how to clean a lcd screen without streaks price

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 (or honestly, all over) 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.

Before attempting to clean your TV, you should always take a quick peek at the instruction manual first. If you got rid of the manual or don"t know where it is, a simple online search for the exact model should result in being able to easily download it.

There may very well be important information regarding what you should or should not be using to clean your specific flat screen TV. What can work for a QLED screen may not be the best for a LED, a plasma screen, and so on. So it"s very important to know what the manufacturer instructions are ahead of using anything to clean the screen.

If you"re thinking of skipping this step, you might want to reconsider. According to Better Homes & Gardens, if you attempt to use a product or process that isn"t approved by the manufacturer, then it could make the TV"s warranty invalid.

No matter the method you pick to tackle the streaks on your flat screen TV, this is a crucial step to avoid any streaks. If you use any sort of liquid, even just dampened on a gentle cloth, you"re going to end up with a streaky cleaning job if you keep the TV on.

LCD screens produce heat when turned on. Even though it"s a low level of heat that won"t hurt you, cleaning a warm surface is a recipe for disaster — one wrong swipe or too much pressure in one area over another could leave a mark, and the added heat certainly won"t help get rid of it (via Digital Innovations). Regardless of whether your next step involves a DIY dish soap mixture or just plain old water, always make sure to unplug your TV and let the flat screen cool first to avoid a streaky finish.

This may seem obvious, but it has to be said, since there"s an expensive TV at stake here: Electronics and liquid don"t play too well together. While there are some options that may help you get your screen streak-free, the best place to start is always with a dry, clean cloth.

Even if your TV looks like it needs some major TLC, a lint-free cloth (preferably microfiber) or feather duster may be just enough to do the trick, claims Real Simple. Whatever you do, definitely skip the paper towels, since those might scratch the surface — and the only thing worse than a streak on a TV is a permanent scratch.

Simply unplug the TV and give the screen a gentle wipe down. You don"t want to apply too much pressure, because you"ll risk damaging the hardware. Use just enough force to remove the dust and debris from the screen, and you should be left with a clean, streak-free result that"s ready for your next binge-watching session.

If you"ve already attempted to clean your TV screen with some sort of cleaner, then there are probably some existing streaks you need to take care of. While a dry microfiber cloth is key to regular maintenance, it may not be powerful enough to remove any stubborn streaks from those previous misguided attempts at giving it a good clean. Luckily, you don"t have to go too far — all you need is another cloth and some distilled water.

HelloTech says the key to a flawless flat screen is simple: Start with a dry microfiber cloth, wiping in gentle, circular motions. Then, spray another clean lint-free cloth with water. You don"t want it to be oversaturated, and you definitely don"t want to spray the water directly on the screen, since that could fry the internals of your TV. Get the cloth just damp enough and wipe the streaks away for good, then follow up with the dry cloth again to finish things off.

According to Digital Innovations, ammonia-based cleaners can wreak havoc on your flat screen TV. Ironically enough, people used to regularly use Windex to wipe down their old school TVs back in the day, but the popular window cleaner can actually degrade the protective layer of LCD flat screen TVs. Better to be safe than sorry!

Instead of harsh cleaners, mix up a 50-50 ratio of distilled water and white vinegar for a deeper clean. The Kitchn recommends combining the two in a spray bottle, then giving a spritz onto a lint-free cloth. Wipe down the flat screen in an S-shaped pattern to avoid any more streaks, then give it another pass with a dry cloth. This will stop the at-home vinegar mixture from sticking behind on the screen, and inevitably forming those unsightly water spots.

A tiny bit of isopropyl alcohol is about as harsh as you should get when it comes time to cleaning your flat screen TV, and that"s saying something, considering it"s not all that heavy-duty.

But if you"re faced with some utterly annoying streaks front and center on your TV before the big game, this easy method may save your viewing party. Start with an equal amount of water and isopropyl alcohol and mix the two, then apply it directly to an anti-static cloth. Be sure to wring out any excess liquid so that you aren"t over-saturating the TV.

If that doesn"t quite do the trick, Techwalla says it"s safe to step up the game a bit and opt for 100% isopropyl alcohol instead — no water necessary to dilute it. It"s a common fix for smudged device screens beyond just the TV: your phone, your laptop, you name it! Once you"re done, give the TV another gentle wipe with the plain water to get rid of any residue from the alcohol, then dry it with a clean cloth. You should be ready to watch kickoff without a single streak in sight!

Believe it or not, but Panasonic, one of the most popular electronics companies out there, used to tout a very interesting recommendation for stuck-on streaks: Dish soap.

According to Consumer Reports, the brand has said that the key to eliminating pesky streaks — after you"ve exhausted all other options — is a 100:1 ratio of water and dish soap. That means barely any soap at all, since the bubbles could get out of hand quickly, and leave you with a damaged device.

Always, always, always apply the cleaning solution to a gentle cloth first, then wipe down the screen. The last thing you want to do is spray the DIY cleaner onto the TV directly, since it"s crucial that you control the amount of soap and water used. Double-check that the dish soap you"re using does not contain ammonia or any abrasive chemicals or particles — if not, you should be in the clear to get cleaning.

Another foolproof way to get your flat screen looking fresh out of the box again is to invest in a specialty cleaning kit. Most TV manufacturers don"t recommend springing for harsh cleaners since they can damage the surface of LCD and OLED TVs, but some maintenance kits are created with those exact TV specs in mind.

ScreenDr is one popular choice among Amazon shoppers, averaging nearly five stars over almost 1,000 reviews. The kit costs just under $20 and comes with a soft microfiber cloth and designated TV screen cleaner. The cleaner is reportedly made from an "advanced, streak-free formula," and shoppers seem to support that claim. The only catch? It"s probably still mostly water — according to HelloTech, most are 99% water, since that"s truly the best thing for the job.

If you spring for a different TV screen cleaner, always double-check the ingredients before applying. HelloTech warns that benzene and acetone can permanently discolor your screen, which is substantially worse to deal with than the average smear or streak.

In lieu of a lint-free cloth, another simple method to try to clean your flat screen TV is using an electrostatic duster. According to Reader"s Digest, dusters are the next best alternative to microfiber cloths. They advise against using paper towels at any cost as they can leave lint behind on the screen.

Electrostatic dusters work the way they sound; they use static electricity to attract dust away from the surface and onto the duster instead. Using one on electronics, such as the TV, can be especially powerful in getting rid of the unwanted dust. Most are easy to wash by stirring the feathers in warm water and letting it dry.

If you don"t currently have a specific electronic duster on hand, a Swiffer duster can serve as an excellent alternative. Be sure to avoid heavy pressure when using either type of duster on your TV screen. Just a light touch should do the trick.

For a particularly tough to get out spot on your flat screen TV, try using a wipe that is designed specifically to be safe for electronics. They"re easy to find, particularly in any office supply or electronics stores and easy to store in your TV console for easy reach.

They might not, however, be the best method for you if you own a plasma TV. Good Housekeeping warns that even though the screen is glass, there is an anti-glare layer that doesn"t do well with wet cleaning products. They advise that you stick to dry methods such as a cloth or a duster to clean a plasma screen TV.

Electronic wipes are not only good for getting smudges off of your TV, but they are also safe to use on most other electronic devices that we touch often. Anything from our phones to our tablets can benefit from using wipes to keep them sanitized and clean.

Screens can scratch easily, and even paper towels and tissues contain fibers that can do damage. “Your best bet is to use a soft, anti-static microfiber cloth—the kind used to clean eyeglasses and camera lenses—and wipe in a circular motion,” says John Walsh, who cleans more than 250 TVs a year in his role as a CR photographer. (Some TV manufacturers will include a cloth for this purpose.) “Gently wipe the screen with a dry cloth to remove dust and other debris, but don’t press too hard,” he says.

You may also want to wipe down the TV’s cabinet, and make sure dust isn’t clogging the vents that help dissipate heat. If the TV is on a stand and not tethered to the wall, Walsh suggests cleaning with one hand while supporting the TV with the other to prevent the set from tipping over. However, CR strongly recommends anchoring all stand-mounted TVs using anti-tipping straps designed for this purpose.

If there are hard-to-remove stains, you can dampen the cloth slightly with distilled water and gently clean the screen. Don’t spray water directly onto the screen; that could cause a shock or component failure if water seeps into the inner workings of the set.

For the most stubborn stains, you can try using a solution of very mild dish soap highly diluted with water, once again applied to the cloth and not to the TV itself. (As a guideline, Panasonic used to recommend a 100:1 ratio of water to soap.) LCD screens, in particular, are very sensitive to pressure and can scratch easily, so don’t press hard.

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.

The short version? Don"t use liquids, don"t press too hard, don"t use any traditional cleaners. Microfiber cloths are good, but be gentle. Modern TVs are predominantly plastic and therefore far easier to scratch than windows or your phone.

Want the longer version? Here"s what the top TV manufacturers say about cleaning their screens:Cleaning your 4K, OLED, or LED TV screen with a soft, dry cloth is recommended. The goal here is to avoid scratching the screen. Gentle, circular motions tend to give better results, since the circular motion hits each area from several angles in a single swipe.

Caution: Don"t spray water or other liquids directly on the TV, as electric shock could occur.Turn the TV off and let it cool down for a few minutes before unplugging it.

To clean the frame and screen, gently wipe it with a microfiber cleaning cloth. Make sure to wipe the TV frame and screen as gently as possible. TV screens are fragile and can be damaged when pressed too hard.

Important: Never use any type of window cleaner, soap, scouring powder, wax, or any cleanser with solvents such as alcohol, benzene, ammonia, or acetone. Never use abrasive pads or paper towels. If you do, you can scratch the screen or strip the anti-glare coating off the screen and cause permanent damage. Never spray water directly onto the TV. Make sure to wipe the TV as gently as possible. TV screens are fragile and can be damaged when pressed too hard.Gently wipe the screen or the exterior with a dry, soft cloth, such as an eyeglass cleaner.

For inks from oil markers on the screen, soak a cloth in a non-soap synthetic cleanser diluted (by less than 1% ) with water. Squeeze the cloth tightly to eliminate excess liquid, then wipe gently to remove the ink. Use non-soap cleansers cautiously because it may cause environmental problems when disposed improperly.

So why not Windex? Regular Windex is formulated for glass windows, plus a few other surfaces. It contains ammonia and alcohol, not the friendliest of chemicals. S. C. Johnson doesn"t explicitly say not to use Windex on TVs, but it offers Windex Electronics wipes and cleaners, so infer what you will. The better screen cleaners will clearly state that they do not contain alcohol or ammonia.

At last count, I found a billion companies making TV screen cleaners. Almost all of these are something like 99 percent water, 1 percent other stuff. Years ago I tested a handful and found them, on average, to work well enough. If you don"t have luck with a simple cloth and possibly distilled water, a screen cleaner is worth a try, and as a bonus you can also use it for your laptop, tablet and cell phone screens. Plus, they come with a microfiber cloth. If they don"t clearly state they don"t contain alcohol and ammonia, however, I would skip them.

So yeah, cleaning your TV is a good idea. But just remember that they"re exceptionally fragile. Why risk marring their surface by using cleaning methods the companies themselves don"t advise? If you damage your screen with cleaners, you won"t be able to fix it.

My advice? Get a nice microfiber cloth (if your TV didn"t come with one), and use that. If that doesn"t fix your smudges, try a cloth moist with water. Don"t press too hard. There"s less than a millimeter between your finger and a broken TV.

Screen cleaning kits are fine, though most people won"t need them. Remember, like all TV accessories, the store is selling them because they probably make more profit on that $20 kit than on a $500 TV.

As well as covering TV and other display tech, Geoff does photo tours of cool museums and locations around the world, including nuclear submarines, massive aircraft carriers, medieval castles, epic 10,000 mile road trips, and more. Check out Tech Treks for all his tours and adventures.

He wrote a bestselling sci-fi novel about city-size submarines, along with a sequel. You can follow his adventures on Instagram and his YouTube channel.

It is important to keep your best computer monitors and related displays clean and smudge-free, though many consumers may be wondering exactly how to do this without causing unsightly streaks.

Cleaning LCD screens, or any type of display, is a rather simple process that requires only a couple of tools and a few minutes of your time. In other words, it is a worthy undertaking to pursue.

Cleaning a computer monitor or a display of any kind without leaving streaks will require a bit of preparation. Follow the steps below to successfully complete the cleaning task.

The most difficult part of the cleaning process is acquiring and laying out the necessary tools. We strongly recommend that you invest in a number of microfiber cloths, which are purpose-built for cleaning computer monitors and other sensitive pieces of equipment.You should avoid paper towels, dirty shirts, and other course types of fabric, as they could damage the monitor.Next, you may want to buy a cleaning agent that has been approved for use on computer monitors. There are a number of cleaning sprays available that are primarily intended for use on displays.

Tip: We strongly recommend that you invest in a number of microfiber cloths, which are purpose-built for cleaning computer monitors and other sensitive pieces of equipment

Warning: We strongly recommend that you invest in a number of microfiber cloths, which are purpose-built for cleaning computer monitors and other sensitive pieces of equipment.

Whenever you clean a piece of electrical equipment, you should always power it down first.Make sure your computer is turned off and not plugged into an outlet before you begin the cleaning process.

If you are using a cleaning spray or liquid of any kind, be sure to gently apply it to the microfiber cloth. Take care to leave one side of the microfiber cloth dry. Then, approach the monitor and start at the center. Clean the monitor using circular motions as you work your way out to the edges of the display. Be careful around the edges and make sure that no liquids come in contact with these corners, as that can damage the internal components.Repeat this process until the monitor has been cleaned.

Once the monitor is cleaned, use the dry opposite side of the microfiber cloth to gently wipe the display until any liquid has been absorbed.Then you should wait for around a half-hour or so until the monitor is fully dry.

Avoid corrosive substances when cleaning a monitor. That means no alcohol or ammonia-based cleaners (like diluted rubbing alcohol or Windex). These cleaners can damage your screen by stripping anti-reflective coatings, causing clouding, or worse. (Source)

You don’t want to damage it just in case your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover your computer monitor. Otherwise, you’ll have to replace it with your own funds.

The television screen is what everyone sees first, but don’t forget these other key areas, not to mention the area around your unit. “It can also help to clean the furniture and carpets around the TV to prevent dust and hair from getting into it,” says Williams.

The remote control is handled regularly. This is the one time when harsh chemicals can be used sparingly. Follow the manufacturer owner’s manual instructions first, but if sanitizing is needed, use a cleaner that’s at least 70 percent alcohol, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations. (Basic drugstore isopropyl alcohol works well for this.)

Start the remote control cleaning by removing the batteries. As with the TV screen recommendations, you’ll want to avoid spraying directly onto the surface, as this could cause the device to malfunction. Dampen a clean microfiber cloth and rub gently on the top and the underside of the remote control. For hard-to-reach gunk that’s jammed between the buttons, try a cotton swab dipped in a small amount of the cleaning solution. Make sure to let it dry thoroughly before replacing the batteries and using it again.

When figuring out how to clean a TV screen, selecting the safest cleaning solution is key, but it’s 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 (really!), lubricant, solvent and undiluted mild dish soap. These can, as Williams says, “cause clouding and can wear away your TV’s anti-glare coating.”

In terms of what to use, Samsung recommends “monitor cleaner only” (also called TV screen cleaner). 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 Amazon.

Some people swear that only distilled water is useful as cleaning spray for their delicate electronics. Although Williams does not necessarily recommend using distilled water, if you know for a fact you have hard water in your area, you may want to try the distilled water route and see if you notice a difference. Hard water, which has high levels of calcium and magnesium, may leave a film or residue when it’s used for cleaning. Before you spray water to clean TV screens, try experimenting with tap water on a less-important screen, like an old cell phone, to assess the results.

If you can picture the hulking tube TVs (also known as CRTVs) of yore, you may also remember how delightfully easy they were to clean—a few spritzes of window cleaner and some wipes with paper towels and you were good to go—no special microfiber cloth required. But modern TVs with fancier technologies like LCD, OLED, and plasma call for gentler techniques. “Avoid using chemicals like alcohol, ammonia or acetones when cleaning your TV. These cleaners were safe to use for previous generations of TVs with glass panels, but as the hardware changes with time, the cleaning methods do too,” says Williams. Since some multi-purpose and glass cleaners are made with ammonia, skip the Windex.

Modern TVs are often smart TVs but the cleaning tips are the same as the ones for LCD, OLED and plasma TVs. The microfiber cloth is your TV screen’s best friend. “The majority of TVs you purchase today will be smart TVs, and the cleaning process is the same as TVs without smart capabilities,” Williams says.

Want to know how to clean a TV screen? It’s a much used appliance in every home, and an investment, too, so knowing how to clean it the right way is vital. Who wants dust or smudges on the screen, compromising the picture? Yep, that’s nobody.

We’ve put together a step-by-step guide to how to clean a TV screen so you can enjoy a great picture and avoid causing harm. There are tips from the experts, too, to make the job easy.

Why you can trust Real HomesOur expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Ready to learn how to clean a TV screen? Bear in mind that it is important to do it right because modern TV screens have coatings that you can damage if you use inappropriate cleaning products.

But don’t worry, these steps will give you the inside track on how to clean a flat screen TV. And if you’ve got another type, we’ve got the lowdown on caring for those, too.

How often do you need to take on this chore? ‘TV screens are all about that incredible high definition picture to watch your favorite shows, movies or sporting events on,’ says Leanne Stapf, chief operating officer of The Cleaning Authority(opens in new tab).

‘As dust builds up, it can distort the quality of the picture. To keep the TV screen and picture as crisp as it was the day it was purchased, a weekly cleaning is best. Over the course of a week dust, fingerprints and film are bound to build up and the longer these remain on the screen, the harder to remove.’

Before you clean your TV screen, turn the television off and unplug it, too. This allows it to cool before you clean it, it’s safer for the TV (and you, to a degree).

The other benefit? ‘It"s easier to see smudges when the screen is dark,’ says Dorothea Hudson, an appliance expert with USInsuranceAgents(opens in new tab).

‘Use circular, gentle motions to get rid of any handprints or streaks,’ advises Jen Stark, founder of Happy DIY Home(opens in new tab). ‘Don’t press down too hard on the screen itself when you"re trying to get rid of stubborn spots because this can cause damage.’

Never substitute paper towels or (and we probably don’t need to say this, but for the avoidance of expensive errors) an abrasive pad for a microfiber cloth. These can all scratch the coating of a modern TV screen, causing permanent damage.

If any marks remain on the TV screen after your work with the microfiber cloth, slightly dampen a clean microfiber cloth with distilled water and use this cloth to tackle the problem area. ‘It"s important to use distilled water because tap water is filled with minerals and small particles that will scratch your screen,’ cautions Danielle Zierk of Palm Coast Handyman(opens in new tab).

Don’t ever spray the water or any other sort of liquid on to the screen. ‘A sudden burst of water could seep into the set’s inner workings and cause a component failure,’ warns Dorothea Hudson.

Owner of a tube TV (CRTV)? These haven’t been manufactured for many years now, but it’s worth knowing how to clean a TV screen if you have one of these that’s still going strong. In fact, these have glass screens that can be cleaned like any other glass in your house – for instance with a window cleaning spray. Don’t do this with any other type of TV, though.

If yours is an LCD or OLED TV, the steps above are the ones to use to keep the screen damage-free. They’re the route to follow if yours is a plasma TV, too. Although these haven’t been manufactured since 2014, the screens often have a coating that could be compromised otherwise.

Dust accumulates on the TV, so clean the body in addition to the screen. A slightly damp microfiber cloth is perfect, and make sure you use it gently. Again, do not spray anything on to the TV.

As for the speakers, again, use a microfiber cloth to remove dust from the surface. If yours have become very dusty, you can use your vacuum cleaner’s upholstery tool to carefully remove dust from the front of the speakers.

Clean the remote control, too, as they’re one of the places we recommend you tackle to get rid of germs in your home. Take out the batteries, hold the remote so that the buttons are face down, and tap it to remove dust and crumbs. Next wipe the whole thing with a microfiber cloth dampened with water or with TV screen wipes.

If the buttons are really grimy, use dampened cotton wool buds to get into them, or use a dry toothbrush to carefully dislodge crumbs or dirt that has become stuck around the buttons. Finally, wipe the remote down with a dry, lint-free cloth and replace the batteries.Today"s best Televisions deals

The key when it comes to knowing how to clean a TV screen is using the correct cloths. These need to be soft and mustn’t leave behind a lot of debris, explains Christen Costa, CEO, Gadget Review(opens in new tab).

‘Cleaning products such as Windex may contain harsh ingredients including alcohol and ammonia, which can be damaging to the LCD panels of the screen,’ says Leanne Stapf.

‘For the latest OLED and LCD TV screens, it is best to steer clear of Windex or other glass cleaners. With the sensitivity of the latest screen technology, a dry method of cleaning would be best.’

This article was co-authored by Marcus Shields and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. Marcus is the owner of Maid Easy, a local residential cleaning company in Phoenix, Arizona. His cleaning roots date back to his grandmother who cleaned homes for valley residents in the 60’s through the 70’s. After working in tech for over a decade, he came back to the cleaning industry and opened Maid Easy to pass his family’s tried and true methods to home dwellers across the Phoenix Metro Area.

wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 56 testimonials and 100% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status.

You’ve been staring at your computer screen for hours when suddenly the words and numbers seem to blur right in front of you. You could just be seeing things... or your computer screen could be dirty. Here’s our tried-and-true method for cleaning your computer screen without leaving smudges or streaks.

Before we explain what you should use to clean your screen, we should tell you what NOT to use. Don’t use large amounts of liquid, and never spray the screen directly. As you’ll see in the step-by-step cleaning method below, it takes just one spray of Puracy Natural Multi-Surface Cleaner on a microfiber cloth to clean your computer screen.

The cloth you use to clean your screen is important, too. Puracy’s cleaning experts recommend a soft microfiber cloth. “Micro” means “extremely small”; a microfiber cloth has tiny fibers that reach every square inch of the surface they’re cleaning, so they don’t leave streaks or smudges like cotton rags can. And avoid paper towels; they’re abrasive enough to scratch the screen’s coating -- and then you’ll be “seeing things” permanently.

Many window cleaners on the market today, including certain types of Windex, contain ammonium hydroxide, which is a solution made of ammonia and water. The Environmental Protection Agency classifies ammonia as an “extremely hazardous substance,” especially in high concentrations. As a result, we don’t use ammonia in any of our products here at Puracy.

Instead of cleaners powered by ammonia, we prefer Puracy Natural Multi-Surface Cleaner, with the fresh-smelling scent of either Green Tea & Lime or Organic Lemongrass. It’s made with plant-based ingredients and water that effectively cut through the grime without the use of chemicals, so it’s safe to use throughout your home -- and it always smells great.

Follow these step-by-step cleaning directions below for a smudge-free computer screen. Or follow along as cleaning expert and Puracy co-founder Sean Busch cleans his own computer screen in this video.

1. Turn your desktop monitor off or power-down your laptop.Then turn it towards a window or a bright light; this will allow you to see smudges and fingerprints more clearly. (In this case, that dreaded screen glare is your friend.)

2. Spray a clean, folded microfiber cloth with one spray of Puracy Natural Multi-Surface Cleaner. If you don’t have any on hand, you can use one spray of water. (Expert tip -- if you notice streaks on your screen after cleaning, then you’re probably using too much solution and/or your microfiber towel is dirty. Try again by carefully following these six steps, but use a fresh, clean microfiber towel and only a single spray of cleaner -- that’s all you need!)

NOTE: If you live in an area with hard water, use filtered or distilled water to avoid depositing mineral residue onto the screen. Not sure if your water is hard? Check out our article How to Remove Hard Water Stains Quickly & Easily; it features a handy map of hard-water areas across the country, plus more cleaning tips for households battling hard-water stains.

3. Wipe the screen with the microfiber cloth, starting at the top and using tight, overlapping “Z” strokes all the way to the bottom. If you’re using the proper technique, then you should see the multi-surface cleaner evaporate behind you as you wipe. This will help you eliminate the appearance of any streaks on your screen. If it doesn’t evaporate shortly after your pass, then you are probably using too much cleaning solution.

4. Turn the folded microfiber cloth to the dry side and make another pass, again starting at the top and using tight, overlapping “Z” strokes. This step will buff away any lint or residues remaining on the screen.

And by the way... if you successfully clean your computer screen but the words and numbers still look blurry, you could be experiencing digital eye strain (also known as computer vision syndrome). Try exercising your eyes using the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, focus on an object at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

When you’re watching your favourite TV show and the light catches the screen and you see a ton of smudges, dust and general grime it can be very off-putting! Then you go to clean the screen and find it isn’t much better. Don’t waste your time cleaning only to find you still have streaks. My question today is, how to clean a flat-screen TV without streaks?

Over time your screen will attract dust, finger marks and all kinds of nasty things. Do you shout at your screen? Maybe a football game got you going? Then it will probably have saliva on it and even snot. Yuck!

To clean your flat-screen TV of smudges and leave it streak-free, all you need are some clean microfibre cloths, water, and some distilled white vinegar or rubbing alcohol. With a small amount of gentle rubbing, your TV screen will be clean and free of streaks.

The method I show you today is guaranteed to leave you with a streak-free screen. Plus, it works on all kinds of TV screens through from the old CRT glass screens up to an 8K. You can even use this method for a computer monitor.

All you need are three microfibre cloths (yes three) and some water. If your screen has a lot of finger marks and greasy smudges then you might need some vinegar or rubbing alcohol for extra power.

If you don’t have any microfibre cloths, I recommend you invest in some because they are a great way to reduce chemical use in your home, plus they work out cheaper than purchasing cleaners. They have multiple uses. You can use them for dishwashing, cleaning bathrooms, kitchens, dusting, polishing. You can even use them to clean your body and as a reusable wet wipe.

I sometimes use affiliate links. When you click these links and make a purchase, I may get a small commission. It won’t cost you anything but it helps me to run this site.

Always use a soft cloth. Never use paper towels or anything rough that could scratch your screen. Microfibre cloths are best because they are soft, hold the dirt and can absorb and contain grease.

Never use chemical sprays. Chemical sprays such as a window cleaner like Windex should not be used on flat-screen TVs because the chemicals will damage the surface.

Never spray the screen directly. Flat-screen TVs should not get wet. If you need moisture to help you clean, always spray it on the cloth, not the screen.

Always turn off the TV. Before you clean, turn off the TV so you can more easily see where the smudges appear. The easiest way to see them is from the side.

Once your screen is wonderfully clean I recommend you keep it that way with a regular wipe over. Make it part of your 10-minute cleanup routine and it will never get dirty again.

I suggest you have three clean microfibre cloths. You will need one to dust, another to clean, and another to dry. It’s not a good idea to use one cloth for everything because you will find the dust that you cleaned off at the start ends up back on the screen later on.

If you don’t have any microfibre cloths the best place to buy them is at Amazon in a bundle. Don’t bother with fancy makes, I find those no better than standard microfibre and they are much cheaper especially if you buy several at once. Launder them after every use and then replace them when they wear out. I find mine last 4-5 years.

Make sure your cloths are freshly laundered. Don’t be tempted to use an old cloth otherwise you risk scratching the screen with particles from previous use.

White distilled vinegar is best. You can usually buy it in your supermarket in the sauces and condiments aisle or order online at Amazon. As well as clean, vinegar can kill bacteria in your home.

Once you have a spray bottle of vinegar made, you can use it for all sorts of jobs including cleaning windows, and oven doors, neutralising dog odor and sanitizing.

This step will remove dust and light smudges. If you find that the screen still has smudges on it move to step 3, otherwise, congratulations, you are done!

Take a new microfibre cloth and spray it with water to dampen it. Don’t spray the screen directly. Distilled water is best because no residue is left behind when it dries.

If you don’t have a microfibre cloth to hand then you can use a plain duster cloth to clean your screen or an old piece of soft cloth such as a teeshirt.

Regular cloth doesn’t hold the dust as well as microfibre. You might find that the cloth transfers dust back onto the screen as you clean it. Make sure you fold the cloth and use one side at a time to avoid that happening.

It is not a good idea to use Windex to clean a TV screen because the chemicals can damage the surface of the screen. Only gentle liquids should be used such as water and vinegar and they should never be sprayed directly onto the screen.

Wipe over with a dry microfibre cloth to start with. Then dampen another microfibre cloth with water, vinegar or rubbing alcohol and lightly rub all over your 4K TV. Finish off by wiping with another dry microfibre cloth.

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 (the tiny dots that compose images on computer monitors and TV screens) 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.

Before you begin cleaning a TV or LCD monitor screen, check the manufacturer"s manual for cleaning instructions. If a computer or electronic wipe is recommended, purchase a container for quick cleanups. Note that using a cleaning product or method not recommended by the manufacturer will likely void a product"s warranty. It"s also important to avoid spraying liquid on the screen when cleaning a TV. Liquids can drip into the frame, get wicked inside the screen, and cause permanent damage.

If streaks or stains remain, wet a microfiber cloth with distilled water and wring the cloth until it"s almost dry. With very little pressure, wipe the cloth across the screen in broad motions, working from the top of the screen to the bottom. If smudges persist, dampen a new microfiber cloth with 50-50 water and vinegar solution, wringing it tightly to keep it slightly damp, and wipe.

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 ($9 for 5, Amazon) 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.

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Let"s be real: Your TV screen is probably dirty. Sometimes, the dirtiness of a TV screen can go unnoticed, particularly if you spend a good amount of time watching bright, colorful content that minimizes the appearance of smudges and grime.

Like sunglasses, mirrors, and windows, TVs are best left free of smudge, spots, and fingerprints. Unfortunately, there"s a ton of misinformation out there about the best (and safest) ways to wipe away the blemishes on a TV. After all, these aren"t just any old surfaces—they"re expensive and often delicate pieces of technology.

Here"s the good news: Once you understand the basics, freeing your spot-covered TV of your kid"s oily palm prints couldn"t be simpler. Just remember: a clean screen means a clean scene.

Window cleaners contain harsh chemicals (like alcohol, ammonia, and lauramine oxide) that can do damage to LCD and OLED panels. One reason people assume that surface cleaners are still copacetic for TVs is because old-school CRT TVs could stand up against Windex, thanks in part to their glass screens. These days? The less liquid you use, the better.

Believe it or not, even the densest of fingerprints can be wiped away without the use of any moisture. It is important, however, to use the right type of cloth or towel when cleaning, otherwise you run the risk of scratching the panel.

Always use a microfiber cloth or towel—like the ones that come with a new pair of glasses—to clean your TV screen. Avoid using standard tissues or paper towels. Go to work on the problem areas with gentle, circular motions. Avoid applying too much pressure to the panel. If you"re dealing with some stubborn, oily stains that just won"t cooperate, resist the urge to exert more force. Instead, try moisturizing the cloth with a small amount of warm water.

Generally speaking, dedicated screen-cleaning solutions are OK for LCD/LED and OLED TVs, but if you decide to use screen cleaner, make sure the formula does not include alcohol or ammonia.

If you decide to use water or some sort of cleaner, do not spray the screen directly. Instead, lightly moisten your microfiber cloth before wiping the your TV screen.

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See you later, dirty television screens. Whether your TV screens are challenged by dust or inconvenient smudges that seem to appear from nowhere, it’s time to adopt a simple cleaning routine that takes care of all that. Get your screen clean pronto, and then kick back and enjoy the show.

Before you start guessing at what will work for your home’s needs, refer to the owner"s manual that came with your television. It’s always best to get advice from the manufacturer, especially if there’s a warranty involved; however, if that document has long since hit the recycling bin, follow these tips and take necessary precautions so you don’t cause permanent damage to the pixels and electrical components.

Different screens require different cleaning agents, and though we address how to clean old school glass-screen tube TVs and glass-coated iPad screens below, we know it’s more likely that you’re dealing with a flatscreen LCD or plasma television. TL;DR: Avoid abrasion. Avoid excess moisture. Avoid harsh chemicals.

Use soft, lint-free microfiber cloths and nothing rough or abrasive. Even paper towels can scratch a television, and plasma screens in particular are very delicate.

Always refer to manufacturer guidelines for cleaning and play it safe if there’s any doubt, especially if the only cleaners you have on hand are harsh chemicals with a bad reputation.

Remove dust with a dry microfiber cloth. Wipe around all edges of the screen too, because dust buildup on ports and speakers can negatively affect performance over time.

Mist a formulated cleaning spray onto a clean microfiber cloth; you can opt for store-bought or try an easy DIY solution, such as 1:1 parts of white vinegar and distilled water, or 1:4 parts distilled water to 70% isopropyl alcohol. These formulas may dry at different rates, so be sure that you don’t oversaturate your cloth.

If you’re using a vinegar- or alcohol-based cleaner, thoroughly wipe down the remote with the damp microfiber cloth you used to clean the television screen.

Big tip: Remove the batteries first so you don’t accidentally turn on the TV (and undoubtedly, push the magic combination of buttons that turns on subtitles and changes your settings to German … you know how it is).

A flawless piece of glass designed to transport you to different worlds, different time periods and down Coronation Street is only a scratch or smear or away from being ruined. So what cleaners and cloths are safe to use to clean your TV and avoid this happening?

Looking to upgrade to a new TV? Our expert lab tests reveal the best and the worst models. You can use ourTV reviewsto find a great model that"s the right size, spec and price for you.

Panasonic - gently wipe the display with a soft cloth. For stubborn dirt, dampen a soft cloth with clean water, or diluted neutral detergent (one part detergent to 100 parts water) wring out the cloth and wipe away the dirt. Wipe away any moisture when you"re done.

Samsung - unplug the TV and wipe the screen with a soft, clean, lint-free, dry cloth. You can spray screen cleaner onto the cloth first, but never on the screen. Let the screen fully dry before plugging the TV back in.

Sony - unplug the TV and clean the screen with a soft, dry cloth. You can dampen the cloth slightly with a solution of mild soap and warm water if needs be. Use small circular motions, then use a soft cloth to dry the screen.

There"s some differing opinion on whether water should be used. So be careful if you"ve got an LG TV, where no water or glass cleaner is recommended. This could affect your warranty, so stick to the official advice.

Before you start, unplug your TV.Use a dry soft cloth, ideally microfibre or similar to something you might clean a pair of glasses with. Don"t use a rough cloth or kitchen roll. The abrasive surface could scratch your screen.

Some TVs are less stable than others and you may need to support the back of the screen with your free hand - particularly OLEDs where the screen is incredibly thin at the top.

If there are any stubborn marks, use a water solution or specialist TV screen cleaner in line with your manufacturer"s policy. Put the solution on the cloth, not directly on the screen.

A clean screen is one thing, but there are numerous settings you can tweak to make sure you"re getting the best picture. Input your model into our tool ongetting the best TV pictureto see how to get your telly looking its best.

Nearly all the cleaners you use in your kitchen and bathroom could damage your TV screen. For the sake of simplicity, we"d recommend you avoid them all.

As much as possible, you want to use a dry cloth and only resort to a cleaning solution if there"s a mark that won"t come off with careful dry wiping.

TV ports, such as HDMI and USB inputs, can get dusty. If you haven"t used one of your HDMI inputs before and go to plug in a new device, you could push that built-up dust into your TV"s innards.

Wipe the ports with a cloth. If they"re particularly dusty, you can use a vacuum cleaner on its lowest setting to clear out any debris. Take care and hold the nozzle away from the TV as to not cause damage. Try not to push into the port since this could also damage the connection.