How to Clean a TV Screen: A Simple Guide to a Streak-Free Viewing
If you're anything like us, you spend a lot of time watching TV and don't spend that much time cleaning your TV. But let's be honest. If you want to keep your TV looking good, it's essential to clean the TV screens regularly.
So how do you clean a TV screen? We've got the scoop on what kind of cleaning product works best and how often you should clean it for it to be effective.
Your TV screen is an essential part of your home entertainment system. It's where you spend most of your time watching the games and movies that make it worth paying for cable.
We all want to keep our TV screens clear and pristine. But between kids, pets, and the fact we don't all have a maid or a house cleaning service, it can be challenging to keep your TV looking as good as it did when you bought it.
A dirty, smudge TV screen is more than just unsightly. It can ruin your viewing experience. So here's how to clean a TV screen so that you can enjoy all those thrilling moments.
Follow these simple tips and tricks to help clean your TV screen and ensure it stays clean for years.
What You'll Need
Instructions:
How to Clean OLED, QLED, LCD, LED, & Flat Plasma TV Screens
Most of you have an OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode), QLED (Quantum dot LED), LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), or LED TV in your home. These currently rule the television business, so that is not surprising.
While picture quality and construction vary, the method for cleaning a modern TV remains the same.
1. Turn Your TV Off
Make sure your TV is off before getting any cloth or cleaner out.
You should unplug the TV if you wish to take extra precautions, but contemporary TVs usually don't require it.
2. Dust the TV Screen
A critical step in cleaning your TV is to dry dust it. Removing any dry material can prevent accidentally scratching the screen by rubbing a piece of dust or dirt into it.
Modern screens can be easily damaged and can be sensitive to pressure. Whether your screen is LCD, OLED, or plasma, we advise gently dusting the entire surface with a microfiber or soft cloth. Because microfiber cloth is made of excellent fibers, it gently exerts a force on the screen and lessens the likelihood of scratching or other damage.
Flip the towel over or get a second microfiber cloth to remove dust, pet hair, and other loose debris if necessary.
3. Use a Screen-Safe Cleaning Solution
Use a soft cloth and a tiny amount of TV screen cleaner that is safe enough not to damage or scratch the screen. Use the fabric with a cleaning solution to gently wipe the TV down in a back-and-forth motion.
Avoid spraying directly on the screen to prevent harming any internal components. Ensure the cleaner is appropriate for the particular screen you are cleaning. To get rid of grease stains or fingerprint smudges, repeat as necessary. Remember to clean the TV's base and top thoroughly.
4. Wipe the Streaks on the Screen
Avoid applying too much pressure to more problematic places and susceptible screens. If using a microfiber cloth to wipe a spot doesn't work, we advise adding warm water to the fabric before cleaning the area.
Cleaning in even, slightly overlapping sweeps, either horizontally or vertically, is advised to prevent streaks. Then use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe the screen once more to remove the smudge and any remaining residue.
Clean the TV cabinet to prevent dust from obstructing speakers and ports. The dusting brush on your vacuum can also be used for this.
5. Let the Screen Dry Completely
Wait until the entire screen has wholly dried before turning the appliance back on. It should take up to 15 minutes to let it dry.
How to Clean Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) TV Screens
The cleaning methods above can be used to clean older tube TVs with a few modifications.
1. Switch off Your TV
It's essential to disconnect your CRT TV or any old-school TV before cleaning it for your safety's sake.
2. Dust the TV Screen
Use a microfiber cloth to remove loose dust, grime, or debris. To completely wipe everything, you should flip the fabric over or acquire a second one.
3. Wipe Down the Screen With a Microfiber Cloth
You can make a cleaning solution by combining rubbing alcohol and lukewarm water in equal parts because these screens are a little more durable. Wipe the TV screen, base, and top with a small solution on a microfiber cloth.
Spot-clean any difficult spots with thick fingerprints on caked-on filth. Using a microfiber cloth and rubbing in a circular motion will also eliminate fingerprints.
4. Air Dry Completely
Your TV should completely air dry after cleaning it before being turned back on. It should only take 15 minutes to do this.
How to Clean a TV Remote Control
Use a disinfectant wipe to easily clean and sanitize the remote control by wiping away dirt, grime, fingerprints, and other debris. To prevent getting liquid into the remote control, make sure the cleaning wipe is damp but not drenched. Since dirt can readily collect between the buttons, take your time cleaning there.
Taking the batteries out of the remote before cleaning the buttons is also a good idea, or you could move it to a different room. It will prevent accidental changes to the TV's settings.
How to Dust the Speaker
If you have external speakers, they're likely accumulating dust, which might cause muffled or distorted sound. If the fabric covers on your speakers are removable, remove them and use the upholstery tool to vacuum both sides. If not, clean the front.
To effectively de-fuzz your speakers, a lint roller can be used. You can use your moist microfiber cloth or towel to clean your speaker covers if they are made of a rigid material rather than fabric.
Enjoy Watching on Your Streak-Free TV!
There you have it— a simple guide to a streak-free viewing experience. Whether you're looking for a way to keep your TV screen clean in between professional cleanings or reduce the time you spend cleaning, these tips are sure to help.
We hope you've enjoyed this guide to cleaning your TV screen. It's an essential part of maintaining your TV and keeping it in good working order, so remember these tips and make sure to take care of your TV.
Check out our ultimate bedroom cleaning guide for helpful tips and tricks to make your bedroom an oasis.
FAQs
Is it safe to use Windex to clean a TV?
No, it is not safe to clean your TV with Windex. Alcohol, ammonia, and lauramine oxide are harsh chemicals in window cleaners that can harm LCD and OLED Panels. Because old-school CRT TVs could withstand Windex due in part to their glass screens, consumers sometimes assume that surface cleaners are still safe for TVs. However, today, the better option is to use less liquid.
How often should you clean a TV screen?
Strive for a once-a-week TV cleaning to avoid debris from forming on your TV screen. Cleaning your TV screen can extend its life and ensure the display is as clear and free of smudges, dust, or fingerprints as possible. The aesthetics of your TV and the image displayed on it can change significantly as a result.
Why is your TV screen smeared?
Thin glass sheets are used to make modern TV screens, which are frequently given special coatings that can be damaged if they are not cleaned properly. Use sensible, electronics-safe cleaning solutions to restore a TV screen that has been smudged to keep your investment safe.
What products should you not use to clean TV screens?
It would be best if you did not use soap, window cleaner, scouring powder, or cleanser containing solvents like alcohol, benzene, ammonia, or paint thinner on your flat-screen TVs. Never use paper towels or abrasive pads. If you do, you risk leaving your screen with permanent damage by scratching it or removing the anti-glare coating.
