We asked a couple cleaning pros for the full rundown on how to clean TV screens of all types, including flat plasma and LCD screens, along with some common mistakes people make when cleaning their TV screens so you know exactly what to avoid.
How Often You Should Clean a TV Screen
To prevent buildup from accumulating on your TV screen, aim for a once-weekly TV cleaning. “It’s important to clean your TV screen not only to prolong its lifespan, but also to provide the clearest picture possible—smudges, dust, and fingerprints be gone,” says Kathy Cohoon, a cleaning professional with Two Maids & a Mop. “It can make a big difference in the aesthetic of your TV and the picture on screen.”
What You’ll Need
Microfiber clothScreen-friendly cleaner Rubbing alcohol (for tube TVs)Disinfecting wipe (for remote control only)
How to Clean Flat Plasma, LCD, LED & OLED TV Screens
You can clean any modern TV using the same process.
How to Clean Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) TV Screens
Older tube TVs can be cleaned in a similar manner as above, but with a few variations.
How to Clean a TV Remote Control
To clean and sanitize a remote, Stapf says to simply use a disinfecting wipe to remove bacteria, germs, fingerprints, and any other residue. Make sure the cleaning wipe is damp but not soaking wet to avoid getting liquid inside the remote control. Spend some time cleaning between the buttons since gunk can easily accumulate here. It’s also a good idea to remove the batteries first, or you can take the remote to a different room so it doesn’t inadvertently change the TV settings as you clean the buttons.
Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning TV Screens
To keep your TV in excellent shape, note these common TV cleaning mistakes:
Forgetting to Dust First: “A big misstep when cleaning a TV is forgetting to dust the screen before using a cleaning agent,” says Cohoon. This can lead to tiny scratches that slowly degrade picture quality. Scrubbing Too Hard: Modern TV screens are delicate and require a gentle touch. Wiping too vigorously or using a rough cloth can damage the screen quickly.Spraying Solution Directly Onto the TV: All wet cleaners should be sprayed onto a cloth and then wiped over the TV. Spraying directly onto the screen can create spots that are hard to remove. It also puts you at risk of damaging the speakers.Using Non-Approved Cleaners: Using store-bought glass cleaners on OLED or LCD TV screens is a big no-no. Stapf says, “These products contain harsh ingredients like alcohol and ammonia, which can damage the panels of the screen.” Using Too Much Cleaner: You only need a small amount of screen-friendly cleaner; too much can potentially lead to moisture damage.
