How to Clean a TV Screen

When your TV screen is dirty with a layer of dust, the image quality is impacted. In addition, there could be smudges or fingerprints that attract your attention and ruin your viewing experience. While you need to clean your TV regularly, the wrong techniques can irreparably damage the screen. How do you clean a TV screen without damaging it?

Importance of Keeping Your TV Screen Clean

A dirty TV screen can be an annoyance when you sit down to binge your favorite show. In addition, as dirt builds up on the TV screen, the sides and the rear, the filth can impact the functionality and longevity of the TV.

You can minimize repairs and enjoy better performance from your TV in the years to come simply by keeping it clean. While your attention is focused on cleaning the TV, remember to also clean the cable box, streaming players and remote controls.

How Often Should I Clean My TV Screen?

Dust buildup is detrimental to your TV, so the goal is to prevent buildup in the first place. The best way to accomplish this is by cleaning the TV on a weekly basis. Simply add it to your regular cleaning chores, such as dusting, vacuuming and mopping.

Different Types of TV Screens & Why Screen Type Matters for Cleaning Methods

Before you start cleaning your TV screen, you need to determine what type of screen it is. Older tube TV sets are constructed with a glass screen. This means that you can clean them with the same glass cleaner that you use to clean your mirrors and windows.

Plasma TVs have an anti-glare coating over the glass screen, and this coating will get damaged by window cleaner. Because of this, a plasma TV should be carefully cleaned in the same manner that you would clean an OLED or LCD TV. If you are unsure about the screen type, review the owner’s manual

Steps How to Clean a TV Screen

• Read the manufacturer’s care instructions as a first step. These instructions take priority and should be strictly followed.
• Turn off the TV. Allow the screen to cool down.
• Consider wearing gloves to avoid unintentional fingerprint smudges.
• Wipe the dust off the entire surface of the TV, including the sides, frame and back. Use a dry microfiber cloth for this step. If you have a larger screen or if your TV is excessively dusty, periodically shake the cloth to remove the dust. Safe alternatives to a microfiber cloth are a clean cotton t-shirt or a duster.
• Make a cleaner using one part white vinegar and one part distilled water. An alternative is to use one part distilled water and four parts 70% isopropyl alcohol. Pour your cleaner in a spray bottle.
• Lightly mist your cleaner on a second, clean microfiber cloth.
• Gently wipe the surface with the damp cloth. Do not let moisture accumulate on the sides of the screen.
• After the TV screen air dries, look for streaks. Use a clean microfiber cloth to buff away the streaks.

Items to Avoid Using on a TV Screen

Rather than cleaning your TV screen with paper towels, use a microfiber cloth. TV screens are vulnerable to damage from abrasive materials, and this includes the texture of paper towels. While dusting and cleaning the TV, use minimal force or pressure. Too much pressure can damage the screen.

You should never use acetone or ammonia to clean your TV screen. In addition, never spray the cleaner directly on the screen. Excess moisture can damage it. Instead, lightly spray the cleaner on your cloth. Avoid letting the liquid drip or slide to the edges of the screen.

Avoid using tap water when making your cleaning solution. Tap water contains minerals that can accumulate on your TV and result in poor image quality. Distilled water does not have these minerals.

Aside from using the wrong cleaners, check out this video and take note of the mistakes you should avoid when cleaning your TV screen.

How to Prevent Fingerprints and Dust

Take great care to avoid touching the TV screen. If you have children, instruct them not to touch the screen. If fingerprints continue to be problematic, mount your screen higher up on the wall or enclose it in a TV stand with doors. The oil and grease from the fingerprints attract and hold onto dust. It is best to wipe away smudges as soon as you notice them.

Using the wrong techniques and cleaning supplies can damage your TV screen as well as other equipment in your home. Rather than stress about how to clean the many items in your home, consider letting our professional cleaners do the work for you. To inquire about our reliable cleaning services, contact Tidyhere today.