How to Clean a TV Screen for a Streak-Free Clear Picture
Take 10 minutes to clean your TV screen correctly for a clear viewing experience.
Knowing how to clean a TV screen properly can provide a crisp picture instead of a smudgy screen. While your television is probably one of the last things you think about adding to your cleaning routine, TVs accumulate dust and fingerprints, and the buildup occurs so slowly that it's hard to notice. But trust us: Take just 10 minutes to clean your TV and revel in a far more satisfying cinematic experience. Follow these tips for cleaning TV screens of all types—from CRT to OLED models—as shared by a couple of cleaning pros.
Meet Our Expert
Kathy Cohoon is a cleaning professional with Two Maids.
Leanne Stapf is the chief operating officer for The Cleaning Authority.
How Often to Clean a TV Screen
To prevent buildup from accumulating on your TV screen, aim for a once-weekly TV cleaning. "It's important to clean your TV screen not only to prolong its lifespan but also to provide the clearest picture possible—smudges, dust, and fingerprints be gone," says Kathy Cohoon of Two Maids. "It can make a big difference in the aesthetic of your TV and the picture on screen."
Considerations Before You Get Started
It's a good idea to check the owner's manual for any specific concerns or requirements the manufacturer suggests for cleaning your TV. This is particularly important if an active warranty exists. Consider these general tips for cleaning any TV model and avoid damaging the screen.
Be gentle. Avoid scratching the screen by cutting back on the elbow grease and force. Modern TV screens are delicate and require a delicate touch. Wiping too vigorously or using a rough cloth can damage the screen quickly.
Use proper cleaning supplies. Always use a microfiber or other screen-safe soft cloth. Paper towels and other similar wipes are too abrasive. Additionally, Leanne Stapf of The Cleaning Authority says that using store-bought glass cleaners on OLED or LCD TV screens is a big no-no, explaining: "These products contain harsh ingredients like alcohol and ammonia, which can damage the panels of the screen."
Avoid too much moisture. You only need a small amount of screen-friendly cleaner; too much can potentially lead to moisture damage. It's also important to let the TV screen and parts fully dry.
Spray cleaners onto cloths. All wet cleaners should be sprayed onto a cloth and then wiped over the TV. Spraying directly onto the screen can create spots that are hard to remove. It also puts you at risk of damaging the speakers.
Dust first. Don't skip this important step. "A big misstep when cleaning a TV is forgetting to dust the screen before using a cleaning agent," says Cohoon. This can lead to tiny scratches that slowly degrade the picture quality.
What You Need:
Screen-friendly cleaner
Rubbing alcohol (for CRT TVs only)
Disinfecting wipe (for TV remote control only)
How to Clean Flat Plasma, LCD, LED, and OLED TV Screens
Regardless of the type of TV you own, you can clean any modern flatscreen TV using the process below.
Step 1: Power Down
Before breaking out any dust cloths or cleaners, make sure your TV is off. If you want to take an additional precaution, Cohoon says you can also unplug the TV, but it's typically unnecessary for modern TV models. While best for safety, turning the TV off also helps you see any streaks or smudges on the screen.
Step 2: Dust the Screen
Dry dusting your TV is a crucial step in the cleaning process. "Removing dry debris will ensure that you don't accidentally create scratches by scrubbing a rough piece of dirt or buildup into the screen," Cohoon explains.
Use a microfiber or soft cloth to dust the entire screen gently. If needed, flip the cloth over (or grab a second one) to completely remove all dust, pet hair, and other loose debris. You can use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the speakers and cords as well.
Step 3: Use a Screen-Safe TV Cleaner
Spray a small amount of screen-friendly cleaning product onto a soft cloth—never directly onto the screen itself—and wipe the TV down in a steady back-and-forth motion. Check that the cleanser is safe for the specific type of screen you are cleaning. Repeat as necessary to remove oily areas or fingerprint smudges. Remember to gently wipe down the top and base of the TV, too.
Step 4: Clean Smudges Off the Screen
After wiping down the entire screen, check for individual spots of streaks, smudges, fingerprints, and the like. Some may require a little more cleaning—gently.
""For tougher spots, make sure not to apply too much pressure, especially on more delicate screens. If microfiber cloth spot-cleaning doesn't work, I recommend adding a bit of warm water to the cloth and then cleaning the spot with the dampened cloth.""
Leanne Stapf of The Cleaning Authority
Step 5: Dry the TV
Let the TV screen air dry completely before turning it back on. This shouldn't take more than 15 minutes.
How to Clean Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) TV Screens
Older tube TVs can be cleaned similarly to flatscreen TVs but with a few variations.
Step 1: Unplug the TV
For safety, in addition to turning it off, it's best to unplug your CRT TV before cleaning. It's an extra step that isn't required with flatscreen TVs but is vital for CRT TVs.
Step 2: Dust the Screen
Use a microfiber cloth to gently wipe away loose dust, dirt, and other debris. You may need to turn the cloth over or get a second one to adequately remove everything.
Step 3: Clean the Screen
CRT TV screens can be cleaned with alcohol and don't require a spray cleaning product. "Since these screens are a bit sturdier, you can mix equal parts rubbing alcohol and lukewarm water to create a cleaning solution," Cohoon says. "Using a small amount of solution on a soft cloth, wipe the entire screen, base, and top."
Spot-clean any stubborn areas with caked-on messes or heavy fingerprints. You can also remove fingerprints by rubbing with a microfiber cloth in a circular motion.
Step 4: Dry the TV
After cleaning your TV, allow it to air-dry completely before turning it back on. This should only take about 15 minutes.
How to Clean a TV Remote Control
Don't forget to clean your TV remote, too, as it can accumulate dust, germs, and bacteria. To clean and sanitize a TV remote, Stapf says to simply use a disinfecting wipe to remove dirt, fingerprints, and any other residue.
Step 1: Remove Batteries
It's a good idea to remove the batteries from the remote first so it doesn't inadvertently change the TV settings as you clean the buttons. Alternatively, you can take the remote to a different room while cleaning it.
Step 2: Wipe the Remote
Wipe down all areas of the remote. Spend some time cleaning between the buttons since gunk can easily accumulate there. Make sure the cleaning wipe is damp but not soaking wet to avoid getting liquid inside the remote control.
Step 3: Dry the Remote
Allow the TV remote to air dry completely before using it again. You don't want moisture to sit on the remote since that can cause bacteria to grow.
How to Keep Your TV Screen Clean Longer
To help your TV screen stay clean longer, it's a good idea to maintain it with weekly cleanings. Additionally, you'll want to wipe off any fingerprints or smudges as soon as they happen. By regularly cleaning your TV and using the appropriate products, you'll help preserve your TV screen's quality and the longevity of the TV in general.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Windex on a flatscreen TV?
Never use Windex to clean a flatscreen TV screen. Harsh chemicals found in Windex and other similar products (like alcohol, ammonia, and hydrogen peroxide) can damage a modern TV screen. Always read the labels on store-bought screen cleaners to ensure they don't contain these ingredients.
Can I use water to clean my TV screen?
It is safe to use water on most TV screens—both modern and older CRT models. But remember, too much moisture can be damaging, so always spray or dampen the cloth instead of spraying directly onto the screen. Consider using distilled water to avoid leaving hard water stains on your screen.
Can I use vinegar to clean my TV screen?
Vinegar is safe to use for cleaning TV screens. It's best to dilute the vinegar with distilled water before using it on your TV. And remember to dampen a cloth with the vinegar solution before wiping to avoid excess moisture.
Related: How to Clean Almost Anything: An A-to-Z Guide
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