Cleaning your flat screen TV regularly makes binge watching your favourite series a whole lot more enjoyable. Whether you have a plasma, LCD or LED screen, dust, fingerprints and smudges will inevitably appear. It’s important to know how to clean your TV so you can enjoy clear viewing, vivid colours and sharp details. Before cleaning your TV, take a look at the owner’s manual for the best cleaning advice from the manufacturer of your television, especially if your TV is under warranty. Flat screen TVs can’t be cleaned like old box TVs that had glass screens as screens today require more caution when it comes to what sort of TV screen cleaner to use and how to use it. To clean your screen without damaging the pixels or any electric components, read the tips below.
Clean A Plasma, LCD or LED TV Screen
To begin cleaning your TV screen, make sure it is off or has been off for a while and has had the chance to cool down. It is also easier to see smudges when the TV is off.
- Using a dry microfiber cloth, remove dust from the screen. Wipe around the edges too, dust can build up on and inside ports and speakers which reduces the quality of your TV over time.
- Mix a cleaning solution of 1 part vinegar and 1 part distilled water to 70 percent isopropyl in a bowl, then pour the mixture into an empty spray bottle An alternative is to opt for a commercial cleaner. Spray the cleaner onto a microfiber cloth, but not too much – different cleaners dry at different speeds.
- Avoid using cleaners with ammonia, acetone or high concentrations of alcohol, they are too harsh.
- Gently wipe the entire surface of your screen thoroughly, making sure there is no moisture left on the screen, and avoid wiping moisture into the edges.
- Let your TV screen air-dry.
- For any remaining residue, use a dry clean microfiber cloth to buff the streaks away. Next time you notice a streak on your TV screen you should use a microfiber cloth to buff it away as soon as possible, before it attracts dust.
After cleaning your TV screen you may as well clean the rest of your entertainment system:
Clean The Remote
Start by removing the batteries and placing the cover back on the battery enclosure. Tap the remote lightly against any hard surface or your hand, buttons facing down. This will dislodge any crumbs or dirt that could be stuck in the remote.
Then, with a dampened microfiber cloth, clean both sides of the remote, paying extra attention to crevices that could be harbouring dirt.
Clean The Speakers
Double-check the manual of your speakers if you’re unsure of whether your speakers have removable fabric covers. If they are removable, take them off the speakers and use a vacuum to suck up any dirt, dust or lint that could be stuck inside the speaker. For speakers that have fixed covers, vacuum the outside of the cover or use a lint roller. If your speakers are made from plastic or wood, use a damp clean cloth to wipe with the grain. Then wipe dry with a clean, dry cloth.
Once your task is done, you can sit back, relax and binge-watch your favourite shows on your freshly cleaned TV. Enjoy the noticeable difference. Now that you know how to clean a TV screen, remember not to use chemical window cleaners or other harsh solutions. Sometimes using a simple water and vinegar solution gives the best results. Don’t forget to gently clean your flat screen TV and not to get it too wet, which will result in damage to your screen.
