How To Clean A TV Screen

Watching your favourite movie or series is always better done on a clear screen that’s recently been cleaned. Luckily there aren’t many tools needed to give your TV screen a thorough clean and keep it in great condition. 

Like the other appliances we use regularly that have screens, such as cellphones and laptops, it’s important to clean your TV often. Not only will this help you enjoy a clearer picture, it will also extend your flat screen TV’s lifespan. In this article, we’ll look at the best methods to clean different types of TV screens, while sharing a few helpful tips along the way.

Helpful TV Screen Cleaning Tips

Before we dive into the specific methods of cleaning that different TV screens require, let’s take a look at the vital cleaning points to note that apply to all TV screens:

  • Check the user manual if you’re unsure of the type of screen on your TV.
  • Always make use of a microfiber cloth for cleaning.
  • Never use soap or wax to clean.
  • Never use cleaning detergents that contain alcohol, benzene, ammonia, or acetone.
  • Never spray water or any other cleaning product directly onto your TV screen.
  • Make sure your TV is off and unplugged before you start cleaning.
Pro-Tip
Wipe in a circular motion when cleaning, starting in the centre and working your way outward. 

Now that we’ve gone through a checklist of important points for all TVs, it’s crucial to note the differences between screens and what cleaning methods work best for each one. Most TV owners nowadays have an LCD (LED) and OLED TV. These are slightly more delicate and usually require the use of specialised cleaning products. 

If you still have a tube TV set, you’ll have a bit more flexibility with how you choose to clean it. Because its screen is made of glass, you can clean it the way you would other items in your house that are also made of glass. A commonly found cleaning product that is only okay to use on tube TVs is a window cleaner. Let’s take a look at the best methods used to clean each type of TV.

Best Way To Clean LCD (LED) and OLED TV Screens

  1. Start by dusting the screen with a soft, microfiber cloth.
  2. If there are any smudges or fingerprints needing to be cleaned, use a pre-moistened wipe suitable for electronic cleaning. 
  3. If you don’t have any wipes, you can also use a microfiber cloth dampened slightly with distilled water to remove smudges. 
  4. Finish off by giving your TV screen one last wipe with a dry, clean area of a microfiber cloth. 

Best Way To Clean Tube TV Screens

  1. Start by dusting the screen with a soft, microfiber cloth.
  2. To get rid of smudges and fingerprints, use a microfiber cloth sprayed with distilled water or a window cleaning solution. 
  3. Finish off by giving your TV screen one last wipe with a dry, clean area of a microfiber cloth. 

How To Clean A TV Remote Control

Once you’ve given your TV screen a good clean and wipe down, don’t forget to tend to the part of the TV set most responsible for spreading germs – the remote control. It is especially crucial to clean your remote often if you are part of a big family where it gets passed through different hands every day. 

Make sure to remove the batteries and put the battery cover back on before you start cleaning. Turn the remote upside down (with the buttons facing downward) and tap it against your hand to get rid of any loose crumbs. Use a soft cloth dampened with a mixture of water and a small amount of alcohol to wipe the entire remote. You can also opt for a slightly damp disinfecting wipe instead. 

Use an old toothbrush or a toothpick to search for stubborn dirt between the buttons. Let the remote air dry before putting the batteries back in. 

Summary:

  1. Remove the batteries and put the back cover back on.
  2. Tap the remote against your hand with the buttons facing downward to get rid of any loose crumbs.
  3. Use a slightly damp disinfecting wipe or a soft cloth dampened with water and a small amount of alcohol to clean the entire remote. 
  4. Get rid of stubborn dirt between the buttons with a toothpick or old toothbrush.
  5. Once the remote has air dried, place the batteries back inside. 

Once the whole job is complete, you can enjoy a better cinematic experience with a clean TV screen and spotless remote control. Share these tips and tricks with the friends and family that always have you over to watch their favourite movie on a screen that needs cleaning.

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