Cleaning a Flat-Screen TV

by Lisa Palladino (RSS feed)
Oct 29th 2009 at 10:02PM

Unlike older TVs, with their glass fronts, flat screen models require more gentle care. In addition to regular dusting, you should periodically clean the screen to remove dirt and fingerprints, which will lessen your viewing experience.

Turn off the TV and disconnect the power. Make sure the screen is cool. This is more important with plasma TVs, as they throw a bit more heat than LCD TVs.

Dampen a lint-free cloth with clean water (do not use strong chemical cleaners such as alcohol, ammonia-based cleaners, or window cleaners) and wring it out until it is moist and will not drip. Chamois, microfiber, or 100 percent cotton are best. Do not use a napkin, paper towel, or tissue paper, as wood-source materials may scratch the screen. Gently wipe from the center of the screen in circles outward reaching the frame; be sure to clean the corners. Do not rub, scrub, or apply too much pressure. Wipe the case if desired. Use a dry, lint-free cloth to wipe away any moisture on the screen or the case, again using a circular motion on the screen.

You also can purchase special screenwipes, available at most computer stores. These can be used on your computer monitor too.

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

amastro1970 Nov 5th 2009 9:59AM

guess it's time to clean the TV

cberry60 Nov 5th 2009 10:01AM

thanks

SAVATS Nov 5th 2009 10:55AM

Thank you so much for this article! WHEW! What a relief.. SO glad I read this! AOL, you RULE!!

Now let's get back to something worth talking about, shall we?

..Sheesh.

Colleen Nov 7th 2009 4:26AM

Sooooo if they tell you to use "clean water" and not strong chemical cleaners such as alcohol, ammonia-based cleaners, or window cleaners. So then what is in the "special screenwipes".....clean water?

gametech24 Nov 5th 2009 1:07PM

Usually in those wipes it's some sort of lite-rubbing alcohol solution

PostingCA Nov 5th 2009 1:53PM

Just as Gametech24 said, a solvent that is isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) based. And if you read the owners manual it specifically instructs you not to use these wipes. The liquid dries so quickly that, in addition to degrading the screen coating with prolonged use, it can leave the screen splotchy.

Almost every TV and monitor manufacturer includes a special cleaning cloth as described in the article to use to clean the screen. If you don't have one, a microfiber cloth works best.

Spare the special coating on the screen that protects it - use only water. It works, it's cheap, and it's safe. The other stuff? - It's all a marketing gimmick.

ricsimon Nov 5th 2009 1:42PM

I was told a long time ago to simply use "used" fabric softener sheets from the dryer. They work well, do not scratch the screen and most importantly are a lot easier to use that what was suggested. Flatscreen TV gets cleaned every week now.

Jo Nov 5th 2009 3:02PM

i have tired two kinds of wipes for flat screens and they streak...but wallyworld has a spray with a microfiber cloth that works good..

Tom Nov 6th 2009 1:26AM

Safe, streak free way to clean your screen is to use a 50 50 mixture of vinagar and distilled water, and a very soft cloth.

Sainit Nov 5th 2009 4:30PM

Best way to keep it clean is.... Not to touch the damn screen, ever! And use compressed air to puch off the dust.

sue Nov 5th 2009 4:37PM

I think what they are meaning is not use the water out of your toilet!!!!!!!!!!!!! Most of us would know that, why they listed clean water, I am not sure, COMMON SENSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

lisalisa531 Nov 5th 2009 9:10PM

If common sense is so common why is it so hard to find ?

johnnybaby Nov 5th 2009 5:42PM

The walmart lens cleaner (optical section) and a clean, dedicated microfiber towel (be sure to cut off tag cleanly). The lens cleaner is made to protect coated lenses! I fix broadcast cameras and lenses and this is what I've used for years.

David Nov 5th 2009 6:17PM

This is incorrect, do not use tap water as the salts in the water will leave a residue on your screen. There are blends you can make at home to use or buy the kits with the wipes. But if you use plain water you will be making a mess of your display. If you do not chose your cloth carefully you will scratch the display. Use a microfiber or dedicated screen cleaning cloth and do it right.