how do you clean an lcd screen tv factory

Screens can scratch easily, and even paper towels and tissues contain fibers that can do damage. “Your best bet is to use a soft, anti-static microfiber cloth—the kind used to clean eyeglasses and camera lenses—and wipe in a circular motion,” says John Walsh, who cleans more than 250 TVs a year in his role as a CR photographer. (Some TV manufacturers will include a cloth for this purpose.) “Gently wipe the screen with a dry cloth to remove dust and other debris, but don’t press too hard,” he says.

You may also want to wipe down the TV’s cabinet, and make sure dust isn’t clogging the vents that help dissipate heat. If the TV is on a stand and not tethered to the wall, Walsh suggests cleaning with one hand while supporting the TV with the other to prevent the set from tipping over. However, CR strongly recommends anchoring all stand-mounted TVs using anti-tipping straps designed for this purpose.

If there are hard-to-remove stains, you can dampen the cloth slightly with distilled water and gently clean the screen. Don’t spray water directly onto the screen; that could cause a shock or component failure if water seeps into the inner workings of the set.

For the most stubborn stains, you can try using a solution of very mild dish soap highly diluted with water, once again applied to the cloth and not to the TV itself. (As a guideline, Panasonic used to recommend a 100:1 ratio of water to soap.) LCD screens, in particular, are very sensitive to pressure and can scratch easily, so don’t press hard.

Your television is probably one of the last things you think about adding to your "to clean" list, but the difference between a smudgy screen and a crisp picture isn"t one to shrug at. Every day, our TVs accumulate dust and fingerprints, and the buildup occurs so slowly that it"s hard to notice. That is, until you take a quick 10 minutes to clean your TV and revel in a far more satisfying cinematic experience.

We asked a couple cleaning pros for the full rundown on how to clean TV screens of all types, including flat plasma and LCD screens, along with some common mistakes people make when cleaning their TV screens so you know exactly what to avoid.

To prevent buildup from accumulating on your TV screen, aim for a once-weekly TV cleaning. "It"s important to clean your TV screen not only to prolong its lifespan, but also to provide the clearest picture possible—smudges, dust, and fingerprints be gone," says Kathy Cohoon, a cleaning professional with Two Maids & a Mop. "It can make a big difference in the aesthetic of your TV and the picture on screen."

Power down. Before breaking out any dust cloths or cleaners, make sure your TV is off. If you want to take an additional precaution, Cohoon says you can also unplug the TV, but it"s typically not necessary for modern TVs.

Dust the screen. Dry dusting your TV is a crucial step in the cleaning process. "Removing dry debris will ensure that you don"t accidentally create scratches by scrubbing a rough piece of dirt or buildup into the screen," Cohoon says. She recommends using a microfiber or soft cloth to gently dust the entire screen. If needed, flip the cloth over (or get a second cloth) in order to completely remove all dust, pet hair, and other loose debris. You can use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the speakers and cords as well.

Use screen-safe cleaner.Spray a small amount of screen-friendly cleaning product onto a soft cloth—never directly onto the screen itself—and wipe the TV down in a methodical, back-and-forth motion. Check that the cleanser is safe for the specific type of screen you are cleaning. Repeat as necessary to remove oily areas or fingerprint smudges. Also, don"t forget to gently wipe down the top and base of the TV.

Clean smudges on the screen."For tougher spots, make sure not to apply too much pressure, especially on more delicate screens," advises Leanne Stapf, the chief operating officer for The Cleaning Authority. "If microfiber cloth spot-cleaning doesn"t work, I recommend adding a bit of warm water to the cloth and then cleaning the spot with the dampened cloth."

Dust.Use a microfiber cloth to gently wipe away loose dust, dirt, or any other debris. You may need to turn the cloth over or get a second one to adequately remove everything.

Wipe down the screen."Since these screens are a bit sturdier, you can mix equal parts rubbing alcohol and lukewarm water to create a cleaning solution," Cohoon says. "Using a small amount of solution on a soft cloth, wipe the entire screen, base, and top." Spot-clean any stubborn areas with caked-on messes or heavy fingerprints. You can also remove fingerprints by rubbing with a microfiber cloth in a circular motion.

​​To clean and sanitize a remote, Stapf says to simply use a disinfecting wipe to remove bacteria, germs, fingerprints, and any other residue. Make sure the cleaning wipe is damp but not soaking wet to avoid getting liquid inside the remote control. Spend some time cleaning between the buttons since gunk can easily accumulate here.

It"s also a good idea to remove the batteries first, or you can take the remote to a different room so it doesn"t inadvertently change the TV settings as you clean the buttons.

Forgetting to Dust First: "A big misstep when cleaning a TV is forgetting to dust the screen before using a cleaning agent," says Cohoon. This can lead to tiny scratches that slowly degrade picture quality.

Scrubbing Too Hard:Modern TV screens are delicate and require a gentle touch. Wiping too vigorously or using a rough cloth can damage the screen quickly.

Spraying Solution Directly Onto the TV:All wet cleaners should be sprayed onto a cloth and then wiped over the TV. Spraying directly onto the screen can create spots that are hard to remove. It also puts you at risk of damaging the speakers.

Using Non-Approved Cleaners: Using store-bought glass cleaners on OLED or LCD TV screens is a big no-no. Stapf says, "These products contain harsh ingredients like alcohol and ammonia, which can damage the panels of the screen."

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.

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.

Television screens are supposed to be clean and free of dirt, dust, or any debris that may blur vision. This is why this component is one of the most vital parts of a Television. Nothing can be worse than straining your eyes to make sense of the pictures your set is projecting. If you do not clean your TV regularly, fingerprint smudges and dust will build up.

Cleaning your LED TV or any type of television for that matter is something you should do at least once every 2 or 3 weeks. In fact, I will suggest that you do it as often as you watch it any paying more attention to the screen when you do so. If you clean your TV set regularly, it will always look brand new, and you will enjoy bright and colorful pictures without said. Bearing that in mind, there are ways to go about a cleaning endeavor. Unfortunately, not everyone knows how to clean a set effectively. Many think that a piece of towel soaked in water will do. How wrong they are. Television screens are very sensitive, so a great deal of care is required to do the job effectively. In addition to that, being careful also protects the screen for damage. Secondly, you need to understand that TV sets are different. Although they all project sounds and images, they are built differently. So, therefore, the approach to cleaning should also be different as well.

The approach to cleaning an LED TV screen, for instance, requires extra care compared to the cleaning of a Tube TV. They both have screens, but the former is more sensitive than the latter due to the sensitivity of LED screens build material. Bearing all this in mind, how do you safely clean an LED TV screen without damaging it in the process. In this article, we will show you safe and intelligent ways to go about it using available and affordable materials. You will also learn a few tips about how to do it safely too.

Before you proceed, you need to bear two things in mind when cleaning LED TV screens. Firstly, you want to do it in such a way and with the right materials that ensure the screen is clean and devoid of dust or stains of any kind. You want your screen to be as bright and clear as possible. Secondly, you want to avoid damaging the screen or reducing its projection quality. This is why it is necessary to use only the right cleaning materials and approach at all times. Now, here are some helpful tips for adopting when cleaning an LED television screen. [/fusion_text]

Every electronic equipment comes with an owner’s manual. This manual provides the user with sufficient information about how to use and maintain the gadget. The same thing goes for LED sets. They come with an owner’s manual too. Before you clean the set, you may want to read the manual first.

In fact, it is advisable that you read it first immediately you buy and install it in your home. By reading the manual, you gain more understanding regarding how to care for the television all through it a lifespan in your home, office, or wherever you install it. For the purpose of cleaning, pay attention to the section that provides information about how to do it effectively.

Reading manuals is important because different television manufacturers provide different approaches to cleaning their sets. What works for an LG LED TV may not work for a Samsung set. That is why it is so important to only follow the recommendation of a one cap fits all approach to cleaning your TV screen. If you read the manual when you bought it, but you have forgotten the cleaning details, consult it once again to refresh your memory.

Before you start the cleaning properly, turn off the television set. Do not stop at that. You also need to unplug it from the power source. Once you have done that, do not start cleaning the screen immediately. Give it time to cool down. The cleaning process may take between 2-5 minutes or even more depend on your LED TV model or how long it was on.

Turning the TV off will cut off power leading to the cooling down of the screen. You don’t want to be cleaning a hot or warm screen, do you? You want to make sure that the screen is as cool as possible and non-reactive to whichever cleaning agent you use.

Another advice to take in that is so important is that you should never use paper towels to clean the screen. There are reasons to avoid paper towels. Paper towels, especially when soaked in water, leave smudges and stains on the screen. No matter how long or how hard you try to wipe the marks off, they yet remain. Paper towels are bad for your TV screen. It’s as simple as that.

To enjoy an ultimate cleaning experience, you should consider using microfiber cleaning pieces. Some people recommend cotton whole because they are more breathable. However, microfiber cloths are more durable. In addition, they do not stick to your screen. Older LED, or LCD screens can’t handle traditional cleaning methods or materials. With microfiber, you can eliminate stains, remove smudges, and fingerprints with ease.

To use microfiber, simply wipe the surface of the screen in a circular motion. Cover as much part of the screen as you possibly can. Work your way around the edges as well. More importantly, when cleaning, avoid touching the screen with your bare hands as doing so will leave fingerprint marks on it.

The use of chemicals should be avoided at all costs. Chemicals damage screens more than you know. That a chemical agent worked on a particular surface is not an indication that it will work well for your TV screen. LED screens are very sensitive and fragile, so you ought to make sure that you keep chemicals as far away as possible. Another material you should never use is a detergent solution (water and detergent).

Soap, scouring powder, was window cleaners, and any other general industrial cleaner should be avoided. Abrasive pads and towels made from paper should not be used either. Using any of these materials will lead to screen scratches, anti-glare coating damage, or permanent screen damage. The sad part is that the damage may not be noticeable at first, but over time, the same will become permanent.

If you must wet your cleaning material with water, do so in little splashes. Avoid spraying the screen directly with water. When wiping the screen, do so gently because it can break if pressed too hard as screens are very fragile.

You will notice that your microfiber cloth cannot reach the edges of the screen like the other areas. If you don’t clean the edges too, dust and first will accumulate in those parts, and after a time removing the stains will love difficult. Furthermore, failure to clean screen edges will lead to an uneven appearance, with poor picture quality being the end result. To clean edges and corners effectively, use cotton swabs to greater effect. For better results, dab the cotton swabs in water. Pick off the dirt carefully by dragging them out using the swabs. Do this for the four corners of the screen.

As for the edges, run the swabs up and down systematically but avoid running them all the way down to the edges as this may drive dirt further on that may be difficult to remove. For better results, use as many cotton swabs as you can.

Unlike an LED TV screen, cleaning a Tube TV is much easier. Tube TV screens are more rugged and can withstand pressure, but doing so carefully is also important. You can use a microfiber cleaning cloth doused in a little water. Never spray the screen directly as this may damage it. Rather, work your way with the microfiber cloth. Apply the same circular cleaning motion like you would do an LED TV screen. Cotton swabs will also come in handy to pick off the dirt from the screen corners.

Dish soap can also be used on LED and LCD screens, albeit with care. Before you use a dish soap solution, first wipe the screen with a dry cloth to remove dust. Now, dip your cleaning cloth in the dish soap solution. Squeeze off the liquid then gently wipe the screen. Make sure you cover every surface area. Once you are done, don’t waste time to clean; otherwise, the solution will dry up on the screen leading to a blurry vision. Rinse the cloth with water to remove soapy residue then take the dry cloth you used to wipe off the dust once again to dry the screen.

Yes, they do. There are actually cleaners specially made for cleaning tv screens. Screen cleaners contain distilled water, isopropyl, and alcohol solutions. If you must use an electronic screen cleaner, make sure you shake to content before use. Also, apply on a limited portion of your cleaning cloth.

Cleaning your TV remote control is part of a general TV cleaning process. So to clean your remote control, follow these tips. Pop-out the batteries:Remove the batteries from the remote. Doing so will create enough room when cleaning the interior casing.

Tap the remote lightly on a hard surface:Remote controls gather a lot of dust and debris along the way. To remove them, tap the remote control on a hard surface like a table. Do this gently and several times to dislodge debris stuck in crevices.

Use a mild disinfectant:Apply a cleaning disinfectant on a piece of cloth and clean the body thoroughly. The use of disinfectant is necessary because our hands carry germs, and we transfer these germs to the remote control anytime we operate it. Clean the whole body thoroughly.

Maintain a weekly timetable:To ensure that your TV set is always clean, make sure you clean it weekly. Add it as part of your to-do list when cleaning your home. If your furniture deserves regular cleaning, so does your television set. Doing regular cleaning will atop dust, debris and fingerprints from smearing the screen. It is also much easier to clean when there is little dust on the surface. Keeping a microfiber cloth close by is also advised so that you can quickly wipe off dust when necessary.

Never spray your LED TVset directly with any substance:Avoid spraying your screen directly with any substance even if it is an electronic cleaning gel. Excessive spraying can damage the cabinet and the structural make-up of the screen. If you must use any cleaning solution, apply it on the napkin or microfiber cloth you are using and gently wipe the screen with it.

Use a Vacuum:To draw out dust and debris hidden in the crevices of the set, use a low suction vacuum. You may also use the vacuum cleaner’s soft brush to remove dust from the cable, vents, and ports of the TV

Adhere strictly to the User Manual:Your LED TV set comes with a user manual for a reason. The manual is meant to guide your use of the device. When cleaning your set, make sure you follow the directives of the manufacturer. Doing it any other way may damage the TV beyond repair.

Avoid strong cleaning agents:Just like we pointed out in the article, avoid strong cleaning agent as not all of them are good for your television’s screen. The screen is very sensitive, so bear this in mind. Some examples of cleaning agents to avoid include unmixed alcohol, ammonia, acetone, and Wax.

Maintaining your LED TV set requires a lot of patience and attention to detail. If you want the screen to remain in good shape, you need to clean it regularly and with proper cleaning materials. If you follow the tips in this article, your screen will remain bright and sharp for as long as you use the set.

Regardless of the model you own, it is important to protect your investment.  Cleaning your television is straight forward.Flat screen TV’s have come along way. Components contributing to the television began as early as 1831.  Televisions on the market today are using semiconductors nanocrystals, self-illuminating pixels and an array of light-emitting diodes (LED) as pixels for a video display. These massive wall units deliver access to the world through content from shows, news and apps competing for our attention.  In some respects, the price for a flat screen TV has become more affordable, while the market is still there for individuals willing to pay much more for an award-winning consumer’s choice best picture.

There are some clear do’s and don’ts in caring for your flat screen. Hopefully, these tips shed some light when it’s time to clean your TV’s front and backside. Dust build-up can affect the quality of the images on your screen. By routinely cleaning your TV"s you can prolong the life of them.

Avoid using alcohol or other consumer cleaning product with harsh chemicals. Glass cleaners contain both alcohol and ammonia. Many televisions have anti-reflective coatings. Alcohol can cause clouding and permanently damage the screen

Too much moisture could cause an electrostatic charge and cause it to burn out. If water enters the control unit it may need to be replaced.  In many TV’s, the connections to the panel are at the bottom of the TV and if water seeps inside the unit it may short out some of the contacts to the panel. Consult and expert but in those cases the panel may need to be replaced, which may not be cost effective.

Dust can become trapped in the fibers and create scratches on your screen.  A higher GSM count microfiber cloth is plush and better for trapping dust. However, the dust remains inside the fibers and may cause tiny scratches on the screen.  These are great cloths but not ideal for cleaning a flat screen.

Most cities in the united states suffer from hard water which contain minerals such as calcium and magnesium which tend to leave a visible residue on your screen.

A flat weave cloth does not trap dust into the fibers and is what is used to clean dust and fingerprints off eyeglasses and fine glassware without scratching the lenses.

The heat from the unit can cause a cleaning solution to be too concentrated.  No different than cleaning your car windows on a hot day, it evaporates quickly making it hard to remove the streaks.

Gently wipe the surface using a clean, dry or barely damp split fiber microfiber cloth. These cloths have an electromagnetic charge which attract dust to the cloth. The split fibers trap the dust there. Be careful to not rub or press too hard on the screen.

It is important to use the best tool for cleaning the flat screen.  A flat weave microfiber cloth is the best option for cleaning a flat screen just as you would to polish wine glasses and optical lenses.

If your cloth is larger, fold it in half and then half again.  This Allows you to clean with 8 clean sides of the cloth.  You should never have to use a dirty part of the cloth more than once if you purposely clean 1/4 of the screen at a time.

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A nice television is the focal point of many a living room, rec room, or man cave. It"s where the kids watch their favorite shows to unwind after school, where you catch up on the day"s news after dinner, and where you all cheer on the home team if you don"t have tickets for the game.

You searched long and hard for the right TV to fit your family’s needs, and your investment likely cost you some serious coin. However, as advanced as modern television screens are, they’re also a bit fragile -- so why risk ruining yours by cleaning it the wrong way?

Sony, Samsung, LG, Vizio, Toshiba, Panasonic... no matter which brand your television is, you should first refer to the owner’s manual that came with it. If the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions specifically say not to use ANY type of liquid on the screen, then you’ll want to follow their advice. This is especially true if your warranty is still in effect because doing so could void your warranty.

Most television screens can be cleaned with just a clean, dry microfiber cloth, advises Sean Busch, Puracy’s co-founder and resident cleaning expert. If your screen is extra dirty and needs a little help from a liquid cleaner (and your owner’s manual doesn’t advise against it), you’ll want to choose a product like Puracy Natural Multi-Surface Cleaner that doesn’t contain ammonia or acetone. Sean says those chemicals can scratch the screen or peel away the delicate coating on the surface. He also advises against home remedies like vinegar, rubbing alcohol, or baby wipes for the same reason (baby wipes can also leave residue, fibers, and streaks behind when cleaning).

Windex and many other window cleaners on the market contain ammonia. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “ammonia can be a hazard to human health.” Ammonia and other harsh chemicals can also eventually "eat away" at a modern TV screen"s coating. For this reason, it"s not okay to use Windex to clean your television, unless you have an older-style CRT TV. (And even then, make sure you spray the cloth, not the screen.)

None of our products here at Puracy contain ammonia, and they never will. Instead, Puracy Natural Multi-Surface Cleaner is formulated with plant-based ingredients that are effective on grease and grime without the need for harmful chemicals. It’s also safe to use on any type of television screen, so we recommend using it instead of Windex.

Save your money, Sean says. Most specialty TV cleaners are expensive, and most television screens can be cleaned with just a clean, dry microfiber cloth. If you do need help from a liquid cleaner, read the label to make sure it doesn’t contain ammonia or acetone. Just one small spray on a microfiber cloth of a plant-based formula like Puracy Natural Multi-Surface Cleaner will do the trick.

Here are Sean’s step-by-step directions for cleaning your TV screen, with or without the help of a cleaner. These instructions are identical for any type of TV screen, ranging from old-style CRT screens to newer varieties like LCD, LED, plasma, and OLED screens.

Step #1 -- Turn off the television or, ideally, turn it off AND unplug it. If it’s not mounted to the wall, or if it’s on a mount that can swivel, then turn it towards a light source, such as a window. This way, you’ll be able to see the fingerprints and other smudges clearly. (You know that screen glare that interferes with the action on the screen when you’re trying to watch a movie? When it comes to cleaning your TV screen, that glare actually comes in handy.)

Step #2 -- With a clean, dry, folded microfiber cloth, wipe the screen, starting at the top and using tight, overlapping “Z” strokes all the way to the bottom. Don’t press too hard; as noted above, TV screens are fragile.

Step #3 -- View the screen at different angles to make sure there are no remaining streaks or smudges. If the screen is completely smudge-free, you’re done with the screen. See below for tips on cleaning the back of the TV and the remote.

Sean’s tip: “Do you notice streaks on your screen after cleaning? It’s possible that you used too much solution, or your microfiber towel could be dirty. Grab a clean, dry microfiber cloth and try again.

“If using water, make sure you use filtered or distilled water to avoid depositing mineral residue onto the screen, especially if you live in an area where the water is considered to be hard. Not sure if your water is hard? Check out our articleHow to Remove Hard Water Stains Quickly & Easily; you’ll find a map of hard-water areas across the country, plus special cleaning-day suggestions for fixtures and surfaces marred by unsightly hard-water stains.”

Step #5 -- Turn the folded microfiber cloth to the dry side and make another pass, again starting at the top and using tight, overlapping “Z” strokes. This step will buff away any lint or residues remaining on the screen.

Cleaning the back of the television is simple. Just dust it with a clean, dry microfiber cloth, paying special attention to any vents that may be clogged with dust. If necessary, spray your microfiber towel with one spray of water.

It’s important to clean the remote, too. Think about it: How many dirty, popcorn-greased hands touch it during your last family movie night? Follow these easy steps:

Step #2 -- Hold the remote over a trash can. Turn it over so the buttons are facing down. Tap the remote against your hand; this will help dislodge any crumbs, dust, or other debris hanging out between the buttons, and they’ll fall right into the garbage. Any crumbs or crud still remaining can be carefully pried out with a wooden toothpick. You can also use a cotton swab dampened with water.

4k, also called 4k UHD (ultra high-definition), is not actually a type of TV screen like those discussed above. 4k refers to the screen’s resolution --the number of individual pixels that make up the picture on the screen. LCD, LED, and OLED televisions are available in 4k (and even 8k), but CRT and plasma televisions are not.

“Flat screen” is a general term that simply refers to the shape of the screen (as opposed to a curved old-style CRT television screen), not to the specific type of screen technology.

Armed with these helpful instructions, as well as Puracy Natural Multi-Surface Cleaner and our new microfiber cloth (coming soon -- available late 2019), your television will be completely clean and your remote free of germs and gunk. You can now return to your regularly scheduled programming.

Once you see it, there’s no use trying to ignore it—fingerprints, smears and smudges all over your TV screen. You have no recollection of ever touching your the screen, and yet there they are, stopping your favorite show dead in its tracks. And don’t even get started on the dust. Now, instead of enjoying some downtime, you’re doing a forensic analysis of what must be the most neglected surface in the home.

We’ve been there. It seems like some of the most sophisticated equipment we own (TV screens, computer screens, and phones) tend to also be some of the grossest.

The good news? With this handy guide at your fingertips, you can easily return your TV to its fresh-from-the-box perfection. And many (if not all) of the supplies you need for the job are already somewhere in your kitchen. No need to wait for a commercial break, let’s get to it.

Clean your screen with a gentle, circular motion. Avoid pressing down too hard, even when you’re trying to remedy tough-to-remove spots, as this can do irreparable damage.

There are a number of cleaning solutions you can choose from (more on that below), but no matter which one you settle on, never (emphasis on “never’) spay solutions directly on the screen. Instead, spray them onto your cleaning cloth. Remember: electronics and liquids don’t mix.

Did we mention you never spray a cleaning solution directly on your TV screen? We did, because it’s important enough to mention more than once. Below are four effective, and easy-to-make, cleaning solutions to get your screen sparkling again. Time to choose your own adventure.

Dish soap. Never doubt the power of a little dish soap (we always reach for Dawn, but you do you) to bring about big changes. Grab a bowl, and dilute one teaspoon of dish soap for every two cups of water. Soak a soft cloth in the solution, wring it out until it’s nearly dry, and you’re ready to get that screen shining once again.

Vinegar. Is there anything vinegar can’t do? It’s even good for screens. Mix 1 part white vinegar with 1 part distilled water. Put it into a spray bottle and grab your microfiber cloth. It’s about time to get that screen taken care of.

Isopropyl alcohol. For the cleaning power of vinegar without the temporary smell, look no further than rubbing alcohol. Just make sure to check the label. You want a product with 70% isopropyl (likely rubbing alcohol) and no ethyl, as this can cause serious damage to your screen. Create your cleaning solution by mixing 4 parts distilled water with 1 part alcohol. Get into a spray bottle, and you’re ready to go.

Power down. Start by turning your TV off—it’ll be easier to spot smudges, smears, and residue that way. Do a quick spot check before you move on, and identify your trouble areas.

Deal with dust. It doesn’t matter how often you clean your house: there will be dust, and it will inevitably be drawn to your TV. Run a Swiffer Duster over the screen to get the dust out of the way without also spreading it around. Don’t forget to address the outer edges and rims of the TV as well. Dust is the last thing you want clogging up your speakers, ports, and connections.

Spray the cloth. Third time mentioning this is a charm, right? Spray your cleaning solution onto a clean microfiber cloth (and not the screen). You want the cloth to be just barely dampened; if you squeeze the cloth, no liquid should come out. Move the cloth gently in circular motions until you’ve cleaned the entire surface. Wipe thoroughly, so that no moisture remains on the surface or runs down into the edges.

Wait before you watch. Before turning the TV back on, allow it to air dry completely. Do one last spot check, and re-address any persistent smudges that might have survived cleaning round 1.

That’s it! With these tips of the trade, you’ll soon be lost once more in your favorite TV series or movie, no smudges or smears to distract you. Remember to keep a bottle of whatever solution you made at the ready—they can be great for battling smudgy computer screens, eyeglasses, phones, and tablets as well.

NEVER spray any type of cleaner, including plain water, directly onto any type of flat television screen. Excessive moisture or cleaning chemicals can permanently damage the screen.

Use a disposable static-cling duster or a clean microfiber cloth to dust the front of the television screen. Do not apply excessive pressure because screens can crack.

A microfiber cloth will remove fingerprints without leaving lint or scratches from the fibers by applying gentle pressure to the area. If food has splattered onto the screen, slightly dampen the microfiber cloth with plain water and wipe away the residue. Immediately dry the freshly cleaned area with a clean microfiber cloth.

Once the screen is dust-free, don"t forget the top, sides, and back of the television. It is particularly important to make sure that vents are dust-free so that heat can escape easily.

Even if you have "cut the cable" and gotten rid of cable television, there are still cords and cables that gather dust on almost all television. A long-handled disposable duster is a good choice to reach these areas.

If you have external speakers, dust them well. A sticky lint-roller is a perfect tool to lift dust away from the fabric covers on the front of many speakers. Dust gaming boxes and other added components as well.

Television remotes and game controllers are some of the most bacteria-laden items in our homes and should be cleaned daily. If someone in the household has a cold or virus, remotes should be cleaned after every use.

If you have an older glass tube television, the cleaning steps are very similar. While the glass tube screen can withstand a bit more moisture, never spray anything directly onto the screen.

Dampen the microfiber cloth slightly or spray a tiny bit of isopropyl alcohol onto the cloth to wipe away any smudges or fingerprints on the screen. Never spray anything directly on the screen because it can cause damage to the components and the surrounding cabinetry.

Set aside one microfiber cloth to use only on electronics screens. This will prevent the accidental application of residue cleaners left in the cloth from other tasks.

If you cannot find the manual that came with your television, look online for cleaning instructions. Not following the cleaning guidelines of the manufacturer can void the warranty.

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or digital signage enclosure is an ideal solution. In the article “ProtectedDisplays: Bringing More Information to the Plant Floor” (Process Expo), Joe

Luckily, the advice from most manufacturers is simple: turn off the TV to identify the marks or dusty areas then wipe gently using a clean, soft and dry cloth.

While we will go into more detail about how to clean the screen without causing any damage – and recommend some solid products to help you – that’s the broad advice from a range of top companies, including Samsung, Sony, LG and Panasonic.

It applies to all types of modern display – including every model on our best smart TV guide – and regardless of whether you have an LCD/LED, OLED or QLED. But it’s not only the TV itself, don’t forget the remote gets much more hands-on time every day.

You don’t want to have bought an expensive new smart TV just to have it covered in scratches, so here’s how to clean the display in five easy-to-follow steps:Unplug or switch off the device. This will help you quickly identify any areas that need to be cleaned or are particularly covered in dust or smudges.

Gently wipe the screen using a clean, dry, soft cloth. If possible, use a lint-free cloth – and our personal recommendation is to stick with microfibre. These are available at every supermarket. Best to wipe in a circular motion.

Make sure the display is fully dry and clean. If the marks were removed using a soft, dry cloth you can turn the TV on. If you had to use a specialist spray, make sure that the TV is completely dry before switching it back on.

The advice may be straightforward, but there are some key cleaning approaches you should always avoid when it comes to touching and cleaning a TV screen.Avoid all home cleaning products. Surface, window or glass cleaners should stay as far away from your TV as possible. These will often contain chemicals such as alcohol, benzene or ammonia that can damage your screen.

Avoid paper towels, rolls and your sleeves: A fast-track to scratch town, these will leave deep marks on your display that will be so much worse than dust. Using these harsh materials could also strip the TVs anti-glare coating.

Avoid all moisture on the screen if possible. Some manufacturers say a very small amount of water can be used for tough marks but others say to never apply moisture. If you have to, always apply to the cloth, not the screen. Using a solution is a last resort, and only after a careful gentle wipe has failed.

Don’t use too much pressure: TV screens are fragile to the touch, so never push down hard with your cloth while cleaning. Doing so may damage the pixels under the display. Your TV is not a touchscreen smartphone.

Don"t forget the remote control: While your TV screen won’t be touched often, the same can’t be said for the remotes. These will likely be passed between your family members or friends so it"s best to also give them a wipe down.

You don’t always need to buy a cleaning kit: While these are marketed as an all-in-one solution, a microfibre cloth is often enough for dust/smudges and purchasing a pack of 12-24 cloths may actually be better value.

Lastly, don’t forget about the ports: If the screen is covered in dust, it’s likely the same goes for the back of the TV. Give those ports a dust down, too.

While there’s a lot of overlap between each brand’s cleaning tips, here’s the advice from each major TV manufacturer – and a direct link to their own tips page.

LG: “Cleaning your 4K, LED or LED TV screen with a soft, dry cloth is recommended. If you have already used liquid on the screen, dry it as quickly as possible (it may not be too late). Chemicals… should be avoided. Moisture on or near the TV should be avoided as it could cause short circuits in the electronic components.”

Samsung: “For general cleaning of the frame and screen of your TV, you should use a soft, clean, lint-free, dry cloth. We recommend using a microfibre cloth.

“You should never use any type of window cleaner, soap, scouring powder, or any cleanser with solvents such as alcohol, benzene, ammonia, or paint thinner. Never use abrasive pads or paper towels. If you do, you can scratch the screen or strip the anti-glare coating off the screen and cause permanent damage.”

Sony: “Gently wipe the screen or exterior with a dry, soft cloth, such as an eyeglass cleaner. For inks from oil markers on the screen, soak a cloth in a non-soap cleanser diluted (by less than 1%) with water. Squeeze it tightly, then wipe the ink off. Don"t use detergent with abrasives such as a cleanser.” Avoid touching the screen.

Panasonic: “A clean, dry, soft cloth should be used. For stubborn dirt, dampen a soft cloth with clean water or diluted neutral detergent (1 part detergent to 100 parts water). Ring the cloth and wipe the screen. Ensure that the cloth does not drip water; the television is not watertight and any damage to the television due to water getting into it is not covered under warranty. Finally, wipe away all of the moisture.”

The AmazonBasics range of 30 cm x 41 cm microfibre cloths is an affordable option – with a variety of pack sizes available to buy. We chose the 24 pack as that should last months – if not longer – if you are cleaning general dust or smudges from your TV. They are lint-free and won’t result in streaks across your screen. For just under £12, you will get a variety of towel colours, including blue, orange and white.

These microfibre cloths stand out due to their 40cm x 22cm sizing and will be great if you are someone with a larger TV. Made by cleaning company Sorbo, they attract dust from the screen and won’t leave any streaks behind. The cloths are machine washable at a temperature of 40 degrees Celsius and come in a variety of colours including blue, pink and yellow. The pack of six microfibre cloths costs £5.93.Latest deals

These microfibre cleaning cloths by the brand Mr. Siga are exactly what TV makers were referencing in their cleaning guides: ultra-soft, highly absorbent, non-abrasive and will clean without any lint or streaks left behind. These ‎32 x 32cm cloths cost £11.99 for a pack of 12, although they are available in packs of 50 (£20.99).Latest deals

A slightly different design to the microfibre cloths that you will typically see in your kitchen, this polyester-made set more closely resembles a glasses cleaner but will be effective at wiping down electronics including phones, TVs and monitors. Made by Charles Parker London, you get five 30cm x 30cm black cloths for £9, these will be great for wiping off the dust – but especially fingerprints – from your screen.Latest deals

Another popular option is these lint-free microfibre cloths from UK-based brand Exel. At 40 x 40 cm, they are large in size so perfect for wiping down larger TVs from dust and smudges. For the pack of 10, which should last you months if you are only using them for your TV, it costs £8.30, so they are good value. If you need a well-sized set of microfibre cloths but don’t want dozens of towels, this is a great option.Latest deals

The screen cleaner spray from IT Dusters - called “Screen Mom” - is plant-based and contains no odour, alcohol, ammonia, or harmful chemicals. The kit also contains a 40xm x 40cm microfibre towel and in combination they can be used to remove tough prints, oils or streaks from screens, including TVs, monitors, laptops and phones. The company says that the 16oz bottle has enough for more than 1,500 sprays, but always remember to only spray on the cloth - and never on the TV screen itself.

The GreatShield cleaning kit contains one 20cm x 15cm microfibre cloth, one 60ml bottle of sterile solution cleaner and a brush that can be used to help remove dust or debris from your TV ports and remote control. The screen cleaner does not contain ammonia or phosphate and claims to be completely non-static and non-streak. As with all cleaning solutions, only spray on the cloth – never on the TV screen itself – and read up on your own TV manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning the model.Latest deals

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