How to De-Magnetize a TV CRT

Cathode-ray tube (CRT) TVs occasionally have color-purity problems such as color separations or geometrical distortions. This can be a sign that your CRT has been magnetized and needs to be demagnetized. There are two techniques you can use to demagnetize a TV CRT.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Commercial degausser, refrigerator magnet or bulk tape eraser

Power Cycling

1. Turn the TV on for a minute.

2. Shut the TV off for at least 20 minutes.

3. Turn the power back on for a minute.

4. Repeat Steps 1-3 a few times to try to get the TV's internal degausser to fix the problem.

Manual Degaussing

5. Manually demagnetize a TV CRT using a commercial degausser, a small magnet or a bulk tape eraser.

6. If you're using a commercial degausser, switch it on and bring it to within inches of the center of the face of your television. If you're using any of the other items, start at the center of the TV screen as well.

7. Slowly move the degausser or magnet in slow, widening circles until it circles the perimeter of the TV. It should take about five progressively larger circles to get from the center to the edge of the screen.

8. Return the object slowly to the center of the TV screen again with it flat against the screen.

9. Slowly back straight away from the TV, bringing the degausser or other object at least 5 feet from the TV.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're not using a commercial degausser for the second technique, it will take longer for the demagnetizing process to work. A degausser or a bulk tape eraser can be found at electronics stores or online.
• Never try to demagnetize a TV CRT from the back or the inside of your TV. If you use a magnet, stick with a refrigerator-size magnet. Anything larger and more powerful could cause more damage to the TV rather than fixing it.

Resources

• More Information on CRTs
• More Degaussing Information