how do you clean an lcd screen tv manufacturer
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.
Television screens are supposed to be clean and free of dirt, dust, or any debris that may blur vision. This is why this component is one of the most vital parts of a Television. Nothing can be worse than straining your eyes to make sense of the pictures your set is projecting. If you do not clean your TV regularly, fingerprint smudges and dust will build up.
Cleaning your LED TV or any type of television for that matter is something you should do at least once every 2 or 3 weeks. In fact, I will suggest that you do it as often as you watch it any paying more attention to the screen when you do so. If you clean your TV set regularly, it will always look brand new, and you will enjoy bright and colorful pictures without said. Bearing that in mind, there are ways to go about a cleaning endeavor. Unfortunately, not everyone knows how to clean a set effectively. Many think that a piece of towel soaked in water will do. How wrong they are. Television screens are very sensitive, so a great deal of care is required to do the job effectively. In addition to that, being careful also protects the screen for damage. Secondly, you need to understand that TV sets are different. Although they all project sounds and images, they are built differently. So, therefore, the approach to cleaning should also be different as well.
The approach to cleaning an LED TV screen, for instance, requires extra care compared to the cleaning of a Tube TV. They both have screens, but the former is more sensitive than the latter due to the sensitivity of LED screens build material. Bearing all this in mind, how do you safely clean an LED TV screen without damaging it in the process. In this article, we will show you safe and intelligent ways to go about it using available and affordable materials. You will also learn a few tips about how to do it safely too.
Before you proceed, you need to bear two things in mind when cleaning LED TV screens. Firstly, you want to do it in such a way and with the right materials that ensure the screen is clean and devoid of dust or stains of any kind. You want your screen to be as bright and clear as possible. Secondly, you want to avoid damaging the screen or reducing its projection quality. This is why it is necessary to use only the right cleaning materials and approach at all times. Now, here are some helpful tips for adopting when cleaning an LED television screen. [/fusion_text]
Every electronic equipment comes with an owner’s manual. This manual provides the user with sufficient information about how to use and maintain the gadget. The same thing goes for LED sets. They come with an owner’s manual too. Before you clean the set, you may want to read the manual first.
In fact, it is advisable that you read it first immediately you buy and install it in your home. By reading the manual, you gain more understanding regarding how to care for the television all through it a lifespan in your home, office, or wherever you install it. For the purpose of cleaning, pay attention to the section that provides information about how to do it effectively.
Reading manuals is important because different television manufacturers provide different approaches to cleaning their sets. What works for an LG LED TV may not work for a Samsung set. That is why it is so important to only follow the recommendation of a one cap fits all approach to cleaning your TV screen. If you read the manual when you bought it, but you have forgotten the cleaning details, consult it once again to refresh your memory.
Before you start the cleaning properly, turn off the television set. Do not stop at that. You also need to unplug it from the power source. Once you have done that, do not start cleaning the screen immediately. Give it time to cool down. The cleaning process may take between 2-5 minutes or even more depend on your LED TV model or how long it was on.
Turning the TV off will cut off power leading to the cooling down of the screen. You don’t want to be cleaning a hot or warm screen, do you? You want to make sure that the screen is as cool as possible and non-reactive to whichever cleaning agent you use.
Another advice to take in that is so important is that you should never use paper towels to clean the screen. There are reasons to avoid paper towels. Paper towels, especially when soaked in water, leave smudges and stains on the screen. No matter how long or how hard you try to wipe the marks off, they yet remain. Paper towels are bad for your TV screen. It’s as simple as that.
To enjoy an ultimate cleaning experience, you should consider using microfiber cleaning pieces. Some people recommend cotton whole because they are more breathable. However, microfiber cloths are more durable. In addition, they do not stick to your screen. Older LED, or LCD screens can’t handle traditional cleaning methods or materials. With microfiber, you can eliminate stains, remove smudges, and fingerprints with ease.
To use microfiber, simply wipe the surface of the screen in a circular motion. Cover as much part of the screen as you possibly can. Work your way around the edges as well. More importantly, when cleaning, avoid touching the screen with your bare hands as doing so will leave fingerprint marks on it.
The use of chemicals should be avoided at all costs. Chemicals damage screens more than you know. That a chemical agent worked on a particular surface is not an indication that it will work well for your TV screen. LED screens are very sensitive and fragile, so you ought to make sure that you keep chemicals as far away as possible. Another material you should never use is a detergent solution (water and detergent).
Soap, scouring powder, was window cleaners, and any other general industrial cleaner should be avoided. Abrasive pads and towels made from paper should not be used either. Using any of these materials will lead to screen scratches, anti-glare coating damage, or permanent screen damage. The sad part is that the damage may not be noticeable at first, but over time, the same will become permanent.
If you must wet your cleaning material with water, do so in little splashes. Avoid spraying the screen directly with water. When wiping the screen, do so gently because it can break if pressed too hard as screens are very fragile.
You will notice that your microfiber cloth cannot reach the edges of the screen like the other areas. If you don’t clean the edges too, dust and first will accumulate in those parts, and after a time removing the stains will love difficult. Furthermore, failure to clean screen edges will lead to an uneven appearance, with poor picture quality being the end result. To clean edges and corners effectively, use cotton swabs to greater effect. For better results, dab the cotton swabs in water. Pick off the dirt carefully by dragging them out using the swabs. Do this for the four corners of the screen.
As for the edges, run the swabs up and down systematically but avoid running them all the way down to the edges as this may drive dirt further on that may be difficult to remove. For better results, use as many cotton swabs as you can.
Unlike an LED TV screen, cleaning a Tube TV is much easier. Tube TV screens are more rugged and can withstand pressure, but doing so carefully is also important. You can use a microfiber cleaning cloth doused in a little water. Never spray the screen directly as this may damage it. Rather, work your way with the microfiber cloth. Apply the same circular cleaning motion like you would do an LED TV screen. Cotton swabs will also come in handy to pick off the dirt from the screen corners.
Dish soap can also be used on LED and LCD screens, albeit with care. Before you use a dish soap solution, first wipe the screen with a dry cloth to remove dust. Now, dip your cleaning cloth in the dish soap solution. Squeeze off the liquid then gently wipe the screen. Make sure you cover every surface area. Once you are done, don’t waste time to clean; otherwise, the solution will dry up on the screen leading to a blurry vision. Rinse the cloth with water to remove soapy residue then take the dry cloth you used to wipe off the dust once again to dry the screen.
Yes, they do. There are actually cleaners specially made for cleaning tv screens. Screen cleaners contain distilled water, isopropyl, and alcohol solutions. If you must use an electronic screen cleaner, make sure you shake to content before use. Also, apply on a limited portion of your cleaning cloth.
Cleaning your TV remote control is part of a general TV cleaning process. So to clean your remote control, follow these tips. Pop-out the batteries:Remove the batteries from the remote. Doing so will create enough room when cleaning the interior casing.
Tap the remote lightly on a hard surface:Remote controls gather a lot of dust and debris along the way. To remove them, tap the remote control on a hard surface like a table. Do this gently and several times to dislodge debris stuck in crevices.
Use a mild disinfectant:Apply a cleaning disinfectant on a piece of cloth and clean the body thoroughly. The use of disinfectant is necessary because our hands carry germs, and we transfer these germs to the remote control anytime we operate it. Clean the whole body thoroughly.
Maintain a weekly timetable:To ensure that your TV set is always clean, make sure you clean it weekly. Add it as part of your to-do list when cleaning your home. If your furniture deserves regular cleaning, so does your television set. Doing regular cleaning will atop dust, debris and fingerprints from smearing the screen. It is also much easier to clean when there is little dust on the surface. Keeping a microfiber cloth close by is also advised so that you can quickly wipe off dust when necessary.
Never spray your LED TVset directly with any substance:Avoid spraying your screen directly with any substance even if it is an electronic cleaning gel. Excessive spraying can damage the cabinet and the structural make-up of the screen. If you must use any cleaning solution, apply it on the napkin or microfiber cloth you are using and gently wipe the screen with it.
Use a Vacuum:To draw out dust and debris hidden in the crevices of the set, use a low suction vacuum. You may also use the vacuum cleaner’s soft brush to remove dust from the cable, vents, and ports of the TV
Adhere strictly to the User Manual:Your LED TV set comes with a user manual for a reason. The manual is meant to guide your use of the device. When cleaning your set, make sure you follow the directives of the manufacturer. Doing it any other way may damage the TV beyond repair.
Avoid strong cleaning agents:Just like we pointed out in the article, avoid strong cleaning agent as not all of them are good for your television’s screen. The screen is very sensitive, so bear this in mind. Some examples of cleaning agents to avoid include unmixed alcohol, ammonia, acetone, and Wax.
Maintaining your LED TV set requires a lot of patience and attention to detail. If you want the screen to remain in good shape, you need to clean it regularly and with proper cleaning materials. If you follow the tips in this article, your screen will remain bright and sharp for as long as you use the set.
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.
This article was co-authored by James Sears. James Sears leads the customer happiness team at Neatly, a group of cleaning gurus based in Los Angeles and Orange County, California. James is an expert in all things clean and provides transformative experiences by reducing clutter and renewing your home environment. James is a current Trustee Scholar at the University of Southern California.
Your television is probably one of the last things you think about adding to your "to clean" list, but the difference between a smudgy screen and a crisp picture isn"t one to shrug at. Every day, our TVs accumulate dust and fingerprints, and the buildup occurs so slowly that it"s hard to notice. That is, until you take a quick 10 minutes to clean your TV and revel in a far more satisfying cinematic experience.
We asked a couple cleaning pros for the full rundown on how to clean TV screens of all types, including flat plasma and LCD screens, along with some common mistakes people make when cleaning their TV screens so you know exactly what to avoid.
To prevent buildup from accumulating on your TV screen, aim for a once-weekly TV cleaning. "It"s important to clean your TV screen not only to prolong its lifespan, but also to provide the clearest picture possible—smudges, dust, and fingerprints be gone," says Kathy Cohoon, a cleaning professional with Two Maids & a Mop. "It can make a big difference in the aesthetic of your TV and the picture on screen."
Power down. Before breaking out any dust cloths or cleaners, make sure your TV is off. If you want to take an additional precaution, Cohoon says you can also unplug the TV, but it"s typically not necessary for modern TVs.
Dust the screen. Dry dusting your TV is a crucial step in the cleaning process. "Removing dry debris will ensure that you don"t accidentally create scratches by scrubbing a rough piece of dirt or buildup into the screen," Cohoon says. She recommends using a microfiber or soft cloth to gently dust the entire screen. If needed, flip the cloth over (or get a second cloth) in order to completely remove all dust, pet hair, and other loose debris. You can use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the speakers and cords as well.
Use screen-safe cleaner.Spray a small amount of screen-friendly cleaning product onto a soft cloth—never directly onto the screen itself—and wipe the TV down in a methodical, back-and-forth motion. Check that the cleanser is safe for the specific type of screen you are cleaning. Repeat as necessary to remove oily areas or fingerprint smudges. Also, don"t forget to gently wipe down the top and base of the TV.
Clean smudges on the screen."For tougher spots, make sure not to apply too much pressure, especially on more delicate screens," advises Leanne Stapf, the chief operating officer for The Cleaning Authority. "If microfiber cloth spot-cleaning doesn"t work, I recommend adding a bit of warm water to the cloth and then cleaning the spot with the dampened cloth."
Dust.Use a microfiber cloth to gently wipe away loose dust, dirt, or any other debris. You may need to turn the cloth over or get a second one to adequately remove everything.
Wipe down the screen."Since these screens are a bit sturdier, you can mix equal parts rubbing alcohol and lukewarm water to create a cleaning solution," Cohoon says. "Using a small amount of solution on a soft cloth, wipe the entire screen, base, and top." Spot-clean any stubborn areas with caked-on messes or heavy fingerprints. You can also remove fingerprints by rubbing with a microfiber cloth in a circular motion.
To clean and sanitize a remote, Stapf says to simply use a disinfecting wipe to remove bacteria, germs, fingerprints, and any other residue. Make sure the cleaning wipe is damp but not soaking wet to avoid getting liquid inside the remote control. Spend some time cleaning between the buttons since gunk can easily accumulate here.
It"s also a good idea to remove the batteries first, or you can take the remote to a different room so it doesn"t inadvertently change the TV settings as you clean the buttons.
Forgetting to Dust First: "A big misstep when cleaning a TV is forgetting to dust the screen before using a cleaning agent," says Cohoon. This can lead to tiny scratches that slowly degrade picture quality.
Scrubbing Too Hard:Modern TV screens are delicate and require a gentle touch. Wiping too vigorously or using a rough cloth can damage the screen quickly.
Spraying Solution Directly Onto the TV:All wet cleaners should be sprayed onto a cloth and then wiped over the TV. Spraying directly onto the screen can create spots that are hard to remove. It also puts you at risk of damaging the speakers.
Using Non-Approved Cleaners: Using store-bought glass cleaners on OLED or LCD TV screens is a big no-no. Stapf says, "These products contain harsh ingredients like alcohol and ammonia, which can damage the panels of the screen."
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To catch every second of your favorite show and keep your TV in excellent condition, you"ll need to clean your television screen regularly so it remains dust-, dirt- and fingerprint-free. But using the wrong cleaning method like spraying your TV directly with harsh chemicals can cause permanent damage and negate any warranty that may still be in effect.
That’s why the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Cleaning and Media and Tech Labs have joined forces to recommend the safest, most effective methods and household products to clean your television screenand reveal a picture that’s brilliant to watch and totally streak-free.
No matter what type of television you have, our recommended cleaning method remains the same. All you"ll need to clean your TV screen is a dry microfiber cloth that’s designed to gently clean and remove smudges from eyeglasses, cell phones and camera lenses. Though there are thousands of microfiber cloths to choose from, our experts like Elite Tech Gear"s oversized option. It"s twelve inches square, so it’s easier to use on a large TV screen than a smaller cloth and helps you can zap away fingerprints quickly. And since it"s designed for delicate surfaces and electronics you can use it to clean your laptop and iPad once you"re done with your TV.
Here"s the best way to clean a flat-screen TV without ruining it or ending up pesky little streaks, along with some useful tips on how to scrub down all the accessories that go along with it:
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.
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.
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).
If you take a closer look at your flat screen TV, you may be surprised by all the dust, dirt, and fingerprints across the screen and on the housing. When the lights are down and you’re watching your favorite movies, it may not be so noticeable, but the truth is it affects your viewing pleasure—and your TV’s performance and life span.
Your television is a commonly missed cleaning spot, but it’s a project that should be on your monthly cleaning checklist. Let’s discuss how to clean a TV screen, the housing, and the connections for audio/video equipment.
Most of our “how-to” cleaning posts start with a list of supplies and information you need to know before you get down to business. But learning how to clean a flat screen TV is a bit different from most cleaning chores. That’s because cleaning a LCD, LED, or other flat screen TV incorrectly could shorten its lifespan, affect performance, or even cause damage.
Instead of starting with what to do, we’re going to begin our guide for how to clean a TV screen with what not to do when learning how to clean a flat screen TV.
If you don’t take certain precautions when you clean that beautiful 65” LED screen, you might be better off leaving it dirty. Here’s a list of “don’ts” that will help you learn how to clean a flat screen TV the right way:
Don’t 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.
Don’t 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.
Don’t 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>
Don’t 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.
Don’t rub the flat screen too hard or press into the screen. Flat TV screens aren’t too fragile, but they can be damaged if you press too hard when you’re cleaning.
Whether you use a commercial TV screen cleaner or mix your own, keep in mind that chemicals and moisture are hazardous to your TV. Read your TV model’s instruction manual for cleaning guidelines. If you’ve misplaced your manual, you can locate it online. Look on the back of your set to determine its model number and Google the manual for that model.
The best way to clean a TV screen is to start with a dry cleaning method. Don’t forget, keep all hands off the TV screen as the less you touch your TV screen, the better. Follow the steps below and you should be able to get rid of most dirt and grime without worrying about damage to your flat screen.
For safety and a better view of those fingerprints and dirt, don’t forget to turn off your TV before you clean it. Unplug the set for good measure. Cleaning a flat screen while it’s warm could cause streaking, residue buildup, and other problems. If you have a plasma TV, you may have to wait up to 20 minutes for it to cool down completely. When you cut the power, you also reduce the risk of any moisture coming in contact with your TV’s wiring and causing an electrical issue.
Before you clean your flat screen TV, it’s essential to remove as much dust and dirt as possible without touching the screen. That’s because even the finest dust can scratch your TV’s coatings and screen if you move it around with your cleaning cloth. Use a can of compressed air to remove as much dirt from the screen as possible. Hold the can upright, about a foot from the screen, and spray away. The blasts of air will remove electrostatic-charged dust particles and are particularly good at cleaning out the screen corners.
Lightly wipe the flat screen with a clean, dry microfiber cloth. If possible, get your hands on one of those smooth microfiber cloths used for glass and lens cleaning (like the ones that come with new eyeglasses). A gentle wiping with a microfiber cloth should get rid of most fingerprints, smudges, and grime.
Most TV screens are somewhat flexible, so it’s difficult to know how much pressure you’re using on a particular spot. Clean with a light touch using a broad wiping motion either left and right or up and down. If you make circular buffing motions, you risk creating buff marks on the surface.
If cleaning your TV with a dry microfiber cloth still leaves smudges, dirt, and fingerprints, you’re going to need more cleaning muscle. Keep reading to find out what to clean a TV screen with to get rid of tough dust and dirt.
Remember: Moisture can be deadly for flat screen TVs, so only use as much TV screen cleaner as necessary. Here’s a screen cleaner you can make at home and the tools you need for a deeper flat screen TV cleaning:
For tough grime and fingerprints on a flat screen TV, one part distilled water and one part white distilled vinegar is a safe and effective cleaning solution. Barely dampen half of a clean microfiber cloth with your screen cleaner and begin lightly wiping back and forth with broad strokes.
While it’s tempting to rub oily or grimy spots directly, remember that even light rubbing in one spot can cause buff marks. Use the dry portion of your microfiber cloth to remove excess liquid and to dry the TV screen. Let the TV dry completely before you plug it back in and turn it on.
Now that you know how to clean a TV screen, let’s move on to the rest of the package. Wipe down the housing around the screen and the base of the TV with a clean, microfiber cloth dampened with distilled water. Now, turn your TV enough to get access to the back and make sure the TV is stable before you continue cleaning.
Next up, we’re going to clean the air vents and ports. Cleaning these areas is important not only for the sake of cleanliness but also to keep your TV working properly.
The slits or holes on the back of your TV are air vents that keep it from overheating. TV vent cleaning is especially important for plasma TVs that are prone to getting very warm during operation. Your aim is to remove any buildup in your TV’s vents without pushing dirt or dust into its interior. Instead of reaching for a duster or compressed air, use your vacuum’s brush attachment or other extension and vacuum the vents clean.
Ports on a flat screen TV can be on the back, sides, or the top or bottom of the TV casing. We use these ports for HDMI cables, streaming sticks, gaming systems, external speakers, and other electronics. When dirt and dust build up in these openings, it can cause devices connected to them to malfunction.Since these openings are closed off from the inner workings of a TV, you can use compressed air to safely clean them out. Spray at an angle so you don’t push dirt further into the port and don’t put the nozzle into the port because it could damage the connection.
Learning how to clean a TV screen, the housing, vents, and ports will help your flat screen TV perform at its best. If you have remotes, other audio/video devices, and computers that could stand a scrubbing, check out our guide on cleaning and sanitizing electronics. And when you need help cleaning the rest of your home, The Maids offers flexible, affordable cleaning services for your specific cleaning needs. Get your free estimate online and learn more today.
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There’s nothing worse than turning on your favorite television show and seeing oily fingerprints peppered across the TV screen. The same goes for blurry streaks running across your favorite characters’ faces. Whether there are a hundred streaks, or only one, any smudge on your screen is an annoyance you need to fix fast. When learning how to clean a TV screen, there are several options available to you.
This article will address five of the best ways to clean your TV screen and leave it spotless! Television sets have changed drastically in the past decade or so. Many of us no longer use the old “tube TVs” and instead have newer versions made with a unique, protective coating.
This anti-glare coating on television screens means cleaning our flat-screen TVs with the same window cleaner we used on our “tube TVs” will damage the screen.
Sometimes using the appropriate cleaning cloth will do the trick, but when necessary, mild dish soaps, vinegar, and other natural cleaners used in place of harsh chemicals will leave a streak-free shine without ruining your TV screen.
The best way to clean an LED TV screen does not require using any fancy gadgets, rigorous cleaning methods, or heavy chemicals. Note that many of these tips also work to clean a computer screen or that of your laptop or iPad. These electronics require a delicate touch so that you don’t damage the screen or the internal works behind it.
Resolve simple cleaning issues by using no more than a soft cloth. Avoid using paper towels, toilet paper, or tissues to wipe down a TV since many of them contain fiber that will scratch the television screen.
Instead, use a microfiber cleaning cloth when dusting, such as those used to clean eyeglasses. These cleaning cloths may come with your television screen when you purchase it but can also be found in cleaning kits with or without glasses cleaner. These are also the best cloths to use when wiping away fingerprints and oils from your smartphone.
If the fingerprints or streaks do not disappear after dusting, do not press down or scrub at the spots on the screen. Doing this can apply pressure to the inner workings of the TV and damage the pixels in your screen. Smudges and grime that cannot be cleaned using a microfiber cleaning cloth should be cleaned using a mild screen cleaner, not elbow grease.
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.
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.
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.
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 owner’s 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.
Isopropyl alcohol is a common substitute for vinegar in cleaning solutions when vinegar is not readily available. Isopropyl alcohol also dries quickly and does not leave as pungent a smell behind as vinegar, making it preferable to the ingredient in many cases.
As a window cleaner, isopropyl alcohol delivers a beautiful, streak-free shine that will do the same for your TV screen. This method is also a fantastic way to clean your laptop screen.
So, for those of us who binge-watch our shows on a computer monitor instead of a flat-screen TV, it makes watching all your favorite shows more enjoyable.
Mix the alcohol with distilled water, and use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the TV. Most rubbing alcohols contain isopropyl alcohol, meaning you can also use it to clean your TV screens.
However, it is essential to check the ingredients on the bottle to ensure that the rubbing alcohol you are using doesn’t contain ethyl alcohol. This kind of alcohol can be as harmful to TV screens as chemicals like Windex and other window cleaners.
Either way, it is preferable to use a product with a higher grade of isopropyl alcohol. Rubbing alcohol usually only contains 70% isopropyl alcohol, while other brands may provide as much as 99% in their bottles.
For those of us with small children, or maybe clumsy adults, sticky fingerprints and residues are inevitably going to show up on our TV screens at some point. Since scrubbing the display only causes more harm than good, what can you do when regular TV screen cleaners don’t get the job done?
Citrus juices like lime, lemon, and even grapefruit seed extract, are natural degreasers and are an excellent way to break down oily or sticky messes. Essential oils are a perfect way to integrate ordinary cleaning solutions with a product that smells great!
Using the same vinegar and distilled water solution from before, add ten drops of lime or lemon essential oils into a spray bottle. Shake the contents well until they are perfectly blended. Again, be careful not to spray water, or any of the cleaning solution directly onto the TV screen.
Dry the area after removing the gooey gunk from your TV screen. The scent of the essential oils also counteracts the sour smell of the vinegar with a fresh, clean fragrance that lasts for hours.
How to clean a television screen is determined by the type of monitor you have. Older models allow you to use traditional cleaning solutions that won’t damage TV screens, where the brand new models require a gentler touch.
So, what are the different types of TV’s, and how can you tell the difference? Many households have a mix of the new and the old, so a cleaning method for one TV may not work for all of them in your home.
CRT screens, short for cathode-ray tube, were the most common television screens back in the day. These were the classic “tube-TVs” which can be cleaned using traditional glass cleaners like Windex. After the technology began to improve, plasma TVs slowly made their way onto the market.
These televisions were similar to the CRTs, except for their larger, but slightly less heavy, sizes. Most plasma screens also began using anti-glare coating, which meant cleaning them with a window cleaner would not work.
The LCD TVs and LED TVs are the newest types of TVs which have gradually made the CRT and plasma models obsolete. These TVs boast a lower energy consumption, better brightness levels, and a higher resolution than their predecessors, all of which are essential qualities in the age of HDTV.
The most significant difference between the LED and LCD TVs is their light source, which hinges solely on whether the television uses LED lighting or traditional bulbs, respectively.
There are several harsh chemicals and cleaning products to avoid when dusting your television screen, computer monitor, or even your smartphone. All of these products use relatively the same materials and are especially sensitive compared to older models.
Window cleaners, ethyl alcohol, and anything flammable should be avoided at all costs. Not only can they remove the essential coating from the surface, but they also wear down materials used to make the television and can pose serious safety hazards.
Another product to avoid is any material that might scratch the surface of the screen. These materials include paper products like tissues or paper towels but also encompasses materials like fabrics and a washcloth. Fabrics will only work if they are lint-free since lint might become trapped on the pieces of cloth and scratch the screen.
While the costs of quality TVs are now more economical, that doesn’t mean you should take risks when it comes to protecting your TV screen. How to clean a television screen is a simple solution, with quick and easy recipes for cleansers that won’t break the bank.
Taking the additional time and effort to understand how to care for your television screen properly will increase its longevity and save you unnecessary headaches in the future.
Hopefully, you enjoyed these TV screen cleaning tips as much as we enjoyed making them. If so, please share how to clean a TV screen with your fellow TV-watchers on Pinterest and Facebook.