How to Clean TV Screen - The Correct Way

So you have bought a new Big Screen TV.  Awesome.  But have you considered how to clean TV Screen?

Soon the surface of the screen will become dusty.  Like all electronic devices, they tend to generate static electricity which will attract dust. Who knew?  Sooner or later your shiny new TV will have a film of dust on the screen.  Naturally you will want to clean it.  It cannot be that difficult right?

Most of us will probably reach for the window cleaner or surface spray and give it a gentle wipe as we are blissfully doing the house cleaning.  

But what you are really doing is blissfully ruining the surface of your new flat screen TV because window cleaners and surface sprays don’t bode well with the various types of LED, OLED, QLED, LCD and Plasma screens. 

Soon the picture quality will degrade on your big screen TV and all the while it was actually the way it was cleaned that caused it.  Ouch.

Check the manual that came with the TV.  Can’t find it? Look in the bottom draw of the kitchen with all the other miscellaneous stuff. Did you  tape it to the back of the TV?  

Or you may need to look online if you absolutely have no clue where it is. (most times that’s me!) There is likely a section about cleaning and maintenance. Have a look and see if there are any special cleaning procedures for your TV.  Most will have a general guide similar to the one below.

Supplies You’ll Need

To clean your TV screen effectively, here’s a collection of products that can be found easily at Woolies, Coles, Bunnings and Officeworks:

1. Microfiber Cloth: A soft, lint-free cloth that won’t scratch the screen. At Woolies | At Coles

2. Demineralised Water: Free from minerals that can leave streaks or spots. At Woolies | At Coles

3. White Vinegar: A natural cleaner that can be mixed with distilled water. At Woolies | At Coles

4. Spray bottle. A refilleable spray bottle that can be used over and over At Woolies | At Officeworks

4. Screen Cleaning Solution: Specially formulated for TV screens (optional) At Officeworks

5. Compressed Air: For blowing away dust from hard-to-reach areas. At Officeworks

6. Soft Brush: For gently removing dust and debris. At Bunnings

Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide

1. Turn Off and Unplug the TV

Turn off the TV and for safety, unplug it as well. (water and electricity don't work well together!).  When the TV is off, smudges and dust will be seen better on a black surface.

2. Dust the Screen

Blow away any dust using compressed air or a soft brush. You run the risk of scratching the screen if you start wiping with a cloth before removing dust.  This part is super important.

3. Prepare Your Cleaning Solution

If you don’t want to use a commercially available TV cleaning solution, a DIY cleaning solution is just as effective.  Simply mix equal parts of white vinegar and demineralised water into a spray bottle. (Do Not use tap water. It will leave streaks)

4. Dampen the Microfiber Cloth

Give you microfibre cloth a few squirts of your cleaning solution until it's damp but not wet. DO NOT spray directly onto the TV screen because the drip may seep into the TV components.  Spray the cloth, not the TV.

5. Wipe the Screen Gently and Clean TV Screen

Using circular motions, start wiping the screen working from the top of the screen to bottom.  Pressing too hard can damage the pixels. Wipe gently.

6. Dry the Screen

With a dry microfibre cloth, wipe away any remaining moisture and gently give the screen a buff. This will give it a streak free, clean finish.

7. Clean the Frame and Stand

Finish the job by giving the frame and stand a wipe down too. 

Additional Tips and Precautions

1. Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Do Not use alcohol or ammonia based cleaners or other harsh cleaning solutions. They will cause damage to the TV screen coating.

2. No Paper Towels: You run the risk of scratching your TV surface using Paper towels etc… 

3. Clean Regularly: A regular clean will help stop the buildup of dust and grime. Give it a light dust once a week and a good clean once a month.

4. Be Gentle: Don’t press too hard on the TV screen or you run the risk of damaging it.

5. Check Manufacturer Guidelines: It's a good idea to check the cleaning guide listed in the manufacturers manual. 

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, even after a careful clean, you may come across some issues. Here’s how you can solve them

Streaks and Smudges

This is generally from excess moisture or a microfibre cloth that was way too damp. Use a dry microfibre cloth to buff the TV surface using gentle circular motions.  Next time you clean, use a little less cleaning solution on your cloth.

Dust Residue

Use compressed air to blow away the dust first. It might also be that the microfibre cloth needs to be a better quality to trap the dust. Consider using microfibre cloths specifically for electronic surfaces.  

Persistent Spots

Do you still have fingerprints or stubborn spots? Dampen cloth slightly and apply a little more pressure but still be gentle. If that doesn't work, consider using a specialised screen cleaner.

Maintaining Your TV Screen

To keep your TV screen in top condition between cleanings, follow these maintenance tips:

1. Keep the Area Dust-Free: Clean the room regularly to reduce the likelihood of dust build up.  Air purifiers are also a good way of filtering dust.

2. Hands Off: Fingerprints can be hard to remove. If you have a young family or pets, consider using a screen protector or discourage children from touching the screen.

3. Proper Ventilation: Keep your TV well ventilated.  This will prevent overheating and attracting dust.

Conclusion - How to Clean TV Screen

Often our lifestyles are so busy that we are prone to giving the TV a quick squirt with spray and wipe as we are dusting and cleaning. But over time this will gradually degrade your TV picture quality. Keep some microfibre cloths with a spray bottle of demineralised water and vinegar handy for cleaning the TV. Don’t forget to remove the dust first. Clean regularly and your TV will last a lot longer.