How to Clean Your TV Screen the Right Way

If your TV screen hasn't been cleaned in a while, you'll be amazed at how transformative a quick wipe-down can be. Over time, TV screens build up with dust, smudges, and fingerprints, which can affect how clear the picture looks. Thankfully, it's easy to make your TV screen sparkle again when you're armed with the right supplies and methods. Ahead, we're sharing our tips for how to clean both plasma and tube TVs.

How Often to Clean Your TV Screen

You should aim to clean your TV screen once a week, says Kathy Cohoon, the director of franchise operations of Two Maids. "Keeping your television screen clean and well-maintained can help provide a clearer picture (no more dust or fingerprints) and prolong the lifespan of your TV," she says.

Tips for Cleaning a TV Screen

Before getting started, there are a few things to keep in mind.

• Dust the screen before using a cleaning agent.
• Avoid wiping too hard, which can cause scratches on the screen, says Cohoon.
• Don't let cleaning products sit too long, as this can lead to moisture damage, says Cohoon.
• Avoid using hard cleaning supplies, which can damage your TV screen, says Peter Lopez, founder of Brooklyn Tech Guy
• A microfiber cloth is the best tool for cleaning a TV screen, as it removes dust and prevents scratches.

Materials Needed

Make sure you have these materials on hand when cleaning your TV screen.

• Microfiber cloth(s)
• White vinegar
• Distilled water
• Isopropyl alcohol (for tube TVs)
  
• Soft, dry brush

How to Clean Flat Plasma, LCD, LED, and OLED TV Screens

To deep clean your TV screen, create a solution of distilled water and white vinegar, says Joel Worthington, the president of Mr. Electric, a Neighborly company.

1. Power your TV down and unplug it to avoid any accidents or injury.
2. Using a microfiber cloth, gently dust the entire screen.
3. Combine part equal parts white vinegar and distilled water in a spray bottle.
4. Spray the mixture onto a clean microfiber cloth.
5. Moving in an S pattern, wipe the TV screen thoroughly, making sure no moisture remains. 
6. Let the TV air-dry
   

How to Clean a Tube TV

Box TVs (also known as cathode ray tubes) require similar care to flat screens but with a few small changes.

1. Power your TV down and unplug it to avoid any accidents or injury.
2. Using a microfiber cloth, gently dust the entire screen.
3. Combine equal parts isopropyl alcohol and distilled water in a spray bottle.
4. Spray the mixture onto a clean microfiber cloth.
5. Moving in an S pattern, wipe the TV screen thoroughly, making sure no moisture remains. 
6. Let the TV air-dry.

How to Clean a Remote Control

When you dust and clean your TV screen, you should also tackle your remote control. Avoid using any harsh chemicals, like bleach, or getting the remote too wet when you clean it, says Cohoon.

1. Remove the batteries from your remote.
2. Dampen a cloth with the isopropyl and water solution.
3. Wipe down the remote control, paying extra attention to the areas between the buttons.

How to Clean TV Speakers

Television speakers can build up with dust if they're not cleaned regularly. When doing so, be sure to avoid using excessive moisture to prevent damage, says Cohoon.

1. Power down and unplug the TV and speakers. 
2. Use a soft, dry brush to remove any dust or debris from the speaker grille.
3. For stubborn dirt, lightly dampen a microfiber cloth with water and gently wipe the grille. 
4. Let the speakers air dry before turning on the TV again.