To clean a TV without smears, first dust with a dry microfiber cloth, then gently wipe stubborn spots with a damp microfiber cloth (water only, or a drop of dish soap in distilled water), spraying the cloth, not the screen, and finally buff dry with a clean, dry microfiber cloth for a streak-free finish, avoiding paper towels, harsh chemicals (alcohol, ammonia), and spraying directly onto the screen.
To clean fingerprints and greasy smudges off your TV screen, use a small amount of water and gently rub the screen with a clean, soft, dry cloth.
Don't ever use a Magic Eraser to clean any electronic screen, including your computer, phone, or television. Screens require cleaning with a gentle cloth to prevent scratches and damage to anti-glare finishes.
Don't use glass cleaners, like Windex®, on your TV. They may contain harsh solvents like acetone, alcohol, or ammonia that could damage your flat screen. Also, don't use paper towels or clothing to wipe your television. They are abrasive and can scratch the screen's coating.
Avoid Using Household Chemical Cleaning Products
Ammonia and acetone, on the other hand, damage the screen by causing discolouration and forming a hazy appearance, thereby ruining the TV's visual quality. [Note: Even wet wipes with high alcohol content should not be used on TV screens.]
Avoid harsh chemicals or spraying liquid directly onto the screen. Always power off and unplug. Use a soft, lint-free or microfibre cloth to wipe the screen. Never use strong cleaning agents like ammonia-based cleaners or abrasive powders.
Even a light touch can leave annoying fingerprints and smudges behind. Touching the screen with too much force could cause direct damage to the screen and the pixels. The reason we would recommend against even lightly touching your TV screen is because of the fingerprints that could be left behind.
To clean the screen gently wipe the surface with a separate clean and dry, lint-free cloth. Made from microfiber these cloths gently remove dirt, grease, and dust with ease, without the need for chemicals. “Your TV screen is delicate, so I would always recommend using soft, lint-free microfibre cloths,” advises Laura.
Avoid Harmful Chemicals. Alcohol and ammonia, found in window cleaners such as Windex, can wreak havoc on your TV screen, so never use cleaners that have them.
Dry Dusting
Start the clean by dusting the TV screen with a dry microfibre cloth. By doing this, you'll get rid of any dust and other dry dirt. This is important because these particles can cause scratches if you inadvertently rub them in with a wet cleaning product.
In fact, Windex and other ammonia-based cleaners can actually severely damage your television by removing the protective layer on the surface of the screen. A much better option is to use water and white vinegar. Mix up a 50-50 ratio of distilled water and white vinegar.
To clean the frame and screen, gently wipe it with a microfiber cleaning cloth. Make sure to wipe the TV frame and screen as gently as possible. TV screens are fragile and can be damaged when pressed too hard.
For general cleaning of the frame and screen of your TV, you should use a soft, clean, lint-free, dry cloth. We recommend using a microfibre cloth. You should never use any type of window cleaner, soap, scouring powder, or any cleanser with solvents such as alcohol, benzene, ammonia, or paint thinner.
The 20-minute cleaning rule (also known as the 20/10 rule) is a simple, time-boxed method to tackle household chores by cleaning with focused intensity for 20 minutes and then taking a 10-minute break, repeating as needed to prevent burnout and keep messes from piling up. It breaks large tasks into manageable sprints, making cleaning less overwhelming by focusing on progress over perfection through short, frequent sessions rather than marathon cleaning days, often tied to the FlyLady system or similar organizing principles.
You should only need to dust your screen. If you're putting fingerprints all over it, a small amount of invisible glass, glass cleaner on a very soft cloth suitable for cleaning eyeglasses would be okay to remove finger spots.
Never use dish soap to wash microfiber towels. Even your everyday laundry detergent can be too harsh for these delicate towels, containing fragrances and other chemicals that could damage the fibers.
A microfiber cloth is essential because other cloths or towels can scratch your screen. To make this simple cleaning solution: Mix one part distilled water with one part vinegar in a spray bottle. Shake well.
A water-damaged LCD screen is usually not repairable, as water can settle between the layers of the liquid crystal display and can be very difficult to dry. In this situation, consider replacing your water-damaged TV with a new one.
Simply combine one part alcohol and one part distilled water in the spray bottle. Cap it, give it a quick shake, and it's ready for use. Variation: If you don't have isopropyl alcohol handy, you may substitute plain vinegar.
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 of Two Maids.
Soft, lint-free microfiber cloth: This gentle material prevents scratching and effectively removes dust and fingerprints. Screen-safe cleaning spray: Look for solutions specifically designed for electronics. Alternatively, create your own DIY solution using equal parts distilled water and white vinegar.