One of the best things to do at home is to relax while watching your favourite show or movie on the TV. However, a dirty TV screen can be distracting and affect the viewing experience.
Dust and fingerprints can accumulate on your TV screen over time, leaving stains and smudges that ruin your picture quality.
But cleaning a modern flat-screen TV or plasma TV screen can be a quick and easy process that doesn’t require any special equipment.
You’ll need a homemade TV screen cleaner, a spray bottle and a microfiber cloth.
How to Clean a TV Screen Without Damaging It
Step 1: Turn off and unplug the TV
Do not attempt to clean a TV screen while it’s plugged in. Turn off and unplug your TV to avoid any potential electrical shock or screen damage.
Once the TV is disconnected from the power source, you can move on to the next step.
Step 2: Gently dust the TV screen
Use a clean microfiber cloth to gently wipe away surface dust and dirt from your TV screen. Professional cleaners recommend using a dry cloth to remove the dust and dirt.
Paper towels or toilet tissue are not ideal for cleaning your TV screen; they can scratch and leave behind unwanted streaks.
Step 3: Clean your TV screen
Once you’ve dusted your screen, it’s time to clean it. There are several methods you can use to clean modern TVs, depending on the type of TV screen you have.
Glass TV screens, plasma screens, LCD Screens:
If your TV screen is made of glass, you can use a solution of equal parts distilled water and white vinegar to clean it. Simply mix the solution in a spray bottle and spray it onto your microfiber cloth.
Then, gently wipe the entire screen in a circular motion. Avoid spraying the solution directly onto the screen, as this can cause damage.
Plastic TV screens:
If your TV screen is made of plastic, do not use cleaning solutions that contain alcohol or ammonia, as these can damage the screen.
- Mix a few drops of dish soap with water in a spray bottle, then spray the solution onto your microfiber cloth.
- Gently wipe the screen in a circular motion, then dry it with a clean microfiber cloth.
Flat-screen TVs:
For flat-screen TVs, you should avoid using cleaning solutions containing alcohol or ammonia, as these can damage the screen.
- Mix the distilled water and vinegar in equal parts in a spray bottle.
- Spray the solution onto a microfiber cloth until damp but not wet.
- Gently wipe the screen in a circular motion, starting from the top of the screen and moving downwards.
- Be careful not to press too hard on the screen, as this can damage it.
- Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe away any remaining moisture on the screen gently.
Step 4: Use a screen cleaning solution to remove smudges
You can use a screen cleaning solution if your TV screen has hard-to-remove stains or fingerprint smudges. Choose a cleaning product specifically designed for TV screens to prevent any damage.
For glass screens:
If you have a tough stain on your glass TV screen, use a solution of equal parts water and rubbing alcohol (70% isopropyl).
Spray the solution onto your microfiber cloth and gently wipe the stain in a circular motion. Then, dry the screen gently with a clean microfiber cloth.
For plastic TV screens:
If you have a tough stain on your plastic screen, you can use a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar.
Spray the solution onto your microfiber cleaning cloths and gently wipe the stain in a circular motion. Then, dry the screen with a clean microfiber cloth.
Step 5: Clean the bezel and rear
Once you have cleaned the screen, use another microfiber cloth to clean the bezel and the rear of the TV.
Be gentle when wiping the bezel, and avoid pressing too hard on any buttons or ports on the TV too hard.
Step 6: Allow the TV to dry
After cleaning your TV, let the screen dry completely before turning it back on.
Do not use a hairdryer or other drying equipment to dry your TV, as it can damage your screen.
Tips on How to Clean TV Screens Without Streaks
Use a microfiber cloth
A microfiber cloth is the best way to wipe down your TV. These cloths are gentle on the TV screen and won’t scratch or smear it.
You can get microfiber cloths at your local supermarket or electronic store. Make sure the microfiber cloth is clean and has no dirt particles, as this could scratch your TV screen.
Don’t use traditional cleaning products
It’s easy to think that water can clean anything, but that’s not true with TV screens.
Ditch the cleaning product containing alcohol, ammonia, or abrasive chemicals, as they can strip the TV screen of its protective finish and cause damage.
We recommend using a microfiber cloth with a spritz of distilled water and white vinegar.
Use a gentle touch
With your damp microfiber cloth, gently wipe the screen in a circular motion.
Do not press too hard on the screen or use sharp objects, such as a credit card, to remove stubborn stains, as they can leave permanent scratches on the screen.
You can use a dry microfiber cloth to remove any excess moisture from the screen and avoid any streaks.
FAQs
How often should you clean a TV Screen?
How often you should clean your TV screen depends on a few factors, such as how often you use your TV and how dirty the environment is around it.
Here are some general guidelines to follow:
- Clean your TV screen once a month: If you use your TV regularly and the environment around it is prone to dust and dirt, it’s a good idea to clean it once a month.
- Clean your TV screen every three months: If you don’t use your TV as often or if the environment around it is relatively clean, you can clean it every three months.
- Clean your TV screen when it appears dirty: If you notice that your TV screen has become dirty or smudged, it’s a good idea to clean it right away.
What kind of cleaning solution is safe to use on my TV screen?
It’s best to stick to a mild cleaning solution, such as distilled water or isopropyl alcohol.
Also, don’t spray or pour the solution directly onto your screen! Dampen a microfiber cloth and wipe your TV screen carefully.
Can I use window cleaner to clean my TV screen?
No, it is not recommended to use window cleaner to clean your TV screen.
Window cleaners often contain chemicals that can damage the delicate surface of your TV screen, causing it to become scratched, discoloured or damaged.
A Crystal Clear Cleaning Process
Now that you know how to clean a TV screen, you can enjoy watching your favourite shows without a fuss.
Always use a microfiber cloth and gentle pressure when cleaning the screen. Also, avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage the surface.
