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Cleaning your TV periodically is essential if you consistently want the greatest picture quality possible and to keep your TV going strong for a long time to come. However, the majority of flat-screen TVs are built of fragile materials that are easily harmed if you don’t clean them properly.
Before you dive into cleaning, make sure your TV is off and completely cooled down, so you can easily see any dirt and smudges. And then be sure to check the owner’s manual for specific guidelines
But if you’ve lost your manual don’t worry! These tips are a sure-fire way to a squeaky clean screen!
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Cleaning Flat-Screen Plasma, LED, LCD, and OLED TVs
Whether you just bought a new TV or have a 4K flat screen that you want to keep pristine, you can achieve the most effective clean by following these basic steps:
First, use a soft, dry microfiber cloth to dust the TV or an electrostatic duster, like a Swiffer. However, you should never use paper towels, tissues, or rags. You want to ensure you go over buttons and the back of the TV to nab dust in the vents. Keep in mind not to apply excessive pressure to the screen. Too much pressure on the screen can burn out the pixels.
Then you want to spot clean stubborn smudges with a pre-moistened wipe made for electronics or a solution of very mild dish soap highly diluted with water, applied to the cloth and not to the TV itself.
How to Keep it Streak Free
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One constant struggle that comes from cleaning TVs is trying to keep them streak-free. Just when you think you have it nice and clean, you’ll suddenly notice streaks ruining your screen. To avoid that, you should avoid using pre-treated dusting cloths, as they have oily coatings and can leave residue on a TV (but they work great for dusting wooden furniture!).
Instead, use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe the screen once in one direction (horizontally or vertically), then again in the opposite way to completely cover the entire surface and remove any visible streaks. As dust gathers on the cloth, turn it frequently. Also, the next time you touch the screen or see a streak, remove it by buffing it away before it becomes a magnet for dust. You might’ve thought that was it, but since you’re cleaning the TV, you should also clean the other heavily used entertainment items like the speakers and remotes.
Cleaning Remotes
While you don’t have to clean the remote, if you’re worried about the spread of germs in your home, you should. Take the batteries out first before you start cleaning. Then tap the remote against your palm while it is upside down, with the buttons facing downward, to clear any debris that may have gotten stuck between them. Use a gentle cloth dampened with a small amount of alcohol diluted with water to wipe the entire remote.
You can also use a cotton swab moistened with the alcohol/water mixture to clean in and around the buttons. You can get rid of more stubborn grime that has gotten further inside the keys by using a dry toothbrush or a wooden toothpick. When you’re done, gently wipe the remote down with a dried cloth and then reinstall the batteries.
Cleaning Remotes
While you don’t have to clean the remote, if you’re worried about the spread of germs in your home, you should. Before you begin cleaning, remove the batteries. Then tap the remote against your palm while it is upside down, with the buttons facing downward, to clear any debris that may have gotten stuck between them. Use a gentle cloth dampened with a small amount of alcohol diluted with water to wipe the entire remote.
You can also use a cotton swab moistened with the alcohol/water mixture to clean in and around the buttons. With a dry toothbrush or wooden toothpick, you can remove more stubborn crud that has gotten further inside the keys. Reinstall the batteries after you’ve finished wiping down the remote with a dry cloth.
