Simple Steps to Safely Clean and Maintain Your TV

How to Clean Your TV

October 17, 2024

When people think of household cleaning tasks, they usually think about cleaning bathrooms, sweeping and mopping floors, or vacuuming. While these are all important, one common household item that is often overlooked on cleaning day is the television set.

With a clean TV screen and exterior, you can prevent dust buildup, enhance the picture quality, improve the device's overall performance, and extend its lifespan. However, if it remains uncleaned, dust and dirt can leave permanent marks and cause the device to overheat if blocks the fan.

You may be wondering; how do you clean a TV without damaging it or how to clean fingerprints off the tv screen? Let's take a look at how to safely clean the television sets in your home.

Safety First: For You and Your TV

The first step, as always, is to unplug the television from power and allow it to cool down. Depending on the age of your television, this can take from a few minutes up to about 20 or 30. This avoids streaks from the heat and allows capacitors to discharge their residual power.

Next, you'll want to make sure you have a microfiber cloth and a screen-safe cleaner. Regular water and abrasive tools or cleaners can damage the television, so you should keep it light and not use too much pressure.

You'll also want to keep the dampness down, as excessive moisture can cause drops of liquid to drip into the TV, which can cause damage.

Understanding Your TV Type for Optimal Cleaning

Cleaning LCD, LED, OLED, and QLED TVs

It's important to know which type of TV you have, as different types have different cleaning strategies because of the variety of materials used. Most newer television sets are LCD, LED, OLED, or QLED.

These television sets are extremely sensitive, so you won't want to use harsh chemicals like alcohol or ammonia. Instead, try distilled water or a screen-safe cleaning solution if needed after starting with a dry microfiber cloth. Remember to be gentle, too, as these screens are easily damaged.

Cleaning Plasma TVs

Plasma TVs are less common these days, as they stopped being produced in North America in 2008 and China in 2013. Still, their long lifespans mean that many people continue to use them in their homes.

These screens are made of glass that often has a protective coating over it. A microfiber cloth dipped into a solution of mild dish soap and distilled water is the best choice. They're also rather sensitive, so you'll want to avoid harsh chemicals and wipe lightly.

The Do's and Don'ts of Cleaning Your TV

TV Cleaning Best Practices:

• If you still have the owner's manual, you can check to see if it has a cleaning section. If not, they can usually be found for free online pretty easily.
• Your microfiber cloth should be soft and nonabrasive to make sure that the screen isn't damaged when cleaning marks or fingerprints.
• If possible, the cloth should also be anti-static, as static electricity can damage the TV's internal components.
• Make sure to clean regularly to prevent dust from building up.
• Gentle, circular motions are best, as rubbing too hard can damage the screen and leave black spots.
• Use natural light when cleaning to see all the dirt on the screen. Powerful flashlights or other artificial sources of light can sometimes cause damage.
• For your first time, you might want to run a test by cleaning a small area first, like one of the corners.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning the TV:

• Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that can damage the screen.
• Never spray liquid directly onto the screen or body of the TV. Liquid cleaners are helpful but can leak into the internal mechanisms very easily.
• Don't use paper towels or tissues, as they can also be abrasive enough to scratch the surface of the screen.
• Don't press too hard or use hard or sharp tools, which can severely damage the screen.
• It can be hard but try to avoid over-cleaning. It should look nice but going too hard can hurt the device and reduce its lifespan.

Don't Forget to Clean the Remote

Another major cleaning task is the television remote. It's one of the most frequently touched items in the home, which makes it a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and other germs.

First, you'll want to remove the batteries to make sure the electrical system inside isn't damaged. Then, use disinfectant wipes to wipe down the exterior. If the buttons are very close together, you can use a cotton swab or a Q-tip to clean between them.

Finally, you'll want to give it a few minutes to air dry before putting the batteries back in and using it again.

Tips to Maintaining Your TV

A great way to reduce the amount of cleaning you need to do is to ensure proper maintenance. First, you'll want to dust the TV once a week and do a deeper cleaning about once a month.

It's also important to be careful about where you place the television. High humidity means there's a lot of moisture in the air, which can damage its internal components. Direct sunlight will not create glare but can harm the screen.

You'll also want to clean the vents on the sides regularly to prevent overheating. By keeping them clear of dust and debris, you can add years of life to your set. It should also be plugged into a surge protector to prevent short-circuiting. Finally, don't forget screen protectors and covers are available for outdoor TVs.

Keep Your TV Looking New with Regular Care

By maintaining a clean TV screen, you can keep it looking good, improve the picture quality, and extend its lifespan. Just remember to be gentle, use a soft microfiber cloth, and clean it regularly. Don't forget to dust the vents and clean the remote, too!

Now that you know the answer to the question, "How do you clean a TV?", don't forget to add it to your regular cleaning schedule.

Of course, if you're concerned about your ability to do it yourself or have other cleaning tasks around the home that need to be done as well, it's always a good idea to call a professional cleaning service near you to make your home shine. Call a cleaning company today!

Keep Your Home Spotless with Luxoclean's Professional Cleaning Services

While knowing how to clean your TV properly can enhance its performance and extend its lifespan, finding the time and cleaning methods can be challenging. Why worry about cleaning when Luxoclean can handle it all? Our professional cleaning services cover every aspect of your home, including electronics like your TV. Using safe, effective methods and eco-friendly products, we'll make sure your entire home is clean from top to bottom. So sit back, relax, and enjoy your favourite show on a spotless screen. Contact us today to schedule a cleaning service, and let Luxoclean make your home sparkle.