh chemicals or cleaners. Chemicals like bleach and other stuff can even destroy your display. Maybe not at once but over time. These mild acid can damage the screen and make it harder to see.
- Avoid using abrasive materials. Materials like sponges with rather harsh edges can damage any screen. Let it be your LCD or Laptop with water spots. It will leave scratches and damage the screen, making it more difficult to see.
- Don’t use a high-pressure washer. Instead, rinse it with a damp cloth; if needed, a little water with a spray bottle could work. A high-pressure washer can force water and dirt into the fishfinder screen just like other electronics, causing damage.
- Avoid immersing the fish finder in water as if you’re washing your clothes or some soft toys. Ensure you remember that you are working with an electronic, and this can also cause damage to the fish finder.
- Finally, don’t forget to dry the fish finder screen entirely before using it again. Water droplets can distort the image, make it difficult to see, and might get in the machine and impact its efficiency.
Following these simple tips, you can keep your fish finder screen clean and clear for optimal performance. Just make sure you keep these in mind when dealing with the cleaning of a fish finder screen.
Methods
Any angler worth their salt knows that a reliable fish finder is an essential piece of equipment. But even the best fish finders can get muddy, dirty, and covered in fingerprints. If you don’t keep your screen clean, it won’t be easy to read and interpret the data correctly. So how to clean a fish finder screen?
Cleaning a fish finder’s screen is just like cleaning your LCD or laptop screen. This means it asks for being cautious at all times. Although it is made to survive in moist weather, cleaning is necessary.
The first step in any method is to remove any physical debris, such as leaves or sticks. Next, use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe the screen with fresh water. If the screen is still dirty, try the following tips and methods. There are a few different methods that you can use, depending on the type of screen and the severity of the dirt. With care and regular cleaning with ammonia-free substances, your fish finder will provide years of trouble-free service.
Microfibre, Damp Cloth, or Towel
This is one of the quickest and easiest ways to clean your screen. First, wipe it down with a damp cloth, all the dirt, smudges, or fingerprints will vanish from polymer substances, and you’re good to go. Then, if needed, you can use a bit of dish soap, wash and rub it on the screen and surroundings, and you are done.
Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is a great stain remover and will act the same on a fish finder screen. This method is excellent for removing harsh streaks and marks that tend to stay there forever. Apply the isopropyl alcohol to a cotton ball or cloth and wipe down your screen with it.
Distilled Vinegar
Distilled vinegar is another effective cleaning solution that can be used on various surfaces, including fish finder screens. Mix equal parts vinegar and distilled water in a small spray bottle and spritz your screen. Then, wipe it down with a microfiber cloth or paper towel. It will wipe off all the stains and marks on the screen and make it as shiny as a new one.
Glass Cleaner or Some Speciality Cleaners
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty cleaning solution, glass cleaners is the way. Just be sure it’s not too harsh and won’t rip off the screen. Specialty cleaners like sparkle glass cleaner might also help as they are designed to function for the same purpose.
Electronic Cleaning Pen
An electronic cleaning pen uses sonic vibrations to remove dirt and fingerprints. These pens are safe to use on all types of screens and are very effective at getting rid of tough grime. Just follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully so that you don’t damage your fish finder screen.
No matter which method you choose, taking the time to clean your fish finder screen is the most important for its maintenance and protect it from other ambient light. So please choose the one you think is best and enjoy its services for a lifetime.
