The Importance of Proper TV Screen Cleaning: What to Use and What Not to Use
When it comes to cleaning your TV screen, many people are left mystified by what ends up on their screens. In this video, we'll explore both what you absolutely shouldn't do and what you should do in order to clean your TV screen properly.
What You Shouldn't Use to Clean Your TV Screen
It may seem counter-intuitive, but household cleaning products like glass cleaners and all-purpose cleaners are not suitable for cleaning your TV screen. The reason is that these products contain alcohol, ammonia, and other chemicals that can damage your screen's anti-reflective layer and other coatings. Even if you have a glass screen on a plasma TV or one of the handful of OLED models, it's still best to avoid using Windex or similar products.
Wood-based products like paper towels, facial tissue, and toilet paper are also not recommended for cleaning your TV screen. While they may be fine for wiping countertops and wiping your face, the tiny fibers in these products can end up scratching your screen, creating micro-scratches that can eventually lead to dull spots on the surface of your screen.
Why Are These Products a No-Go?
The reason why these products are not recommended is because they can damage your TV screen's coating. When you use a product like Windex or glass cleaner, it may seem like it's just a quick wipe, but the chemicals in those products can seep into the coating and cause damage over time. Similarly, wood-based products like paper towels and toilet paper have tiny fibers that can scratch your screen, even if you don't see any immediate effects.
What Can You Use Instead?
If you want to buy products specifically designed for cleaning electronic screens, there are many options available. You can get wipes or sprays made from materials like microfiber cloths and distilled water. However, these products can be costly and wasteful, which is why I prefer to use a simple solution.
My Go-To Cleaning Solution
For me, the simplest and most effective way to clean my TV screen is using microfiber cleaning cloths, distilled water, and a little spray bottle. This method may not be the most exciting or high-tech solution, but it's surprisingly effective and won't break the bank.
The Three Levels of Cleaning You May Need
When it comes to cleaning your TV screen, you may need to use different methods depending on what's stuck to it. There are three levels of cleaning: dry cleaning, wet cleaning, and chemical cleaning.
Dry Cleaning is for Dusty Screens Only
If your screen is just dusty, all we need to do is dust it. I prefer using a microfiber cleaning cloth with bigger loops in the fabric, which gives us more dust retention. Simply wipe the screen gently with the cloth, making sure to cover the entire surface. This method is especially effective for screens that are prone to dust accumulation.
Wet Cleaning for Smudges and Stains
If there's a smudge or stain on your screen, you'll need to use a wet cleaning method. In this case, I recommend using a microfiber cloth dampened with just water. Make sure the cloth is not soaking wet, as this can lead to drips and damage to the screen.
Gentle Circular Motions are Key
When cleaning a smudge or stain, it's essential to use gentle circular motions. Apply enough pressure to remove the stain, but avoid using too much force, which can damage the LCD cells in the panel.
Sometimes, Not All Cleaning Methods Work
Unfortunately, there may be cases where no amount of cleaning seems to work. Sometimes, nasty stuff like oil-based residue from an exploding pizza or hot wings incident will stick to your screen. In these situations, a separate bottle of water with just a tiny drop of dish detergent can come in handy.
Using Dish Detergent to Tackle Tough Stains
When it comes to tackling tough stains, a little bit of dish detergent can go a long way. Mix a tiny drop of dish soap with a small amount of water in a separate bottle, and use the resulting solution to clean your screen. Remember to use gentle circular motions and avoid applying too much pressure.
The Importance of Streak-Free Cleaning
Finally, it's essential to remove all water from the cleaning process to ensure a streak-free TV. Use a dry spot on your cloth or a separate microfiber cloth to wipe away any excess moisture. This may take a little extra effort, but it's worth it to achieve a clean and streak-free screen.
In conclusion, proper TV screen cleaning is not as complicated as you might think. By using the right products, techniques, and tools, you can keep your TV looking its best for years to come. So go ahead, grab a microfiber cloth and some distilled water, and get cleaning!