How to Clean the Screen on Your Big Screen TV

Clean your big screen TV with mild cleaners to avoid damage.

A big screen TV is an expensive investment. When dust or fingerprints build up, it's important to remember that common household cleaners damage plasma and LCD TVs. Most commercial window cleaners can degrade the screen's coating and ruin the picture. Clean your TV regularly using a soft cloth and a screen-safe cleaner.

Things You'll Need

• Microfiber cloth
• Screen cleaner (optional)
• Distilled water
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Spray bottle

Instructions

1. Turn the TV off and wipe the screen with a dry microfiber cloth. This will remove any light dirt and dust. If the screen looks clean after wiping with the microfiber cloth, there's no need to use any cleaners.

2. Mix distilled water with a small amount of isopropyl alcohol in a spray bottle. Never use more than 50 percent alcohol, or you run the risk of damaging the TV screen. This homemade solution is much cheaper and just as effective as more expensive store-bought screen cleaners.

3. Spray a clean microfiber with a small amount of distilled water or window cleaner. Wipe the screen gently to remove any fingerprints or dust still present. Wrap the cloth around your finger and use it to clean all the way into the corners. Apply very light pressure to avoid damaging the screen.

4. Wipe the screen thoroughly with a dry cloth to remove any streaks or excess product. It's important to avoid leaving any residue on your TV screen.

5. Wipe the sides and back of the TV with the dampened microfiber cloth. Remove any dust or fingerprints from the buttons, controls and ports.

Tips & Warnings

• If the TV screen has been on for a period of time, wait for it to cool before cleaning it.

References

• Popular Mechanics - How to Clean an LCD Screen