Published on September 14th, 2022

Last updated on February 6th, 2023

How To Clean Flat Screen TV Without Streaks: Best And Proven Ways Only

Estimated reading time: 11 minutes
wiping flat tv screen

During the day, our TV collects dust, fingerprints remain on it, and over time it becomes filthy. So, the essential thing in keeping the TV clean is regular cleaning and using the right flat screen cleaners. It includes microfiber wipes, high-quality fabrics, and distilled water. Usually, when watching a movie, it is not convenient to look at such a dirty screen with many stains and dust. So, the best way to clean a flat-screen TV is to know what cleaning products to use. However, most people do not know what tools should be used for flat-screen TV cleaning.

A common opinion is the use of products containing alcohol and ammonia. But it is strictly forbidden to use them for flat-screen TVs. These types of cleaning can cause the screen to cloud up and ruin the crystals behind your flat-screen TV. Plasma panel screens consist of several layers of different artificial materials, each highly sensitive to the effects of aggressive detergents. And therefore, when using them, you can damage your TV.

What Are Common Mistakes During Flat Screen TV Cleaning?

wiping flast screen tv with wet napkin

The most common mistake when cleaning a TV is using the wrong tools and techniques. For example, many think the harder you press on the screen, the better the cleaning result will be, but it does not work like that.

At first sight, cleaning the TV is a simple thing. However, this is a misconception. Cleaning can only be correct if you do not make things worse. You need to know all the nuances of using any flat screen cleaner. Because you can not take any napkin to wipe the TV or use a chemical composition without reading its instructions. So, before starting flat screen TV cleaning, familiarize yourself with the following mistakes you should avoid:

  1. Detergents. You can not use any detergent. Before using it, you must read its composition and be sure that there is no alcohol or similar substances;
  2. Napkins. A common mistake is to use all kinds of napkins because they all have the same function – to wipe dust. However, this is not the case. Ordinary kitchen napkins can scratch the screen, and wet napkins can cause stains. So, it is better to use a microfiber cloth;
  3. Sprayer. A common mistake is that most people use the sprayer on the TV. However, such a flat screen cleaner can not be applied to the screen. It should be used only on cloth;
  4. Dynamics. In new TV models, the dynamics are embedded inside, and people clean them with a wet cloth. But water can get inside and cause malfunction. Therefore, wipe the speakers with a dry cloth.

People think these are minor mistakes, but they have serious consequences. They can form pronounced traces on your TV, which can not be removed or damage your screen. Therefore, remember these missteps and try not to repeat them.

Best And Proven Methods To Clean Flat Screen TV

The TV is probably one of the last things you think of to add to your cleaning list. The TV accumulates the most dust on itself, and stains remain with every touch. Since the TV screen is black, minor dirt can be seen on it.  And if you do not do flat-screen TV cleaning regularly, it will gradually get dirty. As a result, it becomes complicated to remove it, and in most cases, stains remain. And when you do nothing about it, the decorative place of ​​your TV automatically becomes unattractive. So, to avoid streaks and improper cleaning of the screen, consider the best ways to do it:

1. Prepare By Reading The Instruction For Your Flat Screen TV

a man is reading instructions to TV

Each TV has a different plasma coating. So, before you take the flat screen cleaner into your hands, you should look at the instructions for your TV. It is because different models have different cleaning requirements. This way, your TV may be prohibited from using specific means and vice versa.

There are cases when a plasma does not support liquid products or, on the contrary, only such products are suitable. So, do not be lazy to look at the instructions and read the information. Because if you do not follow it, you can only do worse.

2. Prepare For Flat Screen TV Cleaning By Turning It Off

controlling tv with a remote control

Before cleaning the flat-screen TV, you must turn it off. There are reasons for this:

  1. The first reason why this is done is so you can better see all the accumulated dust and dirt on the screen;
  2. You should do this second because cleaning the TV can cause serious stains. Even if you press lightly on the switched-on screen with a cloth or make a sharp movement, you can leave behind a mark on the screen.

The fact is that turned-on TV emits heat, and if you clean it while it is working, you will leave big traces. Many people do not know this, which creates problems for themselves. And the biggest issue is that such stains can not be removed, and then the only way out of this situation is to have the TV repaired by a specialist. Therefore, before cleaning, you should turn off the TV and let it cool down for 5-10 minutes. And only then use a flat screen cleaner.

3. Start With A Dry Cloth

wiping flat screen tv with dry cloth

Usually, cleaning agents are selected based on the level of contamination of the screen. However, it is recommended starting with cleaning with a cloth, regardless of how dirty your screen is. Dry fabrics are perfect for dirt, especially fingerprints and greasy marks. But their use must also be correct. For example, regular paper towels can scratch and damage your screen. That is why you should only use microfiber or soft cloth without stiff fibers. So, how to use them?

  1. First, lightly wipe the entire screen to remove surface dust;
  2. Then take this cloth and gently press it to the TV;
  3. Start wiping it in circular motions.

If your cloth can not remove all the stains, sprinkle a small amount of water on it and do the same. But remember to use only clean water.

4. Mix White Vinegar And Water

soaking a cleaning rag in a vinegar and water mixture

Sometimes, when you have tough dirt, it is necessary to use more robust methods. So, if plain water and cloth do not help you, it is advisable using a solution of white vinegar and water. It is a more effective remedy due to its rich content. Therefore, it can do flat-screen TV cleaning without streaks. 

However, be careful with vinegar because it is a powerful substance and must be used in appropriate proportions. So you need:

  1. Mix white vinegar and water and shake well;
  2. Spray this solution on a rag in a small amount;
  3. Wipe the screen with it;
  4. Do it in an S-shaped pattern to avoid scratches.

And after this cleaning, wipe the screen with a dry microfiber cloth. So the solution will dry faster and prevent the formation of cracks.

5. Use A Universal Cleaning Kit For TVs

cleaning flat screen tv with a universal cleansing kit

If you are afraid to use such household products as vinegar or do not know which cleaning option to choose, purchase a particular kit. For this, you only need:

  1. To go to the store where a specialist can offer you a suitable set of agencies for a particular model of your TV;
  2. The main thing is that they do not contain aggressive substances. You can purchase liquid products or wipes and use them according to the instructions;
  3. Usually, such kits are explicitly developed for TVs, so they definitely can not cause any damage to the screen.

So this is an easy option for flat screen TV cleaning because you do not need to make a cleaning mixture yourself.

6. Use Isopropyl Alcohol And Water

soaking yellow cloth with isopropyl alcohol and water

Isopropyl alcohol is not the ordinary aggressive alcohol that can damage your screen. Such alcohol, on the contrary, can avoid stains on the TV and make it perfectly clean. However, it should not be used as a permanent flat screen cleaner. Use it in cases where your screen is heavily contaminated. To get a good effect, you need:

  1. Mix isopropyl alcohol with water in equal quantities. Because it is a strong substance and if it is not combined with water, there can be large spots, and the screen may even stop working;
  2. Therefore, apply a little spray to a soft cloth and start wiping the TV after making the spray. This method ensures a clean screen.

7. Use An Electrostatic Duster

wiping a flat screen tv with an electrostatic duster

An electrostatic cloth uses static electricity that attracts all the dust to itself. This thing has very delicate and soft bristles that can remove all the dust from the surface of the TV. And it also perfectly copes with dusty portholes, cable connections, and dynamics.

So, if you do not have a microfiber cloth, or you do not have such a filthy screen, then you can use an electrostatic duster. It is the second-best way to clean flat screen TV by dry method. It is easy to use because it does not need to be pressed against the screen or wet. All you need to do is:

  1. Lightly hold it over the entire surface of the flat-screen TV;
  2. When you notice that the electrostatic duster is already dirty enough, it needs to be cleaned. To do this, you need to immerse the electrostatic duster in warm water and wait until it dries.

8. Don’t Forget To Take Care Of The Remote Control

wiping dust off tv remote control

Most of you do not think about it, but the remote must also be wiped. Think about how many fingers have pressed the buttons on this remote lately and whether they are all clean. During the day, many germs collect on the remote control, and you may touch the TV after using it. And usually, such traces are complicated to wash off, and it is difficult to get rid of them. Therefore, think about the cleanliness of the remote control in the same way as about the TV. For this, you need:

  1. Remove and clean the batteries;
  2. Wipe a remote control on both sides;
  3. Thoroughly wipe the buttons.

To clean the remote control, it is advisable to use a homemade flat screen cleaner such as a solution of water and white vinegar. This solution will help remove all stains from fingerprints quickly and prevent the transfer of these stains from the remote control to the TV.

Summary

As you can see, all methods are easy to use and can be used by each of you. The main thing is to do everything according to the instructions and not to use aggressive substances. Because after they penetrate the screen, they are not removed back and remain on the TV cover. In this way, you will not be able to remove streaks. So follow our methods, and your TV will shine with cleanliness.

FAQ

What Do You Clean A Flat Screen TV With?

Usually, an excellent flat screen cleaner is considered to be a sprayer without the content of alcohol and strong chemicals. However, some TV manufacturers make unique cleaning products for TVs with isopropyl alcohol that do not harm the screen. Therefore, you can use special products intended for your TV if you do not know what cleaning method to choose.

What Can I Spray On My Flat Screen TV To Clean It?

If you face streaks on your TV screen, you can use isopropyl alcohol. This alcohol does not harm the screen because it dries quickly. Therefore, mix it in equal proportions with water and only start wiping the TV screen.

How Do You Clean Fingerprints Off A TV Screen?

The best way to clean flat screen TV from fingerprints is to use the dry method. You should take a microfiber cloth and moisten it. The fabric should be almost dry, so do not apply much water. After that, start wiping the screen, and you will see the result.