Flat-screen TVs can be expensive, so knowing how to clean them is essential. Neglecting to use the correct cleaning method could damage your TV.
Window cleaners containing alcohol and ammonia can permanently discolor your TV screen, so avoid these chemicals. Instead, use a solution of mild dish soap highly diluted with water and applied directly onto the cloth rather than the TV itself.
1. Turn It Off
Whether you own a plasma, LCD, or LED TV, it’s essential to know how to clean them effectively to enjoy all of your shows to the fullest. If you’ve never cleaned a television before, be wary of using harsh cleaning chemicals that could damage the display.
The initial step in cleaning your television is to turn it off and unplug it. Doing this makes detecting smudges or residue that could otherwise go undetected easier.
Next, use a dry microfiber cloth free from tack to gently wipe away dust and debris from your screen’s surface. Make gentle circular motions without too much pressure, which could damage it.
If your flat screen has become discolored, a drop of dish soap mixed with one-fourth cup of water on a soft cloth will help remove dirt and oily marks that may have been left behind from fingerprints or food fights.
2. Use a Microfiber Cloth
Microfiber cloths are thin, finely-woven fabrics for cleaning various objects and surfaces. They’re the ideal tool to remove dust and dirt from flat-screen televisions since they absorb water, sweat, and other pollutants without scratching or damaging the screen.
Microfiber cloths are ideal for getting rid of fingerprints and other smudges. High-quality microfiber cloths are made from a unique blend of polyester, and nylon spun into fibers 20 times smaller than regular cloths.
Microfiber cloth cleaning a TV is easy, non-technical, and without special tools or chemicals. You can use distilled water or any safe cleaning solution suitable for your television set; however, avoid products containing harsh chemicals like alcohol and ammonia, as these may damage the screen’s antiglare coating or discolor images.
3. Moisten the Cloth with Distilled Water
Microfiber cloths not dampened with distilled water before use may allow moisture to seep into the seal around your TV’s screen and damage it.
Distilled water is the safest option because it lacks any chemicals, minerals, or substances that could damage your equipment. But if you don’t have access to distilled water, tap water can also be used for this step.
Once dampened with distilled water, use the cloth to wipe across your television screen in a circular pattern gently. Be patient – this may take multiple passes to clean the entire surface thoroughly.
Add a drop of dish soap to your distilled water and wipe your screen several times with this solution for stubborn smudges. Finally, switch to using a dry cloth to complete the job.
4. Wipe It Down
Maintaining your flat-screen TV is expensive, so it is essential to keep it looking its best. Over time, dust, smudges, and fingerprints can build up on the surface of your television set. To prevent this from happening, regularly clean and polish it for optimal performance and appearance.
A soft cloth, such as the microfiber ones with eyeglasses, works best to clean your TV screen. Be gentle when moving it around in circular motions to prevent scratching the display.
When using a cleaner for your TV screen, opt for one made explicitly for that type (LED, LCD, or OLED). Avoid alcohol-based cleaners like Windex and cleansers that contain ammonia or acetone, as these can damage the protective coatings on the screens.
Another option is to mix a drop of dish soap into one-fourth cup of water and dampen the screen with this solution. This could effectively remove fingerprints and food splatters from your TV screen, especially if your kids are rough with their hands.
