If you like to spend your evenings curled up on the sofa watching your favourite dramas, then you'll need to know how to clean your TV screen to make sure your watching experience is as crystal clear as possible.
Just like all electronic items, televisions can get dusty and attract greasy marks, such as children’s fingerprints. Even though TV screens may not be the most handled electronics, cleaning your TV is a straightforward process that doesn’t require any expensive cleaning solutions.
Unlike other surfaces in the home, TV's require certain cleaning methods to avoid being ruined or causing permanent damage. After all, when you're spending a lot of money on your 60 inch TV, you'll need to make sure you're looking after it properly.
We've put together our top cleaning tips for TV's to keep them gleaming, but before you begin, make sure you read the manufacturers instructions on how to clean your TV screen without damaging it.
What you’ll need
These cloths can be used on other devices such as mobile phones, tablets and laptops. They're also handy for cleaning glasses.
This is an optional purchase, but if you have particularly stubborn marks on your TV screen it's best to use a specialist screen cleaning spray rather than a generic cleaning spray, to prevent damage.
How to clean your TV
Step 1: Turn your TV off.
Step 2: Start by cleaning the frame of your TV in a circular motion using a clean, soft, lint-free dry cloth. Remove all the dust from the front and back of the TV using your microfibre cloth. For hard to reach crevices like vents, use a soft-bristled vacuum cleaner head to suck the dust away.
Step 3: Remove smudges using a pre-moistened electronics wipe or by spraying your cloth with a screen spray. Never spray anything onto the screen directly as you could damage your TV. Wipe as gently as possible. The screen can be damaged easily if you wipe too hard.
Step 4: Begin by wiping horizontally all the way down then repeat but vertically, repeating until the screen appears clean and streak free.
How to clean your TV speakers
Check to see if the fabric covers on your TV sound bar or speakers can be removed in the product’s manual. If they can be removed, take them off and remove the dust or lint that can get stuck there. If the fabric doesn’t come off, you can use a lint roller to remove the dust from the front.
What is the best way to clean your remote control?
Firstly, remove the batteries from the remote and use a moistened disinfecting wipe to clean both sides of the remote. This way you can disinfect it and remove any crumbs or other sticky residue on the remote. Pay extra attention to the buttons. Allow the remote to air dry then place the batteries back in.
What to avoid when cleaning your TV
It is important to note that you should never use cleaning fluids, wax, or chemicals unless they are specifically marketed for a TV screen.
Do not use window cleaner, soap, dish soap, scouring powder, or any cleanser with solvents such as alcohol, benzene, ammonia, or paint thinner.
Do not use water as a way to clean any of the TV unless the manufacturer's manual says otherwise.
Lastly do not use abrasive pads or paper towels, in doing so you may scratch the screen or strip off the anti-glare coating.
As plasma screens are made of glass and have an anti-glare coating it means that they can be damaged by using cleaning products. It is best to use a dry cloth to clean LED, LCD and OLED TVs.
Tips for keeping your TV screen clean
• Keep your TV in top shape by cleaning it weekly to stop dust or fingerprints from building up.
• To make sure that your cables, electric ports or vents do not have a build-up of dust use your vacuum on a low suction to remove anything that could damage or block it.
• Do not use any sprays around your TV screen as the screens are very sensitive any spray residue could damage the set.
• Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions to be sure your TV can be fixed under warranty.
• Keep away from using products that contain ammonia, alcohol, or acetone. These can easily damage the television's screen.
How do I clean greasy marks or fingerprints off the screen?
To clean fingerprints and greasy smudges off your screen, you can purchase a bottle of screen cleaning solution. Put a small amount of the solution on a soft and dry cloth, and then rub the marks off the screen gently.
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Ellen Kinsey is a Senior Health and Wellness Product Writer and has been a part of Bauer Media since 2020. She primarily covers topics on natural health and beauty, sustainable living, wellness, and spirituality.