How Do You Clean a TV Screen: 8 Best Tips
Chances are, when you realize your TV screen needs to be cleaned, you’ll want to do something about it quickly. But wait—don’t rush into a job that could damage your screen if you take the wrong steps. Whether you’ve found fingerprints, a smear of food or an accumulation of dust, if it’s time to give your TV a good cleaning, research how to do it right.
So, how do you clean a TV screen? We’ve got you covered with a list of things to think about:
1. Understand Your TV
It’s important to understand the hardware when you clean a TV screen. Not all TV screens are made the same way. While older models are typically made with thick glass, most flat screen TVs are made with more fragile materials, leaving them susceptible to damage if you act before doing your research.
If your screen has a flat surface and is classified as plasma, LED, OLED or LCD, have a look for your owners’ manual for cleaning instructions. Many manufacturers will offer this information online. Given that some screens have specific guidelines for cleaning, it is worth the effort to find the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Know What Not to Clean
When it comes to cleaning flat TV screens, there are some basic no-no’s to avoid. Because flat screen technology is relatively delicate, it is important to avoid using harsh or abrasive cleaning agents. Even traditional glass cleaners can cause permanent damage to most flat screen TVs. Also, avoid using paper towel or general cleaning rags, as they can scratch the surface of your screen. In short, although your TV looks like many glass surfaces in your home, it needs to be treated with special care.
3. Go Power-Free
If you suspect your TV could do with a good cleaning, first turn it off and unplug the power. This will allow you to see the screen surface more clearly, providing the opportunity for a good inspection. Do you need to remove dust alone or do you have areas that might need special care? Unplugging the power also gives your TV the chance to cool down, which will allow you to clean the screen more thoroughly.
4. Collect Cleaning Supplies
As with any job that requires special attention, you will want to do your research ahead of time and gather the right tools for the job. In the case of cleaning your flat screen TV, you will want to make sure you have the right cloths on hand. Some TVs come with their own cleaning cloths, but if yours didn’t, simply find a soft, anti-static microfiber cloth for the job.
You’ve likely used similar cloths for cleaning your eyeglasses, camera lenses or computer monitors. If you suspect you will need to remove more than just dust, you will also want to have a screen-safe cleaning solution on hand.
5. Prioritize Your TV Cleaning Steps
Before you get to work, make a mental checklist of the order of operations. In general, the less you do, the better. Start with a clean, dry microfiber cloth. If you are able to achieve the result you want, stop there before moving on to liquid solutions.
In addition, make sure you clean the areas surrounding the television as well. You should also clean the table or the LED TV stands used to place the television. Cleaning these areas regularly ensures that your TV will be sanitary and dust-free.
6. Be Gentle When Cleaning
When you clean the surface of your flat screen TV with a microfiber cloth, be gentle. Use circular motions to lightly remove dust and debris. Make sure you avoid pressing the screen too hard, as this can cause pixels to burn out.
7. Focus on Stubborn Spots
If, once you’ve tried a gentle approach with a soft, dry cloth, you still have spots that need to be removed, it’s time to move on to specific cleaning agents. Be sure not to apply any liquid directly onto the screen, as moisture can penetrate your TV’s seal and ultimately cause damage. Instead, spray your cleaning solution onto a clean, static-free microfiber cloth. First, try a small amount of distilled water, sprayed onto your cloth.
If that fails, try mixing a small amount of soap into your distilled water, then spray onto your cloth. While you can also use other liquids designed specifically for flat screen use, remember to never use window cleaners or other multi-purpose agents.
8. Do a Final Cleanup
When you’ve finished your spot-cleaning, give your entire flat screen TV another going-over with a clean, dry microfibre cloth. Use gentle, small circles and give any last streaks a light wipe. Before you know it, your TV will be back to a crystal-clear picture, dust and smudge-free.
When you’ve just settled in to watch your favourite show, the last thing you want is a smear across your TV screen. While it’s tempting to jump up and wipe the screen clean, hit pause for long enough to ask—how do you clean a TV screen? Flat screen TVs are fragile and should never be cleaned with window cleaners or paper towel. Your best bet is to look for your manufacturer’s cleaning instructions and use a soft, microfiber cloth to do the job without causing damage.
