how do i clean tv lcd screen quotation

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.

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This article was co-authored by Marcus Shields and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. Marcus is the owner of Maid Easy, a local residential cleaning company in Phoenix, Arizona. His cleaning roots date back to his grandmother who cleaned homes for valley residents in the 60’s through the 70’s. After working in tech for over a decade, he came back to the cleaning industry and opened Maid Easy to pass his family’s tried and true methods to home dwellers across the Phoenix Metro Area.

wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 56 testimonials and 100% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status.

As the weather warms, it"s time for everyone"s "favorite" pastime: spring cleaning. While you"re dusting off the shelves and shoveling out a winter"s worth of detritus, spare a moment to check your TV. Dust and grime can accumulate there, and over time it can become more and more noticeable. And if you have children, there may be an array of fingerprints and other smears on the screen.

The short version? Don"t use liquids, don"t press too hard, don"t use any traditional cleaners. Microfiber cloths are good, but be gentle. Modern TVs are predominantly plastic and therefore far easier to scratch than windows or your phone.

Want the longer version? Here"s what the top TV manufacturers say about cleaning their screens:Cleaning your 4K, OLED, or LED TV screen with a soft, dry cloth is recommended. The goal here is to avoid scratching the screen. Gentle, circular motions tend to give better results, since the circular motion hits each area from several angles in a single swipe.

Caution: Don"t spray water or other liquids directly on the TV, as electric shock could occur.Turn the TV off and let it cool down for a few minutes before unplugging it.

To clean the frame and screen, gently wipe it with a microfiber cleaning cloth. Make sure to wipe the TV frame and screen as gently as possible. TV screens are fragile and can be damaged when pressed too hard.

Important: Never use any type of window cleaner, soap, scouring powder, wax, or any cleanser with solvents such as alcohol, benzene, ammonia, or acetone. 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. Never spray water directly onto the TV. Make sure to wipe the TV as gently as possible. TV screens are fragile and can be damaged when pressed too hard.Gently wipe the screen or the 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 synthetic cleanser diluted (by less than 1% ) with water. Squeeze the cloth tightly to eliminate excess liquid, then wipe gently to remove the ink. Use non-soap cleansers cautiously because it may cause environmental problems when disposed improperly.

So why not Windex? Regular Windex is formulated for glass windows, plus a few other surfaces. It contains ammonia and alcohol, not the friendliest of chemicals. S. C. Johnson doesn"t explicitly say not to use Windex on TVs, but it offers Windex Electronics wipes and cleaners, so infer what you will. The better screen cleaners will clearly state that they do not contain alcohol or ammonia.

At last count, I found a billion companies making TV screen cleaners. Almost all of these are something like 99 percent water, 1 percent other stuff. Years ago I tested a handful and found them, on average, to work well enough. If you don"t have luck with a simple cloth and possibly distilled water, a screen cleaner is worth a try, and as a bonus you can also use it for your laptop, tablet and cell phone screens. Plus, they come with a microfiber cloth. If they don"t clearly state they don"t contain alcohol and ammonia, however, I would skip them.

So yeah, cleaning your TV is a good idea. But just remember that they"re exceptionally fragile. Why risk marring their surface by using cleaning methods the companies themselves don"t advise? If you damage your screen with cleaners, you won"t be able to fix it.

My advice? Get a nice microfiber cloth (if your TV didn"t come with one), and use that. If that doesn"t fix your smudges, try a cloth moist with water. Don"t press too hard. There"s less than a millimeter between your finger and a broken TV.

Screen cleaning kits are fine, though most people won"t need them. Remember, like all TV accessories, the store is selling them because they probably make more profit on that $20 kit than on a $500 TV.

As well as covering TV and other display tech, Geoff does photo tours of cool museums and locations around the world, including nuclear submarines, massive aircraft carriers, medieval castles, epic 10,000 mile road trips, and more. Check out Tech Treks for all his tours and adventures.

He wrote a bestselling sci-fi novel about city-size submarines, along with a sequel. You can follow his adventures on Instagram and his YouTube channel.

Monitors and TVs are one of those things you tend to set up and then forget about, despite how much of our lives we spend staring at them. As the days and weeks wear on, these invaluable parts of our daily routine collect dust, pet hair, liquid droplets, and other debris, just like any other surface in your home. You probably paid hundreds, if not thousands of dollars for the device, so you want to be sure you"re cleaning it the right way, without doing any damage to it. We"re here to show you the simple, dirt-cheap method that"s still the absolute best, safest way to get your flat screen TV or monitor sparkling clean.

The first step is to remove any loose dust. This will make the wet cleaning that comes later much more effective. It will also prevent any scratches during the cleaning process by removing grit that may be lurking in the dust on your display.

To do this, turn off your display and grab one of your clean microfiber or lens cloths and apply the minimal amount of pressure necessary to wipe away any loose dust. Don"t press too hard, and don"t scrub at any stubborn spots. Doing either could damage your display. Instead, brush across the display beginning at one and and moving across, making sure to reposition the cloth to a clean spot if it becomes noticeably soiled.

You never want to spray your distilled water directly onto your display. Doing so could severely damage it, and could be dangerous for you. Just use a tiny amount of distilled water from your bottle of choice to lightly dampen a clean cloth (not the one you used to dust). It should feel wet, but not drip if you squeeze it.

It"s also important to use distilled water here. This type of water has had the impurities and minerals that exist in most locations" tap water removed, prevents any haze or residue from lingering on your display after cleaning.

Use the dampened cloth to begin wiping your display, using the gentlest pressure possible to remove any visible smears, fingerprints, or dust. It helps to have a bright light aimed at your display from above or below to reveal hidden dirt and dust. Even your smartphone"s flashlight works great here.

Work you way across your display, making sure to get every bit of the screen. If you come across a stubborn spot, gently hold your dampened cloth over it for a few moments, then wipe again. If it still won"t come clean, see our note below. Don"t forget to re-wet your cloth as needed.

For stubborn spots: If distilled water alone can"t get off a particularly resistant smear, you can add a tiny amount of very mild dish soap to your water before dampening your cloth. Most manufacturers advise using a 1:50 or 1:100 ratio of dish soap to water, but even just a drop or 2 in a full spray/squeeze bottle should do the trick. Remember to be patient and keep your cloth damp. It might take some time and a few passes, but it"s best to always be gentle to avoid damage.

Depending on your local temperature and humidity, this step may not even be necessary. If your display looks dry enough for you, you"re done. If you notice any droplets on it, it"s probably worth grabbing one more clean, dry microfiber cloth and going over it gently to remove any lingering moisture.

It can sometimes be helpful here to turn the monitor back on and put something bright white on the screen. The "rainbow" effect you see will show you where any wet spots might be. Distilled water is pure enough that either air drying or cloth drying should never leave any residue behind. If you notice any spots you missed, head back to step 3.

Yes. The reason why we specified that you should only verylightly dampen your cleaning cloth is to prevent any drips or droplets from entering your TV or monitor. At no time should you see any drops rolling down your screen. If you do, immediately use your cloth to absorb them and unplug the unit.

You could just as easily clean the display with it turned on as well, but the darkened black screen makes it easier to see the dirt without the backlight and on-screen images interfering.

Only if you like overpaying for things. Most cleaning kits come with a cleaning cloth and a bottle of solution that is, itself, mostly water. While some will likely due a decent job of cleaning your display, you can"t always be sure what goes into the provided solution, and could risk damaging your display by using a product from a less-than-trustworthy manufacturer.

Even if it works great, you"re still likely to pay $10-$20 for way fewer cleanings than you"ll get out of a single gallon jug of distilled water that can be had for $1-$2.

Absolutely! Just be even more careful with the extra delicate OLED panels. The technology they use is even more fragile than other LCD displays due to the thinness of the panel. Taking your time and using a very light hand will still produce great results on whatever type of flat panel display you might have.

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Before anything, remember to be gentle. Your TV screen is sensitive, and if you"re not careful, you could damage the screen or even knock the TV over. It"s worth it to be cautious, lest you create bigger problems than a little dust.Turn off your TV before cleaning it. Turning off the TV reduces any chance of electrical damage, and the TV"s dark screen makes it easier to see dust, dirt, hair, and grime.

Use a soft, dry cloth. Microfiber is a great choice; microfiber cloths can be picked up at many different stores for a reasonable price, and their soft material grabs dust and hair without scratching or leaving fibers behind. Or, if a soft cloth came with your TV when you bought it, use that.

Don"t spray anything on your TV, especially not chemicals. Harsh chemicals can damage your TV"s screen, and any moisture that drips into gaps in the frame can potentially cause an electrical fire.

Slowly wipe the screen in a circular pattern. If your TV is wobbly, you can hold the cloth with one hand and support your TV with the other. Again, be gentle: Don"t apply too much force with the cloth or push on your TV screen.

Wipe the sides and back of the TV. Your TV screen isn"t the only area that collects dust — wipe away any debris you can see on the frame and cables, especially in the back. You"ll also want to wipe down the ports and plugs.

If you need to clean the screen more thoroughly, use a small amount of water. Don"t ever pour or spray water directly onto your TV screen. Instead, dampen your cloth slightly and gently wipe the mess. For caked-on messes, you can use a tiny drop of mild dish soap on your cloth. And after you"ve cleaned it, go over the screen once more with a soft dry cloth just to be safe.

If there"s a caked-on spot on the frame, do the same. Just make sure not to get any liquid in the cracks or ports.Chrissy Montelli is a writer and content creator originally from Long Island, NY. She is the author of two poetry chapbooks, Heart Float (Bottlecap Press) and Going to Ithaca (Ghost City Press), as well as various online publications.

If you take a closer look at your flat screen TV, you may be surprised by all the dust, dirt, and fingerprints across the screen and on the housing. When the lights are down and you’re watching your favorite movies, it may not be so noticeable, but the truth is it affects your viewing pleasure—and your TV’s performance and life span.

Your television is a commonly missed cleaning spot, but it’s a project that should be on your monthly cleaning checklist. Let’s discuss how to clean a TV screen, the housing, and the connections for audio/video equipment.

Most of our “how-to” cleaning posts start with a list of supplies and information you need to know before you get down to business. But learning how to clean a flat screen TV is a bit different from most cleaning chores. That’s because cleaning a LCD, LED, or other flat screen TV incorrectly could shorten its lifespan, affect performance, or even cause damage.

Instead of starting with what to do, we’re going to begin our guide for how to clean a TV screen with what not to do when learning how to clean a flat screen TV.

If you don’t take certain precautions when you clean that beautiful 65” LED screen, you might be better off leaving it dirty. Here’s a list of “don’ts” that will help you learn how to clean a flat screen TV the right way:

Don’t clean a flat screen when the TV is still warm. If you try to clean a warm screen with a screen cleaner, it could make removing dirt and grime more difficult and even cause damage.

Don’t use window or glass cleaner or any cleaner containing alcohol, benzene, ammonia, or acetone. Harsh chemicals can degrade anti-reflective and protective coatings, cause clouding, or even ruin the screen itself.

Don’t use cleaning pads, regular cleaning cloths, or paper towels, because the mildest abrasion can scratch coatings and screens. Even a paper towel can be fairly abrasive and cause buffed areas and fine scratches on flat screen TVs./li>

Don’t spray water or other liquids directly on your TV. Flat screen TV screens are made from layers of plastic, glass, adhesives, coatings, and other delicate materials. When liquid touches the edges of the screen, the moisture can wick into the layers and ruin the TV.

Don’t rub the flat screen too hard or press into the screen. Flat TV screens aren’t too fragile, but they can be damaged if you press too hard when you’re cleaning.

Whether you use a commercial TV screen cleaner or mix your own, keep in mind that chemicals and moisture are hazardous to your TV. Read your TV model’s instruction manual for cleaning guidelines. If you’ve misplaced your manual, you can locate it online. Look on the back of your set to determine its model number and Google the manual for that model.

The best way to clean a TV screen is to start with a dry cleaning method. Don’t forget, keep all hands off the TV screen as the less you touch your TV screen, the better. Follow the steps below and you should be able to get rid of most dirt and grime without worrying about damage to your flat screen.

For safety and a better view of those fingerprints and dirt, don’t forget to turn off your TV before you clean it. Unplug the set for good measure. Cleaning a flat screen while it’s warm could cause streaking, residue buildup, and other problems. If you have a plasma TV, you may have to wait up to 20 minutes for it to cool down completely. When you cut the power, you also reduce the risk of any moisture coming in contact with your TV’s wiring and causing an electrical issue.

Before you clean your flat screen TV, it’s essential to remove as much dust and dirt as possible without touching the screen. That’s because even the finest dust can scratch your TV’s coatings and screen if you move it around with your cleaning cloth. Use a can of compressed air to remove as much dirt from the screen as possible. Hold the can upright, about a foot from the screen, and spray away. The blasts of air will remove electrostatic-charged dust particles and are particularly good at cleaning out the screen corners.

Lightly wipe the flat screen with a clean, dry microfiber cloth. If possible, get your hands on one of those smooth microfiber cloths used for glass and lens cleaning (like the ones that come with new eyeglasses). A gentle wiping with a microfiber cloth should get rid of most fingerprints, smudges, and grime.

Most TV screens are somewhat flexible, so it’s difficult to know how much pressure you’re using on a particular spot. Clean with a light touch using a broad wiping motion either left and right or up and down. If you make circular buffing motions, you risk creating buff marks on the surface.

If cleaning your TV with a dry microfiber cloth still leaves smudges, dirt, and fingerprints, you’re going to need more cleaning muscle. Keep reading to find out what to clean a TV screen with to get rid of tough dust and dirt.

Remember: Moisture can be deadly for flat screen TVs, so only use as much TV screen cleaner as necessary. Here’s a screen cleaner you can make at home and the tools you need for a deeper flat screen TV cleaning:

For tough grime and fingerprints on a flat screen TV, one part distilled water and one part white distilled vinegar is a safe and effective cleaning solution. Barely dampen half of a clean microfiber cloth with your screen cleaner and begin lightly wiping back and forth with broad strokes.

While it’s tempting to rub oily or grimy spots directly, remember that even light rubbing in one spot can cause buff marks. Use the dry portion of your microfiber cloth to remove excess liquid and to dry the TV screen. Let the TV dry completely before you plug it back in and turn it on.

Now that you know how to clean a TV screen, let’s move on to the rest of the package. Wipe down the housing around the screen and the base of the TV with a clean, microfiber cloth dampened with distilled water. Now, turn your TV enough to get access to the back and make sure the TV is stable before you continue cleaning.

Next up, we’re going to clean the air vents and ports. Cleaning these areas is important not only for the sake of cleanliness but also to keep your TV working properly.

The slits or holes on the back of your TV are air vents that keep it from overheating. TV vent cleaning is especially important for plasma TVs that are prone to getting very warm during operation. Your aim is to remove any buildup in your TV’s vents without pushing dirt or dust into its interior. Instead of reaching for a duster or compressed air, use your vacuum’s brush attachment or other extension and vacuum the vents clean.

Ports on a flat screen TV can be on the back, sides, or the top or bottom of the TV casing. We use these ports for HDMI cables, streaming sticks, gaming systems, external speakers, and other electronics. When dirt and dust build up in these openings, it can cause devices connected to them to malfunction.Since these openings are closed off from the inner workings of a TV, you can use compressed air to safely clean them out. Spray at an angle so you don’t push dirt further into the port and don’t put the nozzle into the port because it could damage the connection.

Learning how to clean a TV screen, the housing, vents, and ports will help your flat screen TV perform at its best. If you have remotes, other audio/video devices, and computers that could stand a scrubbing, check out our guide on cleaning and sanitizing electronics. And when you need help cleaning the rest of your home, The Maids offers flexible, affordable cleaning services for your specific cleaning needs. Get your free estimate online and learn more today.

The picture quality on TVs today is spectacular. But if your screen is filled with dust, debris, or fingerprints, you"re not getting the stunning picture you paid for. Some simple cleaning should fix that, but how do you clean a flat-screen TV without damaging it?

At Asurion, our experts help millions of customers get the most out of their tech and resolve their device problems. In this article, they"re sharing how to clean your TV screen safely so you can keep your television in great condition.

Cleaning your television with the right materials and products is important—you don"t want to use anything that could harm your screen. Using a dry microfiber cloth, like those used on glasses and camera lenses, is the best way to clean a TV screen. It should get rid of fingerprint smudges and dust, the most likely causes of imperfections.

TV cleaning kits, which usually come with a microfiber cloth and liquid screen cleaner, are safe to use and are available at most electronics stores. But they can be expensive, and you"ll only need the liquid cleaner for serious smudges and spills.

Before you start cleaning, you may want to check your TV"s manual for any recommendations. LED, LCD, OLED®, and plasma TVs all have anti-glare coatings that need to be handled properly, and some TVs have specific rules on how to clean them.

Don"t use glass cleaners, like Windex®, on your TV. They may contain harsh solvents like acetone, alcohol, or ammonia that could damage your flat screen.

Dust all areas of your TV except the screen. Pay close attention to small openings like vents and ports. If you see dust or debris trapped inside, try to vacuum it out or use compressed air to clear the openings.

Use a dry microfiber cloth to gently wipe dust, debris, and smudges from the screen. It"s important to be gentle—scrubbing too hard could damage your screen.

If you still see marks on your screen, try a liquid screen cleaner. If you don"t have one, distilled water also works. Apply the liquid to a microfiber cloth—not directly onto your television—and softly wipe the screen. To clean a flat-screen TV without leaving streaks or smudges, wipe either up and down or side to side, not in circles.

Take household cleaner—any type is fine— and apply it to a cloth. Then thoroughly wipe down the remote. To get in between buttons, use a cotton swab with some cleaner on it.

Watch without interruption. With the Asurion Home+ protection plan, your TV and all of your eligible home devices are protected against breakdowns, defects, and normal wear and tear. You"ll get fast repairs—plus 24/7 tech support from trusted experts whenever you need them—regardless of the brand or when and where you purchased your device. To learn more about TV protection, visit asurion.com/homeplus.

The picture quality on TVs today is spectacular. But if your screen is filled with dust, debris, or fingerprints, you"re not getting the stunning picture you paid for. Some simple cleaning should fix that, but how do you clean a flat-screen TV without damaging it?

At Asurion, our experts help millions of customers get the most out of their tech and resolve their device problems. In this article, they"re sharing how to clean your TV screen safely so you can keep your television in great condition.

Cleaning your television with the right materials and products is important—you don"t want to use anything that could harm your screen. Using a dry microfiber cloth, like those used on glasses and camera lenses, is the best way to clean a TV screen. It should get rid of fingerprint smudges and dust, the most likely causes of imperfections.

TV cleaning kits, which usually come with a microfiber cloth and liquid screen cleaner, are safe to use and are available at most electronics stores. But they can be expensive, and you"ll only need the liquid cleaner for serious smudges and spills.

Before you start cleaning, you may want to check your TV"s manual for any recommendations. LED, LCD, OLED®, and plasma TVs all have anti-glare coatings that need to be handled properly, and some TVs have specific rules on how to clean them.

Don"t use glass cleaners, like Windex®, on your TV. They may contain harsh solvents like acetone, alcohol, or ammonia that could damage your flat screen.

Dust all areas of your TV except the screen. Pay close attention to small openings like vents and ports. If you see dust or debris trapped inside, try to vacuum it out or use compressed air to clear the openings.

Use a dry microfiber cloth to gently wipe dust, debris, and smudges from the screen. It"s important to be gentle—scrubbing too hard could damage your screen.

If you still see marks on your screen, try a liquid screen cleaner. If you don"t have one, distilled water also works. Apply the liquid to a microfiber cloth—not directly onto your television—and softly wipe the screen. To clean a flat-screen TV without leaving streaks or smudges, wipe either up and down or side to side, not in circles.

Take household cleaner—any type is fine— and apply it to a cloth. Then thoroughly wipe down the remote. To get in between buttons, use a cotton swab with some cleaner on it.

Watch without interruption. With the Asurion Home+ protection plan, your TV and all of your eligible home devices are protected against breakdowns, defects, and normal wear and tear. You"ll get fast repairs—plus 24/7 tech support from trusted experts whenever you need them—regardless of the brand or when and where you purchased your device. To learn more about TV protection, visit asurion.com/homeplus.

Have you ever cozied up to watch a movie, only to be distracted by a big smudge on the main character’s forehead? Dust, streaks, and smudges on your TV are definitely a bummer, but luckily, they’re also a cinch to clean up. Keep reading to learn more about the best way to clean a television screen so that you can get back to enjoying your favorite shows and movies.

To keep your TV in tip-top shape and to get the most out of your viewing experience, you’ll need to clear away debris on a (fairly) regular basis. Fortunately, we have a few practical suggestions for how to clean your television screen when needed.

Before you rush out to buy tons of cleaning supplies, you should know what TV screen cleaners will deliver the best results — many of which are made from household products you likely already have on hand.

If you’ll also be cleaning TV accessories like detached speakers or remote controls, you’ll want to have a lint roller, handheld vacuum, and a few disinfectant wipes, as well.

Delicate flat-screen TVs, like LED and plasma models, often can’t handle wet cleaning with a spray water bottle. To clean your screen without damaging it, you’ll first want to dust the TV with a soft, dry microfiber cloth (or an electrostatic duster, if you prefer). Take care not to apply too much pressure — doing so can cause irreversible pixel damage.

Next, you can use pre-moistened wipes — specifically those designed for electronics — to spot clean stubborn marks and stuck-on fingerprints. Finally, to remove any lingering dust, dirt, etc., use a microfiber cloth to gently clean any buttons and vents.

Don’t want to give up your old TV quite yet? That’s okay! When cleaning a glass tube TV, you’ll want to use a microfiber cloth along with a reliable window cleaner. Dampen the cloth with a bit of your cleaning spray, and follow a circular motion to buff out visible streaks or smudges.

Alternatively, you can also use a spray bottle with equal parts distilled water and white vinegar to give your screen a nice, streak-free shine. But if you do go this route, be sure to spritz the solution onto your microfiber cloth rather than spraying your screen directly.

While TV accessories don’t affect your screen’s visibility, you’ll want to keep them clean to ensure you have clear sound and can quickly toggle between channels. To clear your external speakers of debris, a lint roller can clear away dust and other particles pretty easily. If your speakers have removable fabric covers, try using a vacuum to suck up any trapped dust or hair.

Additionally, if you’d like to clean your remote control, disinfecting wipes can really come in handy. To begin, pop out the remote’s batteries and snap the cover back into place. Then, wring out a wipe and use it to clean both sides of the device. Ensure that you get into the narrow spaces between all the buttons, and allow the remote to air dry before replacing the batteries.

Wipe screens in a single direction (either vertically or horizontally). Then, wipe them a second time in the opposite direction for full cleaning coverage.

Apply harsh chemicals to your TV, only gentle cleansers and dry cloths. In other words, avoid using products that contain ammonia, alcohol, or acetone.

If you’ve removed all of the dust from your TV, but you’re still not satisfied with your home viewing experience, it might be time for an upgrade. Fortunately, Rent-A-Center has an impressive selection of flat-screen TVs at a price you can afford — we’re talking 70-, 75-, and 80-inch TVs you can take home on a flexible and convenient payment plan. ShopRent-A-Center in-store or online, and elevate your home theater setup in no time!

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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Cleaning your flat-screen is nothing to scream about! It"s easy to do and will ensure that the image isn"t being marred by dirt, dust and fingerprints.

Liquid-crystal display. Plasma technology. LED-backlighting. While these cutting-edge features help to create the ultimate viewing experience, they can also lead to confusion over the best way to clean your new flat-screen TV. Unlike older cathode-ray sets -- which feature solid glass screens -- modern flat-screens often include special materials or coatings that can be damaged by traditional cleaning products. Now that you"ve updated your TV, it"s time to switch to flat-screen friendly cleaning techniques that can safely eliminate dust, dirt and grime.

Before you begin, be sure to turn off your set and unplug it from the wall. Don"t forget to unplug any auxiliary devices, like DVD players and cable boxes. Leave these items unplugged until you finish cleaning and the screen is completely dry to minimize your risk of injury or property damage.

While you"ll find countless cleaning kits and specialty products marketed towards the flat-screen owner, most experts recommend using good old-fashioned water to clean your screen without damage. If your TV tends to collect lots of fingerprints, add about a teaspoon of isopropyl alcohol to a bowl of water to create your own homemade screen cleaner. Most rubbing alcohol is made from isopropyl alcohol, but always check the bottle before using this product to clean your TV. Some kinds of rubbing alcohol are actually made from ether alcohol, or ethanol, which isn"t the best choice for flat-screen televisions.

Whether you"re using an isopropyl alcohol blend or just plain water, keep in mind that you should never spray these materials directly onto the screen. Instead, dip a lint-free or microfiber cloth into your cleaning solution of choice, then wring it out until it"s just slightly damp. Many newer TVs come with an appropriate cleaning cloth, so check the box before you buy. You can also use a cloth designed for cleaning eyeglasses or camera lenses, as they"re made to clean without leaving lint or scratches behind. Wipe the screen very gently in smooth, even strokes to remove dust and other contaminants. Don"t apply excess pressure or scrub at your screen, as this could seriously damage your picture, and can even lead to dead or burnt-out pixels. When you"ve finished cleaning, carefully dry the screen using a soft, lint-free cloth. Never use a dirty cleaning cloth, as even tiny particles of dirt may become trapped in the fabric and can scratch your screen. While you may be tempted to use a clean paper towel, wood-based paper products are just too harsh for delicate flat-screens, and can leave behind ugly scratches that interfere with your viewing experience.

Finally, don"t make the mistake of using regular glass cleaner or other household cleaning products on a flat-screen TV. Ammonia and other chemicals used in these products can strip anti-glare coatings from the screen or leave behind other serious signs of damage. When in doubt, refer to the owner"s manual that came with your TV to determine the dos and don"ts for your particular model.

While many people use the terms "flat-screen" and "flat-panel" interchangeably, there are some significant differences between the two. Flat-screen refers to any TV with a curve-free screen, whether it"s a bulky cathode-ray unit or a sleek new LCD model. Flat-panel, on the other hand, refers to a TV with a flat, narrow body, and may include plasmas, LCDs and other advanced technology, but does not include classic cathode-ray units.

Let"s be real: Your TV screen is probably dirty. Sometimes, the dirtiness of a TV screen can go unnoticed, particularly if you spend a good amount of time watching bright, colorful content that minimizes the appearance of smudges and grime.

Like sunglasses, mirrors, and windows, TVs are best left free of smudge, spots, and fingerprints. Unfortunately, there"s a ton of misinformation out there about the best (and safest) ways to wipe away the blemishes on a TV. After all, these aren"t just any old surfaces—they"re expensive and often delicate pieces of technology.

Here"s the good news: Once you understand the basics, freeing your spot-covered TV of your kid"s oily palm prints couldn"t be simpler. Just remember: a clean screen means a clean scene.

Window cleaners contain harsh chemicals (like alcohol, ammonia, and lauramine oxide) that can do damage to LCD and OLED panels. One reason people assume that surface cleaners are still copacetic for TVs is because old-school CRT TVs could stand up against Windex, thanks in part to their glass screens. These days? The less liquid you use, the better.

Believe it or not, even the densest of fingerprints can be wiped away without the use of any moisture. It is important, however, to use the right type of cloth or towel when cleaning, otherwise you run the risk of scratching the panel.

Always use a microfiber cloth or towel—like the ones that come with a new pair of glasses—to clean your TV screen. Avoid using standard tissues or paper towels. Go to work on the problem areas with gentle, circular motions. Avoid applying too much pressure to the panel. If you"re dealing with some stubborn, oily stains that just won"t cooperate, resist the urge to exert more force. Instead, try moisturizing the cloth with a small amount of warm water.

Generally speaking, dedicated screen-cleaning solutions are OK for LCD/LED and OLED TVs, but if you decide to use screen cleaner, make sure the formula does not include alcohol or ammonia.

If you decide to use water or some sort of cleaner, do not spray the screen directly. Instead, lightly moisten your microfiber cloth before wiping the your TV screen.

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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?

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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.

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 GS