How to Clean a TV Screen

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Updated February 13, 2023
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Difficulty Easy
Steps 3
Time Required 10 minutes
Sections
Things to Know

Did you know that an average U.S consumer spends 238 minutes watching TV in a day? Flat-screen Televisions are now more affordable than ever. Therefore, keeping it clean of streaks, dust buildup, and smudges can help it last for many years. Cleaning a TV screen is perhaps the most neglected task for most TV owners as soon as they get the best TV available. After all, you only need Windex, right? Wrong! Modern flat-screen TVs come with a special coating that can get ruined if cleaned with strong surface cleaners. Fortunately for you, we’ve outlined a step-by-step guideline on how to clean a TV screen at home.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Modern TVs come with a special coating that can get ruined if cleaned with strong surface cleaners.
  • With time, the gathered-up dust will affect the quality of images causing them to appear distorted or dull.
  • Before you begin cleaning your Television screen, it’s always best to read the owner’s manual.

What You’ll Need to Clean a TV Screen

Today’s Television sets are delicate, and won’t be able to handle traditional wet cleaning. You’ll also want to make sure that you don’t spray the cleaning liquid directly on your TV screen. Doing so can damage the screen and is also an electric fire hazard. Before you begin cleaning your Television screen, it’s always best to read the owner’s manual. The booklet will have a specific section to help you clean your TV screen properly. Also, the manufacturer knows best how to clean your Television screen.

To keep the surface of the TV screen as good as new, you’ll need the following:

A microfiber or a dry soft piece of cloth, a bowl of distilled water, mild dish soap, spray bottle, and a bowl of white vinegar.

STEP 1

First, you’ll need to turn off your TV before you attempt cleaning (either manually or with the remote control). Remove any cables to avoid damage as water may easily spill on the cable that connects a tablet to a TV. Also, it’s much easier to spot dirt and dust when the TV screen is off. It also gives the Television a chance to cool down. It is also essential to note that warm TV screens are hard to clean.

STEP 2

Next, with a lint-free dry cloth, begin to gently wipe the screen in a circular motion. It’s important to be careful since scrubbing the TV screen too hard could cause the liquid crystals inside to be damaged. Do not use paper towels to clean your TV screen, their rough surface leaves behind residue and scratches.

STEP 3

If you have tough stains, use a wet cloth. Add a drop of dishwashing soap to one-fourth of the water and mix. Apply it onto a soft cloth. Wipe the stain away gently, then re-wipe it with a dry microfiber cloth. You can also use a store-bought cleaning solution or a dedicated TV cleaning kit designed for cleaning these delicate screens.

It is not recommended to clean TV screens using window cleaner. Many window cleaners contain harsh chemicals and solvents that can damage the delicate surface of a TV screen. The last thing you need is permanent damage using harsh cleaning methods and harmful chemicals.

If after you have cleaned your screen, the picture still isn’t as nice as it should be, you may have other problems. We have great guides you can check out to fix many of these problems such as how to fix the backlight as well as if your TV has a black screen. Alternatively, we also have a great article on how to adjust the TV picture to fit the screen. And if you are a traveler and love exploring the open road in your RV, you may want to get on the top TVs for RVs to ensure you can stay caught up on your favorite shows.

STAT: Based on estimates, there were 120.6 million TV homes in the U.S between 2019 and 2020. While this number is constantly rising, Pay-TV is becoming less popular. In 2019, Pay-TV was pegged at 75%, it’s made a 10% drop by 2021 (source)

Importance of Cleaning Your TV Screen

It is not enough to just calibrate a TV and assume everything will be fine. Dust and debris easily collect on your TV screen due to static electricity too. With time, the gathered-up dust will affect the quality of images causing them to appear distorted or dull.

Airborne particles such as clamp and dust are capable of damaging your TV screen if ignored. Therefore, keeping your TV screen clean also helps prolong its life. Regularly cleaning your TV screen will also help protect other vulnerable components of your Television.

F.A.Q.S

Why is cleaning my TV screen important?

Airborne particles such as clamp and dust are capable of damaging your TV screen if ignored. Therefore, keeping your TV screen clean also helps prolong its life. Regularly cleaning your TV screen will also help protect other vulnerable components of your Television.


Why can’t I use paper towels to clean my TV screen?

Do not use paper towels to clean your TV screen, their rough surface leaves behind residue and scratches.


What is the best way to clean my TV screen?

With a lint-free dry cloth, begin to gently wipe the screen in a circular motion. It’s important to be careful since scrubbing the TV screen too hard could cause the liquid crystals inside to be damaged.


Will dust damage my TV screen?

Dust and debris easily collect on your TV screen due to static electricity. With time, the gathered-up dust will affect the quality of images causing them to appear distorted or dull.

Can I use any surface cleaner to clean my TV screen?

Modern TVs come with a special coating that can get ruined if cleaned with strong surface cleaners.



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