4K.jpgI don’t know about you, but whenever I’m bitten by the cleaning bug, I’m like a woman possessed. I clean with such vigour that no dust mite, soap scum particle, or finger print can escape my wrath. There’s just something so satisfying about rolling up your sleeves to scrub and scour your home into pristine cleanliness. However, as I’ve learned the hard way, not all surfaces should be attacked the same way–especially your new 4K TV. I mean, think about it, a 4K TV display has at least 8 million active pixels, which is four times the number of pixels on a 1080p display, and over 23 times the resolution of a standard definition TV. ().  Needless to say, it deserves special care.

When cleaning your 4K TV, you should keep a few things in mind. First, you don’t want to scratch it or use anything that will damage its special optical coating. Second, you don’t want to crack the screen or damage any of its pixel elements. And lastly, you do not want to let any fluids inside. So, when cleaning it you must be as gentle as possible.

Feather Duster or Microfiber Clothmicrofiber.jpg

To rid your new 4K TV of dust, a soft, lint-free product like a simple feather duster or microfiber cloth will do the trick. Don’t be tempted to spray either with a dusting or cleaning product; just wipe the screen softly once a week and you’re set. One thing to remember though is that both feather dusters and cloths become dirty over time and can trap potentially damaging particles in their fibers, so to avoid unwanted scratches in your TV, make sure you use a clean feather duster and wash your microfiber cloths regularly.

Screen CleanerInsignia.jpg

For tougher grime, like fingerprints, or food and beverage splatter (hey, it happens), a cleaning product that is specific to LCD screens will get the job done. However, be sparse with how much cleaner you use as less is definitely more when it comes to 4K TVs. Simply spray the cleaner on to a microfiber cloth and then gently wipe the screen–do not spray the cleaner directly on the screen! You should also be sure to look for a product that is free of ethyl alcohol, ammonia, ethyl acid, acetone, toluene or methyl chloride as these can all strip the screen of its anti-glare coating.

Other Tips

  • Some resources sugMount.jpggest that when cleaning your 4K TV, or any TV for that matter, you should first turn it off, unplug it and then wait for it to cool off. Only then should you wipe it down with a clean microfiber cloth or special screen cleaner.
  • Cleaners that are not specifically formulated for TV screens can actually penetrate the screen and cause serious, irreparable problems, so don’t be tempted to use them.
  • This likely goes without saying, but make sure you’ve got a good grip on your TV before you start wiping. The last thing you want to do is accidentally knock it over and break the screen because you were attacking a dust mite a bit too aggressively.
  • Mounting your 4K TV safely is a great way to keep it out of harms way and as clean as possible. For example, I accidentally got candle wax all over my TV screen when blowing out a candle because my TV sits on a console. By mounting it safely, issues like this can be avoided. For tips on mounting your TV, check out this  .

Caring for your new 4K TV really isn’t rocket science. Use gentle products and a gentle hand, and you’ll be enjoying a crystal clear picture for many years to come. Check out all of the 4K TVs on Best Buy right now.

Stacey McGregor
Stacey McGregor is a marketing and communications professional based in Vancouver, BC. She has a passion for the written word, loves learning about new technology and gadgets, and enjoys sharing what she learns through Best Buy's Plug In blog.

3 COMMENTS

  1. That’s great advice and information @StaceyMac

    I would add that the only time I needed to use dedicated solvents to clean a screen was because the client was a very heavy smoker. Great care was needed not to put pressure on the panel itself while cleaning, along with several micro-fibre cloths and 3/4 bottle of dedicated screen cleaner. If no dedicated cleaner is available, you can use a very mild dishwashing detergent (1 drop) diluted at least 100 times, this will do well.

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