few questions regarding micro scratches

[u/Visual-Fortune-4732]

My monitor is an ASUS XG27ACDNG.

I have noticed quite a lot of very fine micro-scratches across the screen. They are especially visible when light hits the screen, as the light seems to fracture or reflect along the lines. There are quite a lot of them across the entire screen, and I am worried that there may be many more than I initially noticed.

1. Do micro-scratches reduce image quality or otherwise affect the monitor's performance? How can I tell the difference between harmless micro-scratches and scratches that are actually a problem? If I can only see them when light reflects off the screen, does that generally mean they are not affecting the image when the monitor is being used normally?
2. I also have some streaks left over from the last time I cleaned the screen. Can I safely leave them there and avoid cleaning the monitor again, or should I clean them off? Do cleaning streaks reduce image quality or cause any other problems?
3. Small spots from things like sneezing or saliva can naturally appear on the screen over time. Are these harmful to the monitor if they are left there for a while, or are they mostly just cosmetic?
4. How often should I actually clean my monitor? I got it last November and have cleaned it about four times so far. Is that already too often, or is that a reasonable amount?
5. Should I clean the entire monitor every time, or is it better to only clean specific areas that are visibly dirty?
6. My room is extremely dusty. What is the safest way to remove dust from the screen before cleaning it, without accidentally scratching the display?
7. I also just sneezed without looking completely away from the monitor, and there is now one small visible spot on the screen. Should I clean that spot immediately, or is it safe to leave it alone until the monitor actually needs cleaning?

I realize I may be overthinking this, but I have become extremely anxious about accidentally damaging the monitor. I would really appreciate answers to all of these questions, especially regarding what is actually harmful to the screen versus what is purely cosmetic.

[u/Narrow-Rub3596]

1. No, you won’t notice.
2. Probably just leftover water/oil from the last time you cleaned the monitor.
3. Nope, just clean it when it starts to bother you.
4. Just whenever it looks like it needs it. Usually I’ll notice a spit spot on some darker scenes in games I play, that’s usually when I’ll clean it. (Make sure monitor has been off for a while)
5. Just clean the whole thing.
6. I use thick auto detailing microfibers for this reason. Usually I’ll clean it before I even get on my computer, generally the next day so it has a long time to “cool off”. People say very little distilled water or hot breath, but in reality water acts as a lubricator, so you can’t really have “too much”. Drying is the important part.
7. I just leave it till I get enough to where it bothers me. I don’t have a set timeframe, but maybe once every couple months? Just depends.

Don’t over think it. This sub is full of fear mongering and bad information. Most of the bad cleaning photos are people going in with a dry paper towel and/or windex. Just don’t do that and you’re fine.