how to clean a lcd screen without streaks free sample

When it comes to cleaning, flat-screen TVs and LCD screens require special care and a gentle touch. With the wrong technique, you can easily scratch the screen or damage the surface"s antiglare coating. Even rubbing too hard can cause pixels (the tiny dots that compose images on computer monitors and TV screens) to burn out and stop working permanently. Most household cleaning products are too harsh to use on electronic devices with LCD or OLED screens, so choose your TV cleaning strategy carefully. These tips on how to clean a TV screen will help protect your device while ridding it of dust, smudges, fingerprints, and streaks.

Before you begin cleaning a TV or LCD monitor screen, check the manufacturer"s manual for cleaning instructions. If a computer or electronic wipe is recommended, purchase a container for quick cleanups. Note that using a cleaning product or method not recommended by the manufacturer will likely void a product"s warranty. It"s also important to avoid spraying liquid on the screen when cleaning a TV. Liquids can drip into the frame, get wicked inside the screen, and cause permanent damage.

If streaks or stains remain, wet a microfiber cloth with distilled water and wring the cloth until it"s almost dry. With very little pressure, wipe the cloth across the screen in broad motions, working from the top of the screen to the bottom. If smudges persist, dampen a new microfiber cloth with 50-50 water and vinegar solution, wringing it tightly to keep it slightly damp, and wipe.

To avoid damage to your TV while cleaning, only use gentle products. Never wipe the screen with paper towels, abrasive sponges, or coarsely woven rags, which can cause scratches. Instead, use high-quality, finely woven microfiber cloths to clean TV screens, recommends cleaning expert Leslie Reichert.

You should also avoid cleaning products that contain alcohol or ammonia. These types of cleaners can remove antiglare coatings and cause images to become cloudy or distorted. A simple swipe with a microfiber cloth ($9 for 5, Amazon) is typically all that"s needed to remove dust and other debris from the screen"s surface. When more than a light dusting is required, however, use the guidelines below for the best way to clean a TV.

Practice preventative measures so you won"t have to clean TV screens often. Keep food, drinks, and kids away from TV and computer screens to eradicate risks of messy splatters and fingerprint smudges. During your weekly house cleaning, lightly dust the screens with a microfiber cloth to prevent dust buildup.

How do TVs get so gross? And we"re not just talking about having kids and their inevitable little fingerprints all over the screen — flat screen TVs are just one of those things that you clean time and time again, but for whatever reason, they only look worse with each swipe of a cloth. They"re a major dust magnet, prone to streaks, and a major frustration to clean. It"s not like you"re grabbing your TV hands-on 24-7 — duh, that"s what a remote is for! — so what gives?

Whether you have an LCD or an OLED model, you"ve likely dealt with a few horrible streaks here and there (or honestly, all over) when you sit down to enjoy a night of Netflix and ice cream. As fabulous as these new, ultra HD or 4K TVs look with all the lights shut off, any tiny bit of glare is sure to shine a light on the streaks you"ve been dancing around for months. Don"t press "power off" on tackling this problem just yet, though — we"re here to break down how to clean your finicky flat screen of streaks for good. Here are the tools you"ll need.

Before attempting to clean your TV, you should always take a quick peek at the instruction manual first. If you got rid of the manual or don"t know where it is, a simple online search for the exact model should result in being able to easily download it.

There may very well be important information regarding what you should or should not be using to clean your specific flat screen TV. What can work for a QLED screen may not be the best for a LED, a plasma screen, and so on. So it"s very important to know what the manufacturer instructions are ahead of using anything to clean the screen.

If you"re thinking of skipping this step, you might want to reconsider. According to Better Homes & Gardens, if you attempt to use a product or process that isn"t approved by the manufacturer, then it could make the TV"s warranty invalid.

No matter the method you pick to tackle the streaks on your flat screen TV, this is a crucial step to avoid any streaks. If you use any sort of liquid, even just dampened on a gentle cloth, you"re going to end up with a streaky cleaning job if you keep the TV on.

LCD screens produce heat when turned on. Even though it"s a low level of heat that won"t hurt you, cleaning a warm surface is a recipe for disaster — one wrong swipe or too much pressure in one area over another could leave a mark, and the added heat certainly won"t help get rid of it (via Digital Innovations). Regardless of whether your next step involves a DIY dish soap mixture or just plain old water, always make sure to unplug your TV and let the flat screen cool first to avoid a streaky finish.

This may seem obvious, but it has to be said, since there"s an expensive TV at stake here: Electronics and liquid don"t play too well together. While there are some options that may help you get your screen streak-free, the best place to start is always with a dry, clean cloth.

Even if your TV looks like it needs some major TLC, a lint-free cloth (preferably microfiber) or feather duster may be just enough to do the trick, claims Real Simple. Whatever you do, definitely skip the paper towels, since those might scratch the surface — and the only thing worse than a streak on a TV is a permanent scratch.

Simply unplug the TV and give the screen a gentle wipe down. You don"t want to apply too much pressure, because you"ll risk damaging the hardware. Use just enough force to remove the dust and debris from the screen, and you should be left with a clean, streak-free result that"s ready for your next binge-watching session.

If you"ve already attempted to clean your TV screen with some sort of cleaner, then there are probably some existing streaks you need to take care of. While a dry microfiber cloth is key to regular maintenance, it may not be powerful enough to remove any stubborn streaks from those previous misguided attempts at giving it a good clean. Luckily, you don"t have to go too far — all you need is another cloth and some distilled water.

HelloTech says the key to a flawless flat screen is simple: Start with a dry microfiber cloth, wiping in gentle, circular motions. Then, spray another clean lint-free cloth with water. You don"t want it to be oversaturated, and you definitely don"t want to spray the water directly on the screen, since that could fry the internals of your TV. Get the cloth just damp enough and wipe the streaks away for good, then follow up with the dry cloth again to finish things off.

According to Digital Innovations, ammonia-based cleaners can wreak havoc on your flat screen TV. Ironically enough, people used to regularly use Windex to wipe down their old school TVs back in the day, but the popular window cleaner can actually degrade the protective layer of LCD flat screen TVs. Better to be safe than sorry!

Instead of harsh cleaners, mix up a 50-50 ratio of distilled water and white vinegar for a deeper clean. The Kitchn recommends combining the two in a spray bottle, then giving a spritz onto a lint-free cloth. Wipe down the flat screen in an S-shaped pattern to avoid any more streaks, then give it another pass with a dry cloth. This will stop the at-home vinegar mixture from sticking behind on the screen, and inevitably forming those unsightly water spots.

A tiny bit of isopropyl alcohol is about as harsh as you should get when it comes time to cleaning your flat screen TV, and that"s saying something, considering it"s not all that heavy-duty.

But if you"re faced with some utterly annoying streaks front and center on your TV before the big game, this easy method may save your viewing party. Start with an equal amount of water and isopropyl alcohol and mix the two, then apply it directly to an anti-static cloth. Be sure to wring out any excess liquid so that you aren"t over-saturating the TV.

If that doesn"t quite do the trick, Techwalla says it"s safe to step up the game a bit and opt for 100% isopropyl alcohol instead — no water necessary to dilute it. It"s a common fix for smudged device screens beyond just the TV: your phone, your laptop, you name it! Once you"re done, give the TV another gentle wipe with the plain water to get rid of any residue from the alcohol, then dry it with a clean cloth. You should be ready to watch kickoff without a single streak in sight!

Believe it or not, but Panasonic, one of the most popular electronics companies out there, used to tout a very interesting recommendation for stuck-on streaks: Dish soap.

According to Consumer Reports, the brand has said that the key to eliminating pesky streaks — after you"ve exhausted all other options — is a 100:1 ratio of water and dish soap. That means barely any soap at all, since the bubbles could get out of hand quickly, and leave you with a damaged device.

Always, always, always apply the cleaning solution to a gentle cloth first, then wipe down the screen. The last thing you want to do is spray the DIY cleaner onto the TV directly, since it"s crucial that you control the amount of soap and water used. Double-check that the dish soap you"re using does not contain ammonia or any abrasive chemicals or particles — if not, you should be in the clear to get cleaning.

Another foolproof way to get your flat screen looking fresh out of the box again is to invest in a specialty cleaning kit. Most TV manufacturers don"t recommend springing for harsh cleaners since they can damage the surface of LCD and OLED TVs, but some maintenance kits are created with those exact TV specs in mind.

ScreenDr is one popular choice among Amazon shoppers, averaging nearly five stars over almost 1,000 reviews. The kit costs just under $20 and comes with a soft microfiber cloth and designated TV screen cleaner. The cleaner is reportedly made from an "advanced, streak-free formula," and shoppers seem to support that claim. The only catch? It"s probably still mostly water — according to HelloTech, most are 99% water, since that"s truly the best thing for the job.

If you spring for a different TV screen cleaner, always double-check the ingredients before applying. HelloTech warns that benzene and acetone can permanently discolor your screen, which is substantially worse to deal with than the average smear or streak.

In lieu of a lint-free cloth, another simple method to try to clean your flat screen TV is using an electrostatic duster. According to Reader"s Digest, dusters are the next best alternative to microfiber cloths. They advise against using paper towels at any cost as they can leave lint behind on the screen.

Electrostatic dusters work the way they sound; they use static electricity to attract dust away from the surface and onto the duster instead. Using one on electronics, such as the TV, can be especially powerful in getting rid of the unwanted dust. Most are easy to wash by stirring the feathers in warm water and letting it dry.

If you don"t currently have a specific electronic duster on hand, a Swiffer duster can serve as an excellent alternative. Be sure to avoid heavy pressure when using either type of duster on your TV screen. Just a light touch should do the trick.

For a particularly tough to get out spot on your flat screen TV, try using a wipe that is designed specifically to be safe for electronics. They"re easy to find, particularly in any office supply or electronics stores and easy to store in your TV console for easy reach.

They might not, however, be the best method for you if you own a plasma TV. Good Housekeeping warns that even though the screen is glass, there is an anti-glare layer that doesn"t do well with wet cleaning products. They advise that you stick to dry methods such as a cloth or a duster to clean a plasma screen TV.

Electronic wipes are not only good for getting smudges off of your TV, but they are also safe to use on most other electronic devices that we touch often. Anything from our phones to our tablets can benefit from using wipes to keep them sanitized and clean.

Modern TVs are becoming clearer and crisper every day. That means that in order to get the most out of your TV, you’ll want to keep it as clean as possible. But flat screen TVs are notoriously difficult to keep clean.

If you’re looking to find a way to clean your flat screen TV without streaks, then keep reading. We’ll cover all the dos and don’ts of streak-free TV screen cleaning.

You’re looking to clean your TV and leave it streak-free. But before we get into cleaning a TV, we should go over some things you should avoid when cleaning your TV.

As tempted as you may be to spray LCD cleaning spray or distilled water directly on the screen, you should avoid doing this. Spraying liquid at a TV can cause the liquid to run down and get trapped in the bezel of the TV.

This can allow moisture to reach critical components inside the TV, or become trapped in between layers of the screen, resulting in embedded marks in the screen or electrical component damage.

If you have to resort to using liquids to clean your TV, you might have a bit of a mess. However, no matter what substance is on your TV, you’ll want to take care not to press too hard when you’re cleaning it. Pressing too hard on a TV screen can cause anything from temporary distortion to broken LCD cells.

Instead, continue to apply even pressure and continue to buff out stubborn spots until you’ve conquered the mess. And remember, you may need extra microfiber cloths to help wipe away residue while there is still moisture on the screen’s surface.

You might be tempted to reach for the Windex, or whatever other cleaner you have on hand. But household cleaners often contain alcohol, ammonia, and other harmful chemicals that can damage your screen.

The damage may not be apparent immediately, and if you’ve accidentally cleaned the TV with these types of cleaners, you should be alright. However, repeated use can cause damage to the screen’s anti-reflective layer and other coatings on the screen.

Depending on whom you ask, vinegar could be lumped in with household cleaners. But we make special mention of this because the Internet seems infatuated with vinegar. From cleaning nearly every surface in your home, to purportedly being able to bust drain clogs, this mild acid is treated as a panacea for all things cleaning.

However, because vinegar is an acid, it could cause long-term damage to your TV screen, particularly the anti-reflective layer of your screen. Unless your TV manufacturer recommends using vinegar to clean your screen, then it’s best to just avoid it and use distilled water or screen cleaner.

With household chemicals and the Internet’s favorite natural cleaner scratched off the list, you’re left with water. But as innocuous as it may seem, you should avoid using regular tap water to clean your screen as well.

Thanks to the minerals in tap water, using it can lead to streaking and micro scratches on your screen that can cause long-term damage. Instead, use distilled water, since it’s devoid of anything but pure, unadulterated water.

Products like paper towels and tissues should also be avoided, since they contain tiny wood fibers that can create micro scratches. And while they may not be immediately visible, these scratches can cause surface damage over time, leaving dull spots and permanent streaks.

If you want to clean your flat screen TV without leaving any streaks behind, then you’ll want to keep things simple. We’ll cover different ways to clean it based on different levels of mess, from simple dust to stuck-on grime.

If your TV is just a little dusty, then good news! A can of compressed air and a microfiber duster or cloth should be more than sufficient for getting your TV clean again.

Start with the compressed air first, as you’ll want to avoid physical contact with the TV as much as possible to prevent accidental scratches or fingerprints. If compressed air isn’t enough alone, then use a microfiber duster (or cloth, if you don’t have a duster on hand) to wipe any remaining dust off the TV.

Ideally, the only thing you should have to clean off of your TV is dust. But sometimes, you need something more than air and a dry cloth. In that case, try using distilled water and a microfiber cloth.

Start by spraying the microfiber cloth lightly enough to only slightly dampen it. If you can wring liquid out of the cloth, then you’re using too much water.

With your lightly-dampened microfiber cloth, gently wipe or buff the dirty spots you’re trying to clean. Then you’ll want to follow up with dry cloth in order to dry any excess moisture on the screen.

Whether you have kids at home, or you just had a messy and unfortunate accident, sometimes TV screens can end up with things on them that really don’t belong. And if you’ve tried distilled water, and you still can’t get the mess off your screen, then you may need to resort to using an LCD screen cleaning kit.

Sure, you could try other at-home remedies you find on the Internet to combat sticky, greasy grime on a TV screen. But you also run the risk of damaging your TV.

Instead, buying a quality screen cleaning kit is the way to go. Companies that make these kits have a vested interest in not ruining your TV, and you have the benefit of online reviews to help you avoid potentially harmful products.

The television screen is what everyone sees first, but don’t forget these other key areas, not to mention the area around your unit. “It can also help to clean the furniture and carpets around the TV to prevent dust and hair from getting into it,” says Williams.

The remote control is handled regularly. This is the one time when harsh chemicals can be used sparingly. Follow the manufacturer owner’s manual instructions first, but if sanitizing is needed, use a cleaner that’s at least 70 percent alcohol, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations. (Basic drugstore isopropyl alcohol works well for this.)

Start the remote control cleaning by removing the batteries. As with the TV screen recommendations, you’ll want to avoid spraying directly onto the surface, as this could cause the device to malfunction. Dampen a clean microfiber cloth and rub gently on the top and the underside of the remote control. For hard-to-reach gunk that’s jammed between the buttons, try a cotton swab dipped in a small amount of the cleaning solution. Make sure to let it dry thoroughly before replacing the batteries and using it again.

When figuring out how to clean a TV screen, selecting the safest cleaning solution is key, but it’s also important to know what cleaning products to avoid. Keep in mind that not only should you skip cleaning with certain products, you should also avoid spraying them in close proximity to the TV.

Both Panasonic and Samsung both have lengthy “avoid” lists that include harsh chemicals such as wax, cleaning fluid, acetone, benzene, alcohol, thinner, mosquito repellent and insect spray (really!), lubricant, solvent and undiluted mild dish soap. These can, as Williams says, “cause clouding and can wear away your TV’s anti-glare coating.”

In terms of what to use, Samsung recommends “monitor cleaner only” (also called TV screen cleaner). Panasonic suggests “one part mild liquid dish soap diluted by 100 times the amount of water.” To make this cleaning solution, add a scant teaspoon of liquid dish soap to two cups of water, stirring well to dissolve.

Williams likes TV cleaning kits for their ease of use. “A TV kit will be your safest option for cleaning a TV,” he says. “These kits will come with everything you need to get your TV looking new, like screen-cleaning solvent and a fast-drying microfiber cloth.” You can find TV cleaning kits and cleaning products designed for flat-screen TVs at electronics stores or on Amazon.

Some people swear that only distilled water is useful as cleaning spray for their delicate electronics. Although Williams does not necessarily recommend using distilled water, if you know for a fact you have hard water in your area, you may want to try the distilled water route and see if you notice a difference. Hard water, which has high levels of calcium and magnesium, may leave a film or residue when it’s used for cleaning. Before you spray water to clean TV screens, try experimenting with tap water on a less-important screen, like an old cell phone, to assess the results.

If you can picture the hulking tube TVs (also known as CRTVs) of yore, you may also remember how delightfully easy they were to clean—a few spritzes of window cleaner and some wipes with paper towels and you were good to go—no special microfiber cloth required. But modern TVs with fancier technologies like LCD, OLED, and plasma call for gentler techniques. “Avoid using chemicals like alcohol, ammonia or acetones when cleaning your TV. These cleaners were safe to use for previous generations of TVs with glass panels, but as the hardware changes with time, the cleaning methods do too,” says Williams. Since some multi-purpose and glass cleaners are made with ammonia, skip the Windex.

Modern TVs are often smart TVs but the cleaning tips are the same as the ones for LCD, OLED and plasma TVs. The microfiber cloth is your TV screen’s best friend. “The majority of TVs you purchase today will be smart TVs, and the cleaning process is the same as TVs without smart capabilities,” Williams says.

TVs are a magnet for dust, smudges, and children’s fingerprints. Unfortunately, cleaning plasma, LCD, LED, and OLED screens with glass cleaner causes damage to the TV surface and antiglare coatings. Learn how to clean flat screen TV without streaks to remove everyday dirt and grime.

It’s easy to clean older tube-style TVs with a cleaner such as Windex since these older screens are made of glass. Many commercial cleaning products contain ethyl alcohol or ammonia, and these chemicals wreak havoc on a modern flat screen TV such as an LCD TV, causing clouding, scratches, and liquid damage.

Giving your TV an occasional light dusting is a great way to remove dust, but what about those greasy smudges left behind by dirty hands? It’s easy to use a store-bought screen cleaner, but why not make a cleaning solution at home using a few simple ingredients?

The best way to clean a TV screen or computer monitor is with simple and easy cleaning methods. Avoid using harmful chemicals and skip the expensive cleaning kit. Use a soft, dry cloth and a few mild cleaners you already have in your home to give your new TV a streak-free clean.

There are many ways to clean a TV screen without streaks, whether you have a Samsung, Sony, or another TV brand. Cleaning a screen TV without streaks by performing routine dry cleaning of the surface is the easiest way to remove dirt and dust. The same technique is useful when cleaning a laptop screen.

Never wipe your TV down with paper towels or toilet paper. These materials are mildly abrasive and leave tiny scratches on the surface, which leads to the dulling of the screen.

Make sure the television is turned off while cleaning, and always use a soft, electrostatic cloth or duster. Clean the screen surface weekly using one of these items to remove dust and tiny particles. Dusting ensures that there aren’t any bits of dirt that potentially leave scratches during wet cleaning.

Cleaning a TV screen with plain water works well to remove everyday dirt and is one of the safest solutions. If your TV is heavily soiled, consider using a homemade TV cleaner for tougher jobs. This is also the easiest way to clean eyeglasses and other glass surfaces without streaking.

To clean glass without streaks and to eliminate ugly fingerprint smudges on your television, fill a bottle sprayer with distilled water. Turn the TV off and spray a soft cleaning cloth lightly with the water. Rub the TV screen gently in a circular motion.

Do not spray water directly onto the screen and do not apply too much pressure while cleaning. Use a dry towel to buff the screen gently to ensure all lint and dirt are gone.

If there are smeared stains of fingerprints on your TV screen, adding vinegar to the water loosens greasy residue safely from the screen without leaving streaks. Avoid using a glass cleaning spray on a plasma TV or HDTV to prevent damaging the screen.

Pour equal parts water and vinegar or isopropyl alcohol into a spray bottle and shake well. Use distilled water instead of tap water to prevent leaving a residue on the screen. Spray the solution onto a microfiber cloth. Do not spray it directly on the TV screen.

Turn off the TV so that the cleaning process does not interfere with the pixels. The black screen also helps you see dirt and smears easier. Rub the damp cloth over the entire screen using a gentle circular motion. Buff the screen dry using a microfiber cloth.

Use this simple home remedy to clean mirrors throughout your house, too. These ingredients will leave your mirrors and any glass surface shiny and streak-free.

Sometimes a TV has a little more on it than dust and fingerprints, especially if you have children. Mild dish soap is a safe way for cleaning a flat screen TV to remove tough stains without causing streaks.

Fill a bowl with warm distilled water, add a drop or two of mild dish soap, and mix the water with your fingers. Dunk the corner of a soft cloth into the solution without saturating the material.

Rub the dampened cloth with a gentle motion on the TV screen, paying particular attention to the extra dirty areas. Dry the screen well using a soft, microfiber towel.

After cleaning LCD or plasma screens, it’s easy to notice minor scratches on the clean surface. Not to worry, these scratches are easy to remove using a scratch repair kit or by applying petroleum jelly.

Before repairing scratches on your TV, check the owner manual for warranty information on your television. After cleaning your TV, and allowing it to dry completely, apply about one teaspoon of petroleum jelly to all of the surface scratches.

Smudged fingerprints on the screen of your flat screen TV are annoying. While it’s tempting to grab a bottle of window cleaner for quick cleaning of the TV screen, doing this causes damage to the surface. Simple ingredients such as distilled water or vinegar work best at removing smears without leaving a cloudy residue on the surface.

We are happy that we could show you how to clean flat screen TV without streaks so that you enjoy movie night without peering through a smudged screen, and we’d love it if you’d share our TV screen cleaning tips with your friends and family on Pinterest and Facebook.

Before you give into your impulses and wipe your screen with whatever you have at hand, let us stop you right there. Your display is way more delicate than you think, and if you want it to last a long time in optimal conditions, you’ll need to treat it with proper love and care.

The good news is that cleaning a computer screen is more simple than you think. You only need a soft cloth, a tiny bit of water, and the most delicate of touches.

As you would expect, not all screens are created equal, and some are more delicate than others. The safest way to figure out the proper care for your screen is to search for the make and model of your device, find out if it has an LCD, LED, or some other type of display, and search for the manufacturer’s instructions on how to care for it.

If you want to skip all that, there’s an easy way to avoid making a mistake that might not only result in irreparable damage to your screen but to your entire device. According to Joe Silverman, owner of New York Computer Help, a tech repair center in New York City, no matter how much money you spent on your computer or tablet, it probably has an LED or an LCD screen if you bought it within the last three years—and neither type benefits from window cleaner or highly concentrated alcohol.

That’s the uppermost layer of your screen, which is extremely sensitive to the acidity in alcohol and in compounds like ammonia or propylene glycol. These are often present in cleaning agents such as window cleaners and degreasers. Using these liquids will corrode the surface of your screen, resulting in scratches or even smudges you won’t be able to get rid of.

“Underneath there it’s the most intelligent part of the laptop,” Silverman explains. “What happens is that the liquid will get through that first line of defense, and when it does that it’s going to really affect the sensors.”

Things get even trickier when you’re dealing with touchscreens. On models like the Microsoft Surface, the display is the main input—as opposed to your mouse or trackpad on a regular laptop—so it’s ultra-sensitive, Silverman says. Using a strong liquid cleaner like a degreaser or a bleach-based disinfectant can obliterate the top layer on the screen. Combine that with high pressure, and you can kiss your fancy touchscreen computer goodbye.

Another downside to newer computers is their size and weight. If you decided to splurge on a new laptop, for example, you probably found one that has top-notch components, but also a slick, lightweight design. This format is only possible if everything in your laptop is smaller and thinner. In the case of your display, a thinner screen means a weaker barrier between your computer’s guts and the elements in the outside world.

Caring for your screen is simple—it only takes a little bit of water and a dust-free cloth, such as a microfiber wipe or the piece of fabric that came with your glasses.

First, turn off your computer and disconnect the charger. This might sound paranoid, but the benefit is twofold—you avoid any chance of triggering an electrical surge, and your screen will remain black, which will make it easier to see any dirt and grime.

Pour a couple drops of water on your cloth. Forget paper towels or the sleeve of that soft cotton t-shirt you love—microfiber is your best bet. Still, no matter how soft it is, a dry wipe could always leave micro-abrasions on your screen. The moisture will also help gather dust and particles while lifting grease from your display.

Use circular motions starting in the center of your screen and moving outward, so you don’t leave any streaks. If you can see any droplets or water traces on the glass while you clean, you’ve used way too much water. Gently dab the residual H2O with an absorbent cloth or tissue paper and start again.

If you’re dealing with next-level gunk, you can use isopropyl alcohol at 70 percent or lower, Silverman says. “That percentage is very important,” he explains. “We’d only use 90 percent or higher on dummy parts that don’t have sensors, like top cases and keyboards.” In these extreme cases, spray the alcohol on the cloth, never directly on the screen, and wipe it gently.

Just like solar damage, screen damage is cumulative. The more pressure you apply, the more abrasive a product you use, and the more often you use it, the greater the damage you’re inflicting on the protective layer of your display and the delicate sensors underneath it.

Maybe you can get away with using a high percentage of alcohol or even a window cleaner on your computer screen once or twice. But if you keep at it, eventually you’ll see the deleterious effects.

“You’ll see discoloration, lines (vertical and horizontal); sometimes it looks pretty and rainbow-like,” Silverman says. “Sometimes it’ll blink and sometimes you’ll see droplets of water or liquid in the back of the screen. There’s a lot of ways in which damage appears.”

The best way to avoid damaging your screen while cleaning it is to simply keep it from getting dirty in the first place. If you have a laptop, cover the keyboard with a thin microfiber cloth before closing it to prevent finger grease from transferring to the screen. If you have a touchscreen, wash your hands often before you use it, but make sure you let your hands dry completely before you start tapping—the soapy water or liquid hand cleanser from your fingers can easily end up on the screen and corrode it.

Wet, newly washed hands can also be detrimental to regular computers. Silverman says he often sees such victims in his shop—computers completely dead after hand sanitizer rubbed off the owner’s hands, seeped through the keyboard, and ruined the inner guts of the machine.

Your phone was designed to be carried, dropped, tapped, swiped, smashed against your face for long periods of time, and stowed in the deepest corners of your bag. In other words, its screen is way more resilient than your computer’s.

Silverman explains that most iPhones and Samsung phones, for example, have screens made out of one thick piece of glass. These, as opposed to computer screens, have all the LCD layers fused together, making them much more difficult to damage. Still, if you’re using alcohol, he recommends keeping the concentration at 70 percent or lower, using a soft cloth, and applying only low pressure to get rid of any accumulated gunk there.

Be especially careful with charging ports, as contact with water (also present in rubbing alcohol) can damage the electronics inside your smartphone. Newer models often are resistant to liquids, but there’s always a threshold to how much they can withstand. And you probably don’t want to know what that is.

Replacing the screen of your computer or smartphone can be expensive, and even if that’s not an issue for you, no one wants their devices to fail when they need them the most. So remember these tips well—we hope you never have to read this article again.

You"ll find as many methods for cleaning a TV screen as there are people you ask. Then, just to add to the confusion, consult your TV"s owner manual and add another method or two.

So, the approach needed must be gentle, thoughtful and as passive as possible. TVs should not be attacked with the same cleaning gusto you might apply to most other appliances. However, the nice HDTVs we love deserve to be beautiful, and to be in tip top condition ready to display an image that looks as good as possible.

TV screens are a magnet for dust. A simple weekly flick-over with a soft duster reduces the frequency you need to actually get stuck in and do a proper clean. That"s a good thing. And when you do need to do some polishing, the duster removes potentially dangerous particles that could be rubbed in and create scratches.

In the world of feather dusters, the best are considered to be those made from ostrich feathers — and not just any old ostrich feathers — black feathers from the male ostrich are softer and allegedly are better at trapping dirt.

Many, if not most, consumer electronic devices come with one, and the odds are very high that there was one in the box your TV came in. They can often be small and thin, though — the type that comes with cameras, for example — and for a big TV a large cloth is easier to use, so next time you"re in an electronics shop pick up a couple of large ones.

It"s very important that the cloth be washed regularly — something most people probably don"t do. Any trapped grit equals disaster when rubbed across your precious screen, and built-up gunk reduces their effectiveness, so just drop them in the washing machine after each use.

This is optional. If regular dusting does the job, great. But many people swear by these. They act like dust magnets and a gentle sweep over the screen can lift the dust completely. Pledge Grab It dry electrostatic cloths are popular and are available in most supermarkets.

Here"s where the arguments really start. Most TV manufacturers recommend using a dry cloth only. Some very few will tell you it"s ok to use a barely-damp cloth if you absolutely must.

But the fact is you simply cannot get a TV streak-free unless you use a bit of dampness. The odd Catch-22 is that for the first few months of owning a new TV only a light dusting is needed to keep it beautifully streak-free. It"s only after the first mystery household blobs and bits start to appear than the owner takes to their screen with a damp cloth — and that’s when the first streaks appear.

You can buy any of a billion or so HDTV/computer monitor cleaning solutions. If you do make sure there is no alcohol, acetone, acetate or ammonia in the solution. They will strip the screen of its magical chemical coating which helps reduce screen reflection.

Because we always have vinegar in the house, that"s what we use at home, though a container of distilled water will cost peanuts and last several years if you happen to remember next time you"re at Bunnings.

Mostly because a dark screen makes it easier to see faint streaks or grime. Also, because it"s the sensible thing to do when introducing even tiny amounts of liquid to an electronic device.

Give it a gentle swish with a duster or a dry electrostatic cloth until all the dust is gone. Even small amounts of dust can act like sandpaper under a cloth, so be thorough. If there are no grubby bits or streaks on the screen after dusting then congratulations — the job is complete!

Apply a small amount of your cleaning solution directly to a micro-fibre cloth (never spray directly on to the screen) and wipe evenly across the screen starting from the top and working down. Catch any drips or streams if they start to flow downwards.

This step is only needed for faint traces of streaks which may remain. Use your second, dry micro-fibre cloth and very gently polish out the streaks. Do not apply any pressure to the screen as you polish. Your TV is comprised of several thin layers and it"s all too easy to permanently damage your set by pressing too hard against these delicate components.

Scratch removal kits are sold at most hardware and larger electronic stores. Alternately, the DIY solution is to apply a tiny amount of petroleum jelly to the scratched area and gently rub it in before cleaning off any surrounding jelly.

Scratch "removal" kits don"t actually take the scratch away, but they will fill the little valley the scratch is made of and diffuse any light so it"s far less noticeable.

We"ve all had that moment: You"re sitting at your computer or laptop and the light hits your screen in a way to reveal an unsightly accumulation of streaks, fingerprints, and dust.

To help, we round up the most important things to know about cleaning your computer screen, whether it"s a Mac or PC. While it"s a simple process, there are a few important rules to keep in mind to make sure you"re doing it safely.

Computer screens are not all made the same, and thus can"t all be cleaned the same way. You"ll want to be careful no matter your screen type, but it"s helpful to know that displays come in two categories:Glass-coated screens: The screens on newer iMac displays and MacBooks have a glass overlay. Glass displays are a little less delicate than LCD or LED screens, and mild cleaning solutions, like rubbing alcohol, are generally safe to use on them.

LCD or LED screens:Windows computers and most touchscreens and matte displays are typically not coated in glass. Extra care should be taken with these screens so not to damage the pixels that make up the display.

Since there are so many computers, laptops, and monitors out there, each with their own set of variables and specificities, it"s smart to just simply err on the side of caution.

To clean a computer screen, you really just need two things: A microfiber cloth and filtered or distilled water. That"s to say you don"t need a special store-bought cleaning solution.

If you"d like some extra sanitation power, an equal parts mixture of water and vinegar is safe no matter your screen type. If you know that your display is glass-coated, you can also use an equal parts mixture of water and 70% rubbing alcohol.What you needTwo lint-free microfiber cloths

d3sign/Getty ImagesTurn the computer or laptop off.For safety reasons, begin by letting the device cool down completely. Dust, fingerprints, and smudges are also easier to spot on a black screen.

Wipe off dust with a dry cloth. Use a dry, lint-free microfiber cloth to gently wipe away any visible dust and dirt. If necessary, apply gentle pressure to remove surface-level smudges.

If any marks remain, wipe with a lightly moistened cloth.For glass-coated screens, you can use a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar or rubbing alcohol. For LED or LCD screens, use only water. Spray or lightly dab the solution directly onto the cloth and carefully wipe the screen from left to right.

Buff with a dry cloth and air-dry.If any streaks remain once the screen dries, gently buff them with the dry cloth. Before you turn your computer or laptop back on, allow the screen to dry completely.Note:Apple claims that you can use 70% isopropyl disinfecting wipes to clean any Apple product. Just remember not to get any liquid into the device"s ports or openings — to avoid this, you might want to wring out the wipe to remove any excess liquid before using it.

For the best advice for cleaning your screen, it"s a smart idea to check your owner"s manual, which provides the manufacturer"s specific recommendations. But since screens are especially susceptible to damage, there are a few general guidelines that apply, no matter the type of screen you own.

Turn off your computer before cleaning the screen. This is just safe practice where any amount of liquid is involved, but more specifically, any static on the screen could create a shock and damage the internal components.

Do not use abrasive cleaning solutions. This includes bleach (or any products containing bleach), hydrogen peroxide, or all-purpose spray cleaners. Using an abrasive cleaner can ruin the finish of your screen.

Use filtered or distilled water. Especially in areas with hard water, water containing minerals like calcium and magnesium can damage your screen or leave even more streaks.

Use only soft microfiber cloths.Even a fabric as soft as a cotton shirt has snags and uneven particles that can scratch a computer screen. For this reason, avoid T-shirts, towels, and paper towels. The exception is the Apple Pro Display XDR or iMac, which requires a special polishing cloth.

Never spray cleaning solution directly onto the screen. To avoid any risk of damage from excess moisture, mist the solution directly onto the microfiber cloth instead.

Do not wipe in circles. Wiping in circles can create uneven pressure and ultimately lead to screen damage. It"s also more likely to create streaking. Wipe in tight, Z-shaped motions, or in broad strokes from side to side.

Do not scrub.Apply gentle pressure only. Hard scrubbing can damage the internal components of the screen and could leave scratches or spots of discoloration or dead pixels that won"t go away.Melanie Weir

Melanie Weir is a freelance author for Insider, mainly focusing on the Tech Reference section, but occasionally contributing to Lifestyle and Entertainment topics as well. She is also a freelance writer for ScreenRant, and is the Lead Weekend News Editor at TheThings.com. In her spare time she writes plays for both stage and screen. She can be reached at melanie.weir1008@gmail.com, or through LinkedIn.

Back when you used to have CRT monitors and TVs, you could clean them with almost anything. The screen was made out of glass and nothing else. That’s no longer the case with today’s LCD and OLED displays.

The modern display is a sensitive device that requires special care. You can easily damage a touchscreen if you clean it using a rough sponge or an aggressive cleaning agent. You’ll eventually scratch the screen and damage its special coatings, and you’ll end up with an inferior device that no longer takes your touch commands. This applies to any laptop, tablet, TV, phone, or another device with LCD, MicroLED, or OLED display.

Most people open the box, take the smart TV or monitor out, plug it in, and that’s that. They ignore the manufacturer’s instructions. Don’t skip reading those instructions. Some manufacturers offer specific cleaning product recommendations to be used with their products.

For example, Dell might recommend using 70% isopropyl alcohol to clean one of their PC monitor models, while Samsung might recommend using nothing other than a dry microfiber cloth. Despite general recommendations, you should always prioritize the manufacturer’s specific instructions. This will also help you with warranty claims.

Some screens, especially touch screens, have special coatings for protection and to reduce the amount of reflection and glare. Harsh chemicals will remove those coatings and even damage the material of the display. Don’t use any household cleaning agents.

Stay away from glass cleaning products and anything that contains ammonia, chlorine, and even alcohol. Isopropyl alcohol is sometimes okay to use if specified by the manufacturer. Just make sure you pay attention to the percentage, which is usually 70% or 90%.

If you’ve been cleaning your TV or monitor with one of the aforementioned solutions, stop. Using them a few times might not cause any visible damage, but over time they’ll leave streaks once the protective coating is gone.

When you aren’t sure what’s safe to use, use canned air and microfiber cloths. Canned air is great for cleaning computer hardware, keyboards, as well as monitors, and TVs. It can’t cause any damage to the surface of the screen whether you’re cleaning a tablet, an OLED monitor, or an old school glass TV.

Dust gathers on the surface of your screen, especially around the edges, so start by blowing it off with compressed air. Use a high-quality microfiber cloth to move the stubborn dust particles when the compressed air isn’t enough. All you need is a light touch. Don’t press too hard on the display or you can damage it.

It’s very important to use microfiber cloth only. It’s soft enough not to scratch the screen or damage any of the protective coatings. Don’t use paper towels or tissues because they contain little loose fibers that can cause small scratches.

Sometimes canned air and dry microfiber cloth aren’t enough to remove stubborn particles. Don’t press extra hard when something dry is stuck to the display. Use distilled water instead. Tap water would also work, but we don’t recommend it because it contains all sorts of minerals that will leave streaks behind.

Take note that most manufacturers will tell you to avoid using any liquids, but sometimes you just don’t have a choice. Distilled water is safe to use as long as you just dampen the microfiber cloth enough to remove that pesky spot of dirt. Don’t spray it or splash it directly on your screen. Spray it on the cloth until it’s slightly damp.

Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe the corners of the display and remove the dirt and oils from the screen. Use a light touch. Don’t press hard when you find a stain. This can cause serious damage.

Clean the back of the TV or monitor. You’ll find a lot of dust there. Fortunately, it’s all plastic, so you can use a multipurpose cleaning solution as long as you don’t touch the screen.

Instead of using distilled water with a microfiber cloth, you can opt for one of the many professional cleaners available on the market. It’s important to buy a cleaning kit or cleaning solution that is odorless and without any alcohol or toxins that could damage a TV or monitor display. So take a look at some of the best and safest cleaning solutions we’ve found.

WHOOSH! is an alcohol-free display cleaner. It’s suitable for all types of screens, whether they’re LCD, OLED, LED, or CRT. You can also use it to clean your mobile devices. In fact, this is the same display cleaner that Apple uses in its stores. It’s also completely odorless, so it won’t leave any residues.

EVEO is a screen cleaner safe to use on all types of TVs, monitors, and touchscreen devices. It’s great for removing greasy fingerprints and other stubborn smudges. Just remember not to press hard and use the microfiber cloth that’s included in the package. You can also use EVEO to clean other electronic gadgets.

If you don’t want to use sprays or liquids, try the lens and screen cleaning wipes from Care Touch. They’re individually packed, so when you need to clean a display, you always have one handy.

Care Touch wipes contain some isopropyl alcohol, but not in an amount that should be dangerous. The wipes are made for cleaning all types of screens without damaging the anti-reflection coating. As a bonus, you can also use these wipes on sunglasses and camera lenses.

The more often you clean your TV and computer monitor, the less you’ll have to deal with a build-up of grime and dust. This way a microfiber cloth should also be enough because you won’t have any tough dirt spots. So clean your screens regularly and keep them sparkling.

A flawless piece of glass designed to transport you to different worlds, different time periods and down Coronation Street is only a scratch or smear or away from being ruined. So what cleaners and cloths are safe to use to clean your TV and avoid this happening?

Looking to upgrade to a new TV? Our expert lab tests reveal the best and the worst models. You can use ourTV reviewsto find a great model that"s the right size, spec and price for you.

Panasonic - gently wipe the display with a soft cloth. For stubborn dirt, dampen a soft cloth with clean water, or diluted neutral detergent (one part detergent to 100 parts water) wring out the cloth and wipe away the dirt. Wipe away any moisture when you"re done.

Samsung - unplug the TV and wipe the screen with a soft, clean, lint-free, dry cloth. You can spray screen cleaner onto the cloth first, but never on the screen. Let the screen fully dry before plugging the TV back in.

Sony - unplug the TV and clean the screen with a soft, dry cloth. You can dampen the cloth slightly with a solution of mild soap and warm water if needs be. Use small circular motions, then use a soft cloth to dry the screen.

There"s some differing opinion on whether water should be used. So be careful if you"ve got an LG TV, where no water or glass cleaner is recommended. This could affect your warranty, so stick to the official advice.

Before you start, unplug your TV.Use a dry soft cloth, ideally microfibre or similar to something you might clean a pair of glasses with. Don"t use a rough cloth or kitchen roll. The abrasive surface could scratch your screen.

Some TVs are less stable than others and you may need to support the back of the screen with your free hand - particularly OLEDs where the screen is incredibly thin at the top.

If there are any stubborn marks, use a water solution or specialist TV screen cleaner in line with your manufacturer"s policy. Put the solution on the cloth, not directly on the screen.

A clean screen is one thing, but there are numerous settings you can tweak to make sure you"re getting the best picture. Input your model into our tool ongetting the best TV pictureto see how to get your telly looking its best.

Nearly all the cleaners you use in your kitchen and bathroom could damage your TV screen. For the sake of simplicity, we"d recommend you avoid them all.

As much as possible, you want to use a dry cloth and only resort to a cleaning solution if there"s a mark that won"t come off with careful dry wiping.

TV ports, such as HDMI and USB inputs, can get dusty. If you haven"t used one of your HDMI inputs before and go to plug in a new device, you could push that built-up dust into your TV"s innards.

Wipe the ports with a cloth. If they"re particularly dusty, you can use a vacuum cleaner on its lowest setting to clear out any debris. Take care and hold the nozzle away from the TV as to not cause damage. Try not to push into the port since this could also damage the connection.

Where would we be without TVs? With Netflix viewing rates going through the roof each year, our generation is one that loves to relax in front of the TV on a daily basis. Today’s generation loves nothing more than relishing in a new binge-worthy television series or spending hours in front of their TV playing high-resolution video games on their newest

Many people have invested in HDTVs in recent years but don’t know how to clean them. This article will guide you on the best way to clean your tv screen and keep them viewing friendly.

The worst thing that you can do when cleaning your HDTV screen is to use the wrong cleaning product. Doing so will risk not only the value of your TV and its functionality but, it will also mean the end to many enjoyable TV viewing opportunities.

There are many harsh chemical cleaning products on the market that have the potential to strip and harm the protective layer that is on TV screens. Cleaning products such as Windex that contain ammonia or alcohol should be avoided at all costs when cleaning your HDTV screen. It is also important not to spray liquid such as water directly on to the screen. Doing this can cause excess liquid to run down the screen and potentially come into contact with the TV’s internal hardware.

Materials such as paper or kitchen towels are far too rough and abrasive for cleaning the screen of a TV. These cleaning tools, when combined with enough pressure, can scratch the protective coating of the screen and will leave streaks on your HDTV screen.

Cleaning your TV screen doesn’t have to be a chore. Using the right products such as a dry microfibre cloth, like theW! Cloth, and wiping the screen lightly will get rid of any dust and dirt particles that are on your TV screen. Make sure not to use circular buffing motions but rather wipe up and down the screen in vertical lines.

For stubborn spots, consider spraying a small amount of an ammonia and alcohol-free cleaning product on to a microfiber cloth. For example,Screen Shineis a non-toxic cleaning product designed to both clean and protect your HDTV screen. It leaves an invisible and anti-static coating which resists dust, dirt and smudges.

Most importantly, always make sure that your TV, whether an HDTV or an LCD, is turned off before you begin to clean it. Not only is it easier to see any dirt that is on your TV screen but you will also reduce the risk of an electric shock happening.

Nobody enjoys when there are smudges or streaks on their TV screen, especially if they are permanent due to not cleaning your TV correctly. So, the next time you are watching TV take some time to see how the dirty the screen really is. The right cleaning products and a little TLC is a small price to pay for a clean and viewing friendly HDTV screen.

Our cleaning customers ask us a lot of cleaning questions throughout our travels through London cleaning homes and businesses. And one of the cleaning questions we get asked a lot is about cleaning TV screens. Cleaning a TV screen needs to be done carefully and with the right cleaning equipment. If not, you could damage your TV. So, today, we’re going to explain how our cleaners clean TVs so that you can clean yours correctly without damaging it. We’ll also look at what not to use to clean your TV, which is actually a much longer list than what you should use to clean it.

There are dedicated screen cleaners that you can buy for TV and computer screens. They come in an aerosol and a wipe. While these cleaning sprays do work, they aren’t recommended for every type of TV. Most of these TV screen cleaners can be used on LCD and plasma screens, but you should check that the cleaner you choose is suitable for your TV.

TV screen cleaning sprays and wipes are great to use if you have tried to clean your TV with another cleaning solution. If you have streaks all over your TV, for example, a screen cleaning spray should be used to remove them.

Use a small amount of the spray cleaner, and spray it onto the cloth, rather than the TV. Use a microfibre cloth for this task. Fold the microfibre cloth and try and keep one side of it dry. Start from the top of the screen and work your way down, wiping from side to side. Once you reach the bottom of the TV screen, use the dry part of the microfibre cloth and repeat the process. This should remove any leftover cleaner on the TV screen and ensure you have a streak-free result.

Screen cleaners claim to remove nicotine stains, smudges, fingerprints and grime from your TV, and most do that job very well. However, our cleaners have found a much easier way of cleaning TVs that doesn’t require a special spray. In fact, all it involves is something you likely already have in your cleaning cupboard.

A clean, dry microfibre cloth does the best job at cleaning a TV screen. It can remove dirt, dust and grime, and even stubborn stains like nicotine. Our cleaners have been using microfibre cloths to clean TV screens for years, but it is recommended by loads of cleaners and even TV manufacturers. Samsung even recommends using a microfibre cloth on its TVs because this method works so well.

Cleaning a TV with a microfibre cloth is as simple as it sounds. However, our cleaners have a few tips for you to make it go even easier. As you aren’t using any sprays or any liquid at all, you don’t need to worry about streaks, but you do need to consider where the dust will fall. So, when cleaning a TV, always start from the top of the screen and work your way down. You should dust the top of the TV before you start with the screen too. That way, the dust will fall onto the areas you haven’t cleaned yet, and you can wipe it away as you make your way down the screen.

If possible, use a fresh and clean microfibre cloth for your TV. TVs love to attract dust and grime, so any dust in the microfibre cloth already could cause you an issue. You don’t need to use a lot of pressure when cleaning a TV screen. In fact, too much pressure can damage your TV. Just take light passes, gently wiping the screen. Go side to side, as this ensure you catch all of the dust while wiping the TV. If you notice some stubborn grime, gently focus on the area. The microfibre cloth will pick up the dirt, but it may take several light passes to do it.

Unless your TV screen is incredibly dirty, there is really no need to use anything other than a microfibre cloth. It will clean your TV very well and remove any dust and grime really easily. Avoid using any cleaning solutions that have alcohol, ammonia or benzene in them. Window cleaner, for example, should never be used on a TV. Many people swear by using alcohol on their TV screens, and this can work, but it can also damage certain styles of TV, so if you can avoid it, we would recommend it.

If you have fingerprints or streaks on your TV screen and you need to get them off quickly, you can use vinegar to do so. Spray a small amount of vinegar onto a microfibre cloth and wipe the TV gently. Have a spare clean and dry microfibre cloth handy, and use this to remove any residue once you’ve cleaned your TV. This will ensure a streak-free TV ready for watching your favourite programmes.

If your TV is really dirty, or it has lots of streaks on it, use a dedicated TV screen cleaner to remove these. Just make sure the TV screen cleaner you buy is suitable for your style of TV. If your TV is just a bit dusty, use a dry, clean microfibre cloth to remove all of the dust.

For more cleaning tips from our excellent cleaning team, please explore Cleaning Express further. Or, to have our domestic cleaning team come into your home or business, get in touch. We have every cleaning service you need to keep your property clean and safe. See our reviews on TrustPilot.

Keeping your computer clean is a necessary habit. Over time, your computer — especially your monitor — collects dust and debris, not to mention passing germs from sneezing and coughing. While fingerprints are bad enough, the eye strain from a messy monitor is even worse.

Cleaning your monitor is also a bit more involved than a simple wipe-down, and there are certain products you shouldn’t use. In this article, we’re going to talk about the right way to clean your computer monitor.

While it may be tempting to reach for a bottle of Windex or some other general cleaning product, don’t! Harsh chemicals may be fine for windows or countertops, but they can wreak havoc on computer monitors, wearing away coatings. There are many cleaning fluids on the market specifically geared toward computer monitors. While these products indeed work, you don’t need to spend money on them if you don’t want to; distilled water should work for most monitor-cleaning, and you can mix in some white vinegar for stubborn grime.

Additionally, avoid paper towels, rags, old T-shirts, or any of the usual materials you use to wipe down surfaces in your home. Monitors are more delicate than t