How to Clean a TV Screen (and the Speakers!)
Keeping your electronic devices clean requires more than just a casual wipe-down with any old clean cloth. LCD, LED, Plasma, OLED, and QLED television screens all require special care to protect the screen from damage and promote longevity.
You're sure to stumble upon lots of advice, and we know that it's not all good advice. Let's break it down by following some of the safest cleaning solutions, so you can learn how to clean your TV screen easily and effectively.
General Cleaning Principles
Commit to a regular cleaning schedule. Overlooking regular cleaning can lead to built-up dust and grime buildup, diminishing the vibrancy and sharpness of the display. It's often easier and quicker to clean when you do it regularly.
Use the right products. Household glass cleaner, soap, cleaning wipes, or abrasive cloths are not suitable to use on TVs since they can lead to scratches from paper towels, streaks, and permanent damage to delicate screen coatings. Make sure to use a soft lint-free cloth and only recommended cleaning products.
Easy does it. Another misconception involves applying excessive pressure during cleaning. Don't do it! A gentle touch will prevent scratches and maintain the longevity of your entire screen. Also, avoid excess liquid and disinfectant wipes.
Clean the surrounding area, too. Dust particles collect everywhere. Care for the frame, exposed cables and wires, and external speakers to minimize dust, pet hair, and dirt. And, don't forget to regularly disinfect the remote control.
5 Tips Before You Get Started
Power off the TV. Always turn off and unplug your TV before cleaning to ensure safety and prevent unexpected shocks.
Consult the manual. If you don't know what type of television you have, start by checking the owner's manual. Did you throw it away because you never thought you'd need it? Check online for the PDF version.
Avoid damaging cleaning agents and materials. If you aren't cleaning an old-school TV (like a tube TV) with glass screens, you don't want to be using window cleaner. You should also avoid ammonia, acetone-based cleaners, and plain tap water. Avoid using abrasive cloths and paper towels as well, as they can damage your screen. Soft cloths are safer.
Never spray liquids onto the screen. Instead, mist it directly onto a dry microfiber cloth. The cloth won't need to be saturated with cleaner to be effective.
Clean the frame, too. Wipe down the TV frame with a damp cloth to avoid dust buildup.
Photo by Jan Böttinger on Unsplash
Tools and Materials
Clean microfiber cloths
Distilled water
Isopropyl alcohol
Spray bottle
Compressed air
Soft brush or an electrostatic duster
Store-bought screen cleaner (recommended for OLED and QLED screens)
Cleaning LCD, Plasma, LED, and OLED Flat Screen TVs
Whether it has light-emitting diodes, liquid crystals, or it's a plasma screen, remember that these are all delicate surfaces, often with special coatings and internal components that can be easily damaged.
Choose your cleaning solution. A 50/50 mixture of distilled warm water and white vinegar works well as a gentle cleaner. For fingerprints and tougher smudges, we like to upgrade to a solution that's 1 part isopropyl alcohol and 4 parts distilled water. It works a little harder!
Mist the microfiber cleaning cloth (think: barely a mist). Wipe the screen gently in one direction, overlapping strokes. If you still seen streaks and fingerprints, mist the cloth again and repeat.
Buff the screen in a circular motion to eliminate any streaks.
Spray the cloth again so it's damp, and wipe down the television frame. If your frame collects dust in hard-to-reach spots, use a damp cotton swab to remove buildup.
Cleaning a QLED Television Screen
QLED screens come with their own set of guidelines. To protect the screen, it's very important to follow the cleaning methods and options outlined by the manufacturer.
Avoid cleaners with any type of solvents including alcohol (even isopropyl alcohol), and ammonia (it's found in Windex and other commercial window cleaners). Manufacturers also recommend avoiding benzene and paint thinners.
Using a store-bought cleaner approved for your screen is one option, but for tough spots, mixing distilled water with a few drops of liquid dish soap can also help. Shake the mild dish soap and water solution to agitate the soap, and mist it onto your clean microfiber towel.
How should I clean the speakers on my TV or sound system?
Fabric-Covered Speakers:
Wrap a vacuum cleaner nozzle with a piece of cotton cloth. Affix it with a rubber band.
Turn on the vacuum, and use the wrapped cleaner nozzle to gently lift dust from the fabric covering.
You can use a soft-bristled brush to gently clean built-up dust. Be sure to brush lightly to avoid damaging the fabric.
Plastic Speakers with Tiny Holes:
Use compressed air to clear buildup of dust and loose debris from the tiny holes in the plastic speakers. Hold the can upright and use short bursts of air to avoid moisture buildup.
For stubborn debris, you can use a soft dusting brush, dry toothbrush, or an electrostatic duster to gently dislodge it from the holes. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as you could damage the speaker cones or other components.
If there are fingerprints on the plastic, wipe down the speaker with a dampened cloth. Allow it to dry completely for 30 minutes before you turn the speaker.
FAQs
Can I use regular household cleaners to clean my television screen?
No, household cleaners often contain harsh chemicals such as ammonia, benzene, and bleach that can damage your TV.
How often should I clean the television?
A weekly dusting is generally sufficient to keep buildup at bay, while a monthly screen cleaning helps to remove fingerprints and nose boops (kid fingers and dog noses are unpredictable, right?).
Can I clean my TV with water?
Distilled water is better as an ingredient in DIY screen cleaners. It's delicate and doesn't contain the same minerals that you may have in your tap water.
What should I do if the television has stubborn stains or smudges?
For anything other than a QLED screen, you're safe to use a soft, lint-free microfiber cloth dampened with a small amount of distilled water and isopropyl alcohol. Gently rub the affected area in a circular motion, being careful not to apply too much pressure. If the stain persists, consult the manufacturer's guidelines or consider seeking professional assistance to avoid causing damage to the screen.
