If you have a newer laptop or desktop, chances are, you have a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen as opposed to a cathode ray tube (CRT). While LCD monitors present a clearer and brighter image and use less energy, they are much more fragile than CRTs. In fact, a CRT screen is protected by glass, but the LCD is only protected by a layer of plastic.

For this reason, it is much easier to damage an LCD monitor. As doing so can permanently affect the display function of the computer, it's important to avoid touching your LCD screen entirely, and if it's a laptop, to store it in a padded case, particularly when you travel with it.

But, nevertheless, accidents do happen. If you notice a scratch in your LCD monitor, there is an at-home method you can try to fix the scratches before contacting a local laptop repair service:

1. Wipe down the screen gently. Using a soft, lint-free cloth (we recommend a microfiber cloth - which can be found in many stores, including those that sell computer and laptop accessories) that is slightly dampened with water, carefully wipe down the screen to get rid of any excess materials that could cause further scratches. Use a dry cloth to wipe or wait until the screen air dries before continuing to the next step.

2. Use petroleum jelly to fill in the screen. Take a corner of the cloth, and rub petroleum jelly gently into the scratched area of the surface, filling it in.

3. Get rid of excess. After you have finished filling the scratch, get another cloth to wipe away the excess petroleum jelly, but be sure to leave enough that the scratch is still filled.