How to clean your TV screen properly

A new TV can be a significant investment. That’s why it’s so important to be aware of the best way to care for and maintain your purchase—which includes knowing how to clean your TV screen properly. Whether your TV is brand new or already a few years into service, proper screen care will help ensure that you may continue to enjoy it for many more years to come!

Proper methods for keeping a clean screen

In an effort to keep things tidy, the temptation to dispel dust and grime with whatever cleaning products are close at hand can be difficult to dismiss. When it comes to your television, there are a number of pitfalls to avoid if you want to ensure the best results while simultaneously protecting against unfortunate mishaps. Knowing the difference between good and bad screen care habits will help keep your screen pristine.

Best practices for TV screen maintenance

Caring for your television shouldn’t be a daunting task. Taking into consideration just a few simple tips and rules can make learning to clean your TV screen a breeze. Follow these guidelines and you’e sure to have a clean and clear viewing experience time and time again.

• Unplug your TV prior to cleaning, and let it cool down a bit if necessary. Heat, static, and electricity are all enemies of a proper screen cleaning. Taking the time for suitable preparation will pay off in the long run.
• Choose a soft microfiber cloth, and start with a dry wipe. A dry cloth should be enough to remove most dust and debris, so its best to avoid introducing a wet cleaning solution to the mix until it’s actually necessary.
• For more difficult substances, wet the cloth with distilled water or an alcohol/ammonia-free screen cleaner. Use side-to-side or up-and-down movements to avoid swirling streaks, and go over the area again with a dry cloth to remove any lingering residue.

What to avoid when cleaning your TV

Not all screens are created equal. For example, LCD screens are very sensitive and prone to scratching, more so than the glass surface of a plasma panel. Nevertheless, these “don’ts” are still sage advise regardless of what type of screen you have.

• Avoid using Windex or other common household products to clean your TV screen. These cleaners are fine for windows or other durable surfaces—however, they contain harmful chemicals such as ammonia and alcohol which can have severe adverse effects on your TV, in particular to the special coating that most manufacturers apply to TV screens.
• Stay away from products like paper towels or household dish cloths. Remember, these materials are again designed to get tough stains out of much more durable surfaces. Their coarser compositions can cause scratches when used to clean your TV.
• Press lightly when applying the cloth to the screen. Pressing too hard can damage both the screen itself as well as the components inside your TV. For more stubborn stains, exercise patience and re-apply more cleaning solution over time if necessary.

Clean your TV screen with confidence and ease by following these simple recommendations

By adhering to a few easy suggestions and avoiding the standard trappings that many TV owners are unfortunately unaware of, you can keep your picture looking fantastic and prolong the life of your television for many years. Remember, if you are still unsure on the best method to keep your own TV screen clean, be sure to consult the owner’s manual for even more helpful tips and advice.