Clean a Flat Screen TV
Plasma and LCD flat screen TVs require more care than glass TV screens. This article provides three methods for cleaning a flat screen TV: with a microfiber cloth, with a vinegar solution, and using scratch removal techniques.
Contents
10 Second Summary
1. Turn the TV off.
2. Get a microfiber cloth.
3. Gently wipe the screen. Don't press hard.
4. Wipe the frame with the cloth or a duster.
5. for dirty screens.
Steps
Cleaning With a Microfiber Cloth
- Turn the TV off. You don't want to interfere with any pixels while they're still firing, and turning off the TV will enable you to see dirt, dust, and grime better since you're working with a dark surface.
- Find a microfiber cloth. These soft, dry cloths are the same type of cloth you would use to clean eyeglasses. They're perfect for LCD screens because they don't leave lint.
- Wipe the screen. Use the microfiber cloth to gently wipe off any dirt or grime that's visible.
- Don't press hard on the screen if the dirt or grime does not immediately come off. Simply move on to the next method below.
- Do not use paper towels, toilet paper, or old shirts as your cleaning cloth. These materials are more abrasive than microfiber cloth and may scratch the screen and leave lint residue.
- Examine the screen. If it now looks clean, there may not be a need to wash it. If you see splatters of dried liquid, built up dust or other gunk, move on to the method below to give your flat screen some extra shine.
- Clean the frame of the screen. The hard plastic frame is less sensitive than the screen itself. Use the microfiber cloth or a duster to wipe it off.
Washing With a Vinegar and Water Solution
- Turn off the TV. Again, you don't want to interfere with any pixels, and you want to be able to see any imperfections.
- Make a solution of equal parts vinegar and water. Vinegar is a natural detergent, making it a safer, and much less pricey option, than other cleaners.
- Dab a microfiber cloth in the vinegar solution and gently wipe the screen. If necessary, apply gentle pressure and rub spots that need extra cleaning in a circular motion.
- Do not dump or spray vinegar solution directly onto the TV screen. It could end up damaging the screen permanently.
- If you would prefer to buy an LCD screen cleaning solution, they are available for purchase at computer stores.
- Do not use cleaning solutions that contain ammonia, ethyl alcohol, acetone or ethyl chloride. These chemicals can damage the screen by cleaning a little too much.
- Use a second microfiber cloth to wipe the screen dry. Allowing liquid to dry on the screen could leave marks.
- Wash the frame of the screen. If the hard plastic frame needs more than a dusting, dip a paper towel in the vinegar solution and scrub it clean. Use a second towel to wipe it dry.
Removing Scratches from Flat Screen TVs
- Check your Buy a TV. If you have a large scratch that is covered by your warranty, your best option may be to exchange the TV for a new one. Proceeding to try to repair the scratch yourself may cause further damage that is not covered under your warranty.
- Use a scratch repair kit. This is the safest method for removing a scratch from your screen. Repair kits are available for purchase where TVs are sold.
- Use petroleum jelly. Coat a cotton ball in petroleum jelly and dab it over the scratch.
- Use lacquer. Buy clear lacquer and spray a small amount directly over the scratch. Allow it to dry.
Tips
- Look for special cleaning instructions in the manual that came with your screen.
- The same techniques can be use to clean Clean a Computer Monitor/LCD Screen.
- You could also use special screen wipes that are available at most computer stores.
Warnings
- If the cloth is not dry enough, it may drip, perhaps causing a short circuit.
- If your screen is a rear-projection type, pressing too hard may damage the screen, as it is very thin.
