How To Properly Clean A TV Screen
If you want to get the best picture quality from your TV, its important to clean it every once in a while. However, most flatscreen TVs are made of fragile materials, which can easily be damaged if you clean them with harsh chemicals, such as Windex. Heres how to clean your dusty or dirty TV screen without damaging it.
How To Clean A TV Screen Using A Vinegar And Water Solution
Vinegar is the all-purpose cleaner that just makes your life easier. Not only is it effective at removing stains, odors, and most bacteria, it makes an excellent DIY TV screen cleaner. This natural TV screen cleaner is non-toxic and easy to make.
- Lint-free cloth
Mix the vinegar and distilled water, using equal parts of both ingredients. Add these to a spray bottle and spray them onto a microfiber cleaning cloth. Just as with the dish soap and water solution, it is important not to spray the solution directly onto the TV screen to avoid excess liquids seeping into the electronics.
The owners manual for Samsung TVs warns that moisture inside the Samsung TV screen can cause the TV to stop working and increases the risk of electrocution or fire. Instead, spray the solution onto the cleaning cloth, then wipe down the TV.
How To Clean A TV Screen
No matter what kind of television you have, start by turning it off. Youll be able to see the dust and smudges much better on a dark screen.
Next, grab a dry, soft cloth. Dont use paper towels, which contain fibers that can damage the screen, according to Consumer Reports. Gently wipe the screen to remove any dust. Just be sure not to press too hard.
If there are any hard-to-remove marks, Consumer Reports suggests dampen the cloth with a little distilled water. Dont spray water directly onto the screen, which could cause a shock or component failure if it drips or seeps into the inner workings of the set, according to Consumer Reports. For stubborn stains, try a mix of mild dish soap highly diluted with water.
For any questions, consult your owners manual. Each company from LG, Panasonic, Samsung, Sony and Toshiba all include cleaning instructions and their methods may vary, per CNET.
If you have an LCD or plasma screen, also consult your owners manual. You may be able to use a commercial cleaning solution specifically made for these screens, according to CNET.
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Cleaning An Lcd Screen With Mild Dish Soap
Popular brands like Sony and Panasonic suggest using mild dish soap to clean stubborn spots on your TV screen that cannot be cleaned using a microfiber cloth. The recommended ratio for this cleaning solution is 100 times the amount of water to the amount of dish soap.
This comes out to approximately one teaspoon of liquid dish soap for every two cups of water. When cleaning, do not substitute tap water for distilled water.
Tap water contains minerals that can leave water spots or residue on the screen, so distilled water is the only way to clean your LCD screen without leaving streaks.
LCD TV Screen Cleaner Recipe
- 1 tsp mild dish soap
- 2 cups of distilled water
Soak the cleaning cloth in the solution then wring it out thoroughly. Avoid leaving too much water in the cleaning cloth, or it might make its way into your television and ruin it.
The liquid dish soap breaks down the oils in the grime left behind on your TV screen, making it easier for you to wipe away greasy residue. Afterward, dry your TV screen using a dry cloth of the same variety used to clean it.
This simple cleaning recipe is also great to keep on hand for how to clean eyeglasses. Pour some in a small bottle that you can keep in your purse or on your desk to have when your glasses get smudged.
What Is The Best Way To Clean A Flat
First, its important to note that the cleaning tips below will work whether you have an LCD TV screen or another type, including LED , QLED , OLED , or plasma. LEDs are most commonly sold today, and although plasma TVs have glass screens, they usually have a special anti-glare coating that requires a gentle touch. Note that if you have an older tube TV, you can still use these methods, but you can also use window cleaner .
Dont void your warranty with negligent cleaning.
The first step in knowing how to clean a TV screen is to locate the owners manual for your television. This is especially important if your TV is still under warranty, as using cleaning products or processes that arent recommended by the manufacturer may void the warranty. If you recycled those documents ages ago, start with a simple Google search or check a site like Manuals Online.
Safety first: Unplug the TV before you embark with any cleaning tips.
Before you begin cleaning your television, unplug it. This will prevent any possible electrical mishaps such as unexpected shock, and turning the television screen off helps you fully assess it for issues like lint and grime. To better see dust, fingerprints, and smudges, turn it away from a light source, Stewart recommends.
Gently wipe down dust and lint with a microfiber cloth.
Spray just enough cleaning solution to dampen the microfiber cloth.
Suck up dust and lint with a vacuum attachment.
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How To Clean Tube Televisions
Talk about a relic from the past. When I see a box tv it takes me straight back to my Nintendo and Saturday mornings framed with a bowl of fruit loops and Darkwing Duck! With that being said, if youre still pushing a box tv, it is a total act of rebellion at this point. But whatever the reason youve got one plugged up, these bad boys dont need much special attention.
Spring Clean Your TV Screen But Don’t Use Just Any Cleaner
Your spring cleaning routine should include your TV. Just be careful about what you use and how you use it.
Geoffrey Morrison
Geoffrey Morrison is a writer/photographer for CNET, Forbes, and The New York Times. He also the Editor-at-large for The Wirecutter. He has written for Sound& Vision magazine, Home Theater magazine, and was the Editor in Chief of Home Entertainment magazine. He is NIST and ISF trained, and has a degree in Television/Radio from Ithaca College. His bestselling novel, Undersea, and its sequel, Undersea Atrophia, are available in paperback and as an ebook on Amazon. He spends most of the year as a digital nomad, living and working while traveling around the world. You can follow his travels at BaldNomad.com.
As the weather warms, it’s time for everyone’s “favorite” pastime: spring cleaning. While you’re dusting off the shelves and shoveling out a winter’s worth of detritus, spare a moment to check your TV. Dust and grime can accumulate there, and over time it can become more and more noticeable. And if you have children, there may be an array of fingerprints and other smears on the screen.
Regardless, it’s worth giving your TV a once-over. But beware! Before you start shining that screen, you’ll want to put down the bottle of Windex and paper towels: Spraying Windex on your TV is an easy way to permanently damage the screen. In fact, all modern TVs have special coatings on their surface that can be ruined by strong cleansers.
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Scrub Spots With Electronic Wipes
What Is The Safest Thing To Clean A Flat
When figuring out how to clean a TV screen, selecting the safest cleaning solution is key, but its also important to know what cleaning products to avoid. Keep in mind that not only should you skip cleaning with certain products, you should also avoid spraying them in close proximity to the TV.
Both Panasonic and Samsung both have lengthy avoid lists that include harsh chemicals such as wax, cleaning fluid, acetone, benzene, alcohol, thinner, mosquito repellent and insect spray , lubricant, solvent and undiluted mild dish soap. These can, as Williams says, cause clouding and can wear away your TVs anti-glare coating.
In terms of what to use, Samsung recommends monitor cleaner only . Panasonic suggests one part mild liquid dish soap diluted by 100 times the amount of water. To make this cleaning solution, add a scant teaspoon of liquid dish soap to two cups of water, stirring well to dissolve.
Williams likes TV cleaning kits for their ease of use. A TV kit will be your safest option for cleaning a TV, he says. These kits will come with everything you need to get your TV looking new, like screen-cleaning solvent and a fast-drying microfiber cloth. You can find TV cleaning kits and cleaning products designed for flat-screen TVs at electronics stores or on .
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How Often Should You Clean The TV Screen
You should clean the TV screen as necessary.
– Microfiber cloth designed for cleaning eyeglasses or camera lenses
– TV screen cleaning solution
– Water
Theres no specific rule, but if you notice an annoying, greasy mark, deal with it as soon as possible.
If dust is the only thing that shows up on your screen, cleaning it once a week is good practice. Make sure you regularly clean the TV as you dont want dust to enter the casing and cause damage.
Remove Dust Fingerprints And Other Smudges Quickly And Safely Using These Cleaning Tips
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On top of design, Ann has written extensively about remodeling and flooring in the home to ensure all readers choose the best option to fit their lifestyle and preferences. Her remodeling topics have included choosing the best wooden flooring and tiling to create a cohesive, beautiful space.
Ann Wilson is a leading expert on home design and remodeling. She has over five years’ experience discussing all-things remodeling, color designs, and flooring ideas to help readers make the best design choices.
When it comes to cleaning, flat-screen TVs and LCD screens require special care and a gentle touch. With the wrong technique, you can easily scratch the screen or damage the surface’s antiglare coating. Even rubbing too hard can cause pixels to burn out and stop working permanently. Most household cleaning products are too harsh to use on electronic devices with LCD or OLED screens, so choose your TV cleaning strategy carefully. These tips on how to clean a TV screen will help protect your device while ridding it of dust, smudges, fingerprints, and streaks.
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Removing Scratches Off A Flat Screen TV After Cleaning
After cleaning LCD or plasma screens, its easy to notice minor scratches on the clean surface. Not to worry, these scratches are easy to remove using a scratch repair kit or by applying petroleum jelly.
- Microfiber cloth
Before repairing scratches on your TV, check the owner manual for warranty information on your television. After cleaning your TV, and allowing it to dry completely, apply about one teaspoon of petroleum jelly to all of the surface scratches.
After filling the scratched areas, use a soft, clean cloth to wipe off excess jelly. Do not press on the screen too hard while wiping the area.
Smudged fingerprints on the screen of your flat screen TV are annoying. While its tempting to grab a bottle of window cleaner for quick cleaning of the TV screen, doing this causes damage to the surface. Simple ingredients such as distilled water or vinegar work best at removing smears without leaving a cloudy residue on the surface.
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Lcd Led Or Oled Screens
These screens will be damaged if you attempt to use traditional wet cleaning on them. Instead, you will need to use a microfiber cloth or electrostatic duster to remove the dust, lint, and pet hair.
If you have stubborn spots or smudges, spot clean them with the premoistened electronic wipes. Then use a microfiber cloth or duster to go over the buttons and the back of the television. Your goal is to remove all of the dust in the vents.
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How To Clean Stubborn Spots Off TV Screen
TV screens can develop hard-to-remove stains on them. You will need to avoid using acetone, toluene, and ammonia on the screens as the chemicals may permanently discolor or fog the screens. The only exception is a tube TV which has screens made from glass.
Make a diluted mixture of distilled water and mild dish soap. You only need a drop or two of dish soap in the water. Dip a microfiber cloth into the soapy water and gently clean the screen.
Dont press too hard as you may scratch or damage the screen. After youve removed the stubborn spots, go over your screen with a dry cloth to remove any streaks that may be left.
Easiest Ways To Clean Your Flat Screen TV Without Streaks
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How do TVs get so gross? And we’re not just talking about having kids and their inevitable little fingerprints all over the screen flat screen TVs are just one of those things that you clean time and time again, but for whatever reason, they only look worse with each swipe of a cloth. They’re a major dust magnet, prone to streaks, and a major frustration to clean. It’s not like you’re grabbing your TV hands-on 24-7 duh, that’s what a remote is for! so what gives?
Whether you have an LCD or an OLED model, you’ve likely dealt with a few horrible streaks here and there when you sit down to enjoy a night of Netflix and ice cream. As fabulous as these new, ultra HD or 4K TVs look with all the lights shut off, any tiny bit of glare is sure to shine a light on the streaks you’ve been dancing around for months. Don’t press “power off” on tackling this problem just yet, though we’re here to break down how to clean your finicky flat screen of streaks for good. Here are the tools you’ll need.
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Hint: Put Down That Bottle Of Cleaning Spray
As with any electronic item, televisions attract dust and are magnets for smudges and children’s fingerprints. Luckily, learning how to clean a flat-screen TV is fairly straightforward, requiring very little time and few materials. Regardless of whether you have an LCD or a plasma TV, all flat-screen TVs are made out of thin, flexible materials and should be treated very gently. They have extremely sensitive components, and using chemical cleaners may lead to a broken or blank screen . Even ordinary kitchen towels or paper towels can cause marks and scratches on the screen. Here’s the right way to clean a flat-screen TV and prevent costly damage.
- Lint-free cloth
What Not To Do When Cleaning An Lcd Led Oleg Plasma Or Other Flat Screen
If you dont take certain precautions when you clean that beautiful 65 LED screen, you might be better off leaving it dirty. Heres a list of donts that will help you learn how to clean a flat screen TV the right way:
- Dont clean a flat screen when the TV is still warm. If you try to clean a warm screen with a screen cleaner, it could make removing dirt and grime more difficult and even cause damage.
- Dont use window or glass cleaner or any cleaner containing alcohol, benzene, ammonia, or acetone. Harsh chemicals can degrade anti-reflective and protective coatings, cause clouding, or even ruin the screen itself.
- Dont use cleaning pads, regular cleaning cloths, or paper towels, because the mildest abrasion can scratch coatings and screens. Even a paper towel can be fairly abrasive and cause buffed areas and fine scratches on flat screen TVs./li>
- Dont spray water or other liquids directly on your TV. Flat screen TV screens are made from layers of plastic, glass, adhesives, coatings, and other delicate materials. When liquid touches the edges of the screen, the moisture can wick into the layers and ruin the TV.
- Dont rub the flat screen too hard or press into the screen. Flat TV screens arent too fragile, but they can be damaged if you press too hard when youre cleaning.
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What To Use To Clean A TV Screen
To avoid damage to your TV while cleaning, only use gentle products. Never wipe the screen with paper towels, abrasive sponges, or coarsely woven rags, which can cause scratches. Instead, use high-quality, finely woven microfiber cloths to clean TV screens, recommends cleaning expert Leslie Reichert.
You should also avoid cleaning products that contain alcohol or ammonia. These types of cleaners can remove antiglare coatings and cause images to become cloudy or distorted. A simple swipe with a microfiber cloth is typically all that’s needed to remove dust and other debris from the screen’s surface. When more than a light dusting is required, however, use the guidelines below for the best way to clean a TV.
Practice preventative measures so you won’t have to clean TV screens often. Keep food, drinks, and kids away from TV and computer screens to eradicate risks of messy splatters and fingerprint smudges. During your weekly house cleaning, lightly dust the screens with a microfiber cloth to prevent dust buildup.