When it comes to cleaning flat screen televisions and monitors, most of which are LCD (including LED-backlit LCD) displays, a gentle touch and some extra care is called for.

Older and bulkier CRT screens, the kind used in large "tube" monitors and TVs, are glass and can be cleaned in pretty much the same way as you would any other glass in your home or office.

Flat screen and touch displays, however, are much more sensitive and can easily be damaged during cleaning. Antiglare coatings can be scratched, and rub too hard and you can burnout pixels (the tiny dots that compose images on computer monitors and TV screens).

Here's how to clean your flat screen TV:

1. Make sure your flat screen TV is turned off - you don't want to interfere with any pixels while they're still firing. Turning off the TV will also allow you to see dirt, dust, and grime better because you're working with a dark surface.

2. Find your microfiber cloth. These soft, dry cloths are the same type of cloth you would use to clean your smartphone or tablet. They're perfect for flat screens because they won't leave any lint behind.

3. Gently wipe the screen with the microfiber cloth from top to bottom using a circular motion. Use the microfiber cloth to gently lift any visible dirt or grime from the flat screen. Try not to press hard on the screen if the dirt or grime doesn’t come off immediately. What not to do: Do not use paper towels, toilet paper, or old shirts as your cleaning cloth. These materials are more abrasive than microfiber cloth and may scratch the screen and leave lint residue.

4. Take a good look at your screen. If your television now looks as good as new again, there might not be a need to wash it. If you can still see some built up dust or other gunk on the screen, move on to the next step to give your flat screen some extra sparkle.

5. Lightly spray your microfiber cloth with a few squirts of cleaning solution, just make sure not to soak it. Gently wipe the screen with the microfiber cloth from top to bottom using a circular motion. For those spots that might need extra cleaning, apply a gentle pressure and again, rub in a circular motion. Continue to use the microfiber cloth to remove any remaining smudgy oils.

6. Do not use cleaning solutions that contain ammonia, ethyl alcohol, acetone or ethyl chloride. These chemicals can damage the screen by cleaning a little too much.

7. If you have a second microfiber cloth on hand, wipe the screen dry. Allowing too much liquid to dry on the screen could leave streaks and you don’t want that.

8. If you’re feeling like a bit of spring clean, wash the frame of the screen. If the hard plastic frame needs more than a dusting with the microfiber cloth, spray some cleaning solution on the cloth and wipe it clean. Ideally, use a second microfiber cloth to wipe it dry.

 

About the author:

This post was written by AM Denmark. Established in 1971, over the last 45 years AM has earned its place as a leader in the field of vinyl, hi-fi, computer, touch screen and flat screen TV cleaning. As media consumption has evolved, AM has continued to innovate and adapt to new technologies and devices. AM thrives to provide the best and highest quality cleaning products for office and home use. The cleaning liquid in all AM cleaning products is alcohol-free, and safely tested across all screens. It won’t damage your most sensitive gadgets, screens or your skin, even after repeated use.