Introduction
In this blog post, we will discuss the dos and don’ts of cleaning your television screen. We will cover what you should avoid using and what you can use to effectively clean your screen. By following these tips, you can keep your TV screen looking its best for years to come.
What Not to Use
When it comes to cleaning your television screen, it’s important to avoid using household cleaning products such as glass cleaners and all-purpose cleaners. These products often contain alcohol, ammonia, and other chemicals that can damage your screen’s anti-reflective coating and other protective layers. Even if you have a glass screen, like on a plasma TV or one of the few OLED models, it’s best to steer clear of window cleaners like Windex. Additionally, you should avoid using wood-based products such as paper towels, tissues, and toilet paper. While these are great for wiping down surfaces, they can leave tiny fibers that will eventually scratch your screen, resulting in dull spots over time.
What to Use
Fortunately, there are products specifically designed for cleaning electronic screens. You can purchase screen cleaning wipes or screen cleaning sprays, but I find these to be expensive and unnecessary. Instead, here’s what I recommend:
- Microfiber cleaning cloths
- Distilled water
- Small spray bottle
For most cases, these three items are all you need to effectively clean your TV screen. However, I have one more trick up my sleeve that I’ll share with you shortly.
Three Levels of Cleaning
There are three levels of cleaning that you may need to perform on your TV screen:
1. Dry Cleaning
If your screen is just dusty, all you need to do is remove the dust. You can use a can of compressed air, but I prefer using a microfiber cleaning cloth with larger loops in the fabric for better dust retention. Simply start from the top and work your way down, gently wiping the screen. Don’t forget to also dust off the frames and the back of the TV if you can access it, as electronics tend to attract dust due to static electricity.
2. Light Stains and Fingerprints
If you have fingerprints, handprints, or other stains on your screen, you’ll want to use a slightly damp microfiber cloth. Fill a small spray bottle with distilled water and spray the cloth until it is damp. Be careful not to oversaturate the cloth, as dripping water could be a problem depending on where it lands. Then, use a gentle circular motion to remove the stains. It’s important not to apply too much pressure, as you could damage the LCD cells of the panel. Afterward, use a dry cloth or a dry spot on the same cloth to ensure everything is dry.
3. Stubborn Residue
In some cases, you may encounter stubborn residue that doesn’t come off with water and a microfiber cloth. These residues are typically oil-based. For this, I recommend keeping a separate water bottle with just a small drop of dish detergent. You don’t want to use too much, as it could leave soap streaks. Apply a small amount of the soapy water to the cloth and continue with gentle circular motions. Then, follow up with another microfiber cloth dampened with water and use a dry spot on the cloth or a separate dry cloth to remove any remaining moisture.
Conclusion
Cleaning your television screen is a simple task that can be accomplished with just a few tools used smartly. By avoiding household cleaning products and using microfiber cloths and distilled water, you can effectively clean your screen without causing any damage. Remember to use gentle motions and not apply too much pressure. With these tips, you can keep your TV screen looking its best and enjoy optimal viewing experiences. Happy cleaning!
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