Is a dirty TV screen getting in the way of your movie night? Here’s how to safely clean your screen in four easy steps
Are dirt, pet hair, or fingerprints interrupting your family movie nights? If so, it may be time to give your TV screen a deep clean. It’s important to do it the right way, though. Otherwise, you could damage your screen.
This step-by-step guide breaks down the tricky cleaning process into four easy steps. It also discusses the best ways to clean different types of TVs so you can get back to your movie night, big game, or latest can’t-miss show in no time.
You may be tempted to spray your TV with a bottle of cleaner and wipe it down with paper towels. Not so fast. This method may be quick, but it can cause permanent damage to your TV.
With that in mind, consider these few tips before you clean a flat-screen TV.
Avoid using cleaning products with harsh chemicals. Chemicals like alcohol, acetone, and ammonia—commonly found in household cleaning products—can ruin fragile TV screens. As a general rule, avoid using household cleaning products when cleaning your TV.
That doesn’t mean you need to buy expensive TV screen cleaner kits, though. Generally, a microfiber cleaning cloth and some distilled water will get the job done.
Use a mixture of water and vinegar for stubborn spots. If your TV screen is covered in sticky fingerprints or food residue, use a combination of white vinegar and distilled water to erase spots and smudges without damaging your expensive screen.
Steer clear of paper towels. Paper towels may be your go-to for quick clean-ups, but you should steer clear of them when wiping your TV. They can scratch your screen and leave a coat of residue behind.
Don’t forget to clean your remote. Believe it or not, cleaning your remote has benefits beyond germ-killing. Sure, you’ll cut down on germs, but you’ll also remove crumbs, dirt, and debris that build up with use.
Remove the batteries first, then use a disinfecting wipe to clean the top, bottom, and sides of the remote. A toothpick will make quick work of any sticky residue or crumbs between the buttons, too. When you’re done, give your remote a few minutes to dry before replacing the batteries.
Finish the job by cleaning your speakers. Your external TV speakers can trap dust, pet hair, lint, and grime that affect the sound over time. To keep your speakers in tip-top condition, remove the fabric covers and use a vacuum cleaner upholstery tool or lint roller to de-fuzz them. Wipe the internal face of your speaker with a microfiber cloth before reattaching the covers.
Before you start cleaning your TV screen, turn it off. Doing so will let you see any subtle smudges or spots on the screen and allow it to cool, minimizing the risk of streaks.
Next, unplug your TV from the outlet. If your TV is on a wall mount, pull it away from the wall to make dusting the back easier.
Using a soft, dry microfiber cloth, gently wipe the screen in an up-and-down or side-to-side motion. Once you’ve finished the screen, wipe up and down the edges of the TV to trap dust and pet hair.
After wiping your screen, take a few steps back and check for any stubborn smudges. If you notice any lingering spots, mist your cloth with distilled water or a 1:1 mixture of white vinegar and water.
Buff the screen in a circular motion until the smudge disappears. Then, wipe it carefully with the dry end of your cloth to prevent streaks.
Remember, you should always use a light touch when cleaning stubborn spots on your screen. Scrubbing too hard can damage the screen and affect your viewing experience.
Finally, use an air duster, electrostatic duster, or soft vacuum brush attachment to remove debris from the back of your TV. Pay special attention to any vents, ports, or built-in speakers, too. Over time, dust can build up and impact their function.
You should never use Windex or another window cleaner on your TV screen unless you own an antique tube TV. The chemicals in Windex can permanently damage LCD and plasma screens, which are made of thin, delicate material.
On the other hand, tube TVs have sturdy glass screens that hold up against Windex. To clean your tube TV, simply use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe away any dust clinging to the surface. Then, mist the cloth with water or window cleaner and buff the screen until it’s dry.
Avoid spraying Windex directly onto your tube TV. You could oversaturate the device and cause a system failure or damage the wooden casing surrounding the screen.
Generally, you can clean your TV without any liquid at all. If your TV has smudges or stubborn stains, use a small amount of distilled water to dampen a microfiber cloth. Clean the screen carefully and wipe thoroughly to prevent drips or streaks.
Dish soap makes it easy to remove tough, sticky spots from a flat-screen TV. Combine one-part dish soap with 100-parts water in a small bowl or spray bottle and lightly dampen a microfiber cloth with the mixture.
Wring your cloth out to prevent drips, then wipe the screen carefully. Follow with a dry cloth to soak up any remaining moisture.
Microfiber cloths—similar to those used to clean eyeglasses–work well on TV screens because they won’t leave lint and help trap dirt, dust, and pet hair. If you don’t have a microfiber cloth on hand, don’t worry—an old t-shirt will leave your TV looking as good as new.
