What’s the Best Way to Clean a Television Screen?

Screens can scratch easily, and even common household items like paper towels and tissues contain fibers that can cause damage. The best approach is to use a soft, anti-static microfiber cloth, similar to the type used for cleaning eyeglasses or camera lenses. Wipe the screen gently in a circular motion to remove dust and debris without applying excessive pressure.

You should also clean the TV’s cabinet and ensure dust isn’t blocking the ventilation vents that help dissipate heat. If your TV is on a stand and not wall-mounted, support it with one hand while cleaning with the other to prevent it from tipping over. It’s highly recommended to anchor all stand-mounted TVs to the wall using anti-tipping straps for safety.

For stubborn stains that don’t come off with a dry cloth, lightly dampen the cloth with distilled water. Avoid spraying water directly onto the screen, as this could cause an electrical shock or damage internal components if water seeps inside.

If you encounter particularly persistent stains, you can create a cleaning solution using a very small amount of mild dish soap heavily diluted with water. Apply this solution to the cleaning cloth, not directly to the screen. A good guideline is a 100:1 ratio of water to soap. Remember that LCD screens are especially sensitive to pressure, so avoid pressing hard during cleaning.

After cleaning with a damp cloth, it’s a good idea to go over the screen again with a dry microfiber cloth to remove any remaining streaks or watermarks. This ensures a clear and spotless finish.