Don’t Ruin the Screen: Main Mistakes When Cleaning a TV 0 20

Modern TVs don’t attract dust as much, but they still get dirty noticeably faster than one would like. Dust degrades image quality, and if it gets inside the casing, it can affect the TV's operation and even shorten its lifespan.

So, cleaning the screen is still necessary. The main thing is to do it correctly; otherwise, you might leave streaks, scratches, or, in the worst case, permanently damage the coating.

What to Use to Wipe the Screen

You will need a soft cloth for dust removal and high-quality microfiber cloths. Keep in mind that if you wouldn’t use that cloth to wipe your glasses or camera lens, it’s not suitable for the TV screen.

If you need to use a liquid, only use distilled water. Definitely do not use tap water, as minerals leave streaks that will be difficult to remove later.

What Not to Use for Wiping the TV

• Alcohol

• Glass cleaners

• Paper towels

• Furniture polish

Turn off the TV, unplug it, and look at the screen in good side lighting; this makes fingerprints and streaks more noticeable. If the TV is mounted on the wall, you can clean it right away. If it’s on a stand, sometimes it’s easier to turn it for better access.

How to Properly Clean the Screen

Using a soft microfiber cloth, gently remove dust from top to bottom. Do not press hard or make circular motions; they only smear the dirt and can leave micro-scratches. All excess dust will accumulate at the bottom frame, which you can carefully wipe away in a horizontal line.

Next, take a clean microfiber cloth, slightly dampen it with distilled water or a special screen cleaning solution. Wipe with broad, smooth vertical motions. Do not pour liquid directly onto the screen or spray it directly on; only apply it to the cloth. After the wet cleaning, you can go over it with another dry microfiber cloth to remove any remaining moisture.

How Often This Should Be Done

If you don’t touch the screen with your hands, a light dusting once a week is sufficient. If there are stains that don’t come off even after careful wet cleaning, then the coating is likely damaged. In that case, it’s better to contact the manufacturer’s support.