That Quick Wipe on Your TV Screen Might Be Causing More Damage Than You Think

Flat screen TVs have become an integral part of Americans' daily lives. However, many consumers do not know how fragile these screens are during their cleaning and maintenance process. What seems like an easy chore of dusting or cleaning off fingerprints may actually cause irreparable harm to the screen in the long run, since the screens today are covered with a special coating that is susceptible to any abrasive or chemical substances.

It is important to keep in mind that, according to general guidelines on maintenance, even something as simple as cleaning is aimed at preserving the overall image and functionality of the device.

The materials you use matter more than you think

Experts emphasize the importance of selecting the appropriate equipment as the first step in the cleaning process. According to an article by This Old House, it is vital to use soft microfiber clothes since they are harmless to screen surfaces while effectively removing dust and any other marks. On the other hand, items such as paper towels can scratch screens, which results in decreasing their clarity.


When dealing with difficult stains, experts suggest moistening clothes with distilled water rather than using any other liquids for direct application to the surface due to moisture penetration inside electronic components, which often leads to additional expenses for repairing or replacement.

Another useful tip offered by the mentioned website is the use of canned air for blowing away dirt from vents and edges, but not too close to the TV itself.

Why common household cleaners can be harmful

It might be an automatic response to grab cleaning sprays commonly found at home, but studies indicate that they could cause harm to a flat screen television because of their nature.

In particular, according to howstuffworks, any cleaning solutions that have ammonia, acetone, and solvent-based alcohol could take off protective layers, causing discolorations, cloudiness, and permanent pixel damage.

In addition, Consumer Reports states that such chemicals can get into your TV through tiny openings, thereby affecting internal electronics. Consequently, there is a risk of having a malfunction in the appliance, which would be quite expensive to repair. Hence, it is strongly recommended to use distilled water or cleaning solutions approved for electronic screens only.

The right technique can prevent costly mistakes.

The cleaning method is equally critical to the choice of material, and even minor changes in technique can make a big difference in protecting your screen. According to the recommendations from Reviewed.com, one should unplug and turn off their TV set prior to cleaning, as this helps in identifying smudges while also eliminating any possible electric problems when cleaning.

One must avoid using a harsh scrubbing motion, as it may scratch or damage some pixels on the screen, and instead use light circular strokes to pick up dust from the surface. Moreover, the liquid cleaner should never be applied directly to the screen, but rather a tiny amount should be placed on a dry piece of cloth.

Do not ignore the rest of the TV

Although the screen demands utmost attention, other components of the television should be regularly cleaned so as to ensure proper functioning and appearance. According to This Old House, both the bezel and stand can get dirty and greasy, and such components should be cleaned using either a dry or wet microfiber cloth without the use of chemicals.

This will help keep the other components clean and free from dust and oil stains that could end up transferring to the screen.

Prevention is the easiest way to protect your screen

It is much easier to prevent smudges and dirt accumulation rather than cleaning up the display after such incidents. As advised by experts, reducing physical touch with the TV screen and encouraging family members to use remote controls would prove helpful, particularly for families with young children.

Others opt to add screen protectors to their TVs. Screen protectors serve as a shield against fingerprints and scratches while not compromising image quality. This Old House states that a combination of both protection and careful handling of the TV will help extend its lifespan.

A careful approach makes all the difference

Cleaning a flat-screen television is relatively easy, but there are some things that homeowners have to take into consideration, lest they make mistakes.

There is enough research available to prove that inappropriate ways of cleaning screens are among the most popular reasons why this equipment gets damaged in the process.

However, by being meticulous and choosing the correct cleaning supplies, homeowners can make sure that their televisions will stay in excellent shape for many years to come.

Moreover, not only will it extend the life of the device, but it will also contribute to its optimal functioning, making the owners feel satisfied with their choice.