Clean a smart tv screen

Clean your Samsung TV

There's nothing worse than straining to watch a show or movie because the screen is smudged or covered in dust. If you don't clean your TV or Odyssey Ark occasionally, dust and fingerprint smudges can build up. Periodically clean your TV or gaming screen so it keeps looking brand new and you can keep seeing the picture clearly.

Important: Never use any type of window cleaner, soap, scouring powder, wax, or any cleanser with solvents such as alcohol, benzene, ammonia, or acetone. Never use abrasive pads or paper towels. If you do, you can scratch the screen or strip the anti-glare coating off the screen and cause permanent damage. Never spray water directly onto the TV. Make sure to wipe the TV as gently as possible. TV screens are fragile and can be damaged when pressed too hard.

Turn the TV off and let it cool down for a few minutes before unplugging it.
To clean the frame and screen, gently wipe it with a microfiber cleaning cloth. Make sure to wipe the TV frame and screen as gently as possible. TV screens are fragile and can be damaged when pressed too hard.
If you don't see results, spray distilled water on to your microfiber cleaning cloth and gently wipe the frame and screen.
Let the TV dry completely before you plug the TV back in.

The 2022 Frame TV (LS03B) and 2022 Serif TV (LS01B) have a special reflective surface that is designed to reduce glare. However, some fingerprints and smudges will be harder to clean because of it. Try using a microfiber cloth, but if it doesn't work you can use a melamine foam sponge (magic eraser). Follow these steps exactly to clean the screen:

Turn off the TV and unplug the power cord.
Lightly dampen a microfiber cleaning cloth with a few drops of water and gently wipe the stain.

Important: Do not wet the sponge before wiping the TV. Only lightly dampen the stain using the microfiber cloth as described in step 2. Do not use any cleaning solutions.

Gently clean the stain with the melamine foam sponge before the water dries up.

Spring Clean Your TV Screen, but Don't Use Just Any Cleaner

As the weather warms, it's time for everyone's "favorite" pastime: spring cleaning. While you're dusting off the shelves and shoveling out a winter's worth of detritus, spare a moment to check your TV. Dust and grime can accumulate there, and over time it can become more and more noticeable. And if you have children, there may be an array of fingerprints and other smears on the screen.

Regardless, it's worth giving your TV a once-over. But beware! Before you start shining that screen, you'll want to put down the bottle of Windex and paper towels: Spraying Windex on your TV is an easy way to permanently damage the screen. In fact, all modern TVs have special coatings on their surface that can be ruined by strong cleansers.

Brett Pearce/CNET

Fortunately, you can still clean your TV. You just need to be careful and never use harsh chemicals.

The short version? Don't use liquids, don't press too hard, don't use any traditional cleaners. Microfiber cloths are good, but be gentle. Modern TVs are predominantly plastic and therefore far easier to scratch than windows or your phone.

Many new TVs ship with a specialty soft cloth for cleaning the screen. If you've tossed or lost this cloth, it's similar to the kind of microfiber cloth that comes with glasses and sunglasses.

Gently wiping with a soft, dry cloth is the best way to clean a TV screen.

Sarah Tew/CNET

Want the longer version? Here's what the top TV manufacturers say about cleaning their screens:

Cleaning your 4K, OLED, or LED TV screen with a soft, dry cloth is recommended. The goal here is to avoid scratching the screen. Gentle, circular motions tend to give better results, since the circular motion hits each area from several angles in a single swipe.
Caution: Chemicals such as alcohol, thinners, or benzene should be strictly avoided, as they may damage the protective film covering the panel.
Caution: Don't spray water or other liquids directly on the TV, as electric shock could occur.

Turn the TV off and let it cool down for a few minutes before unplugging it.
To clean the frame and screen, gently wipe it with a microfiber cleaning cloth. Make sure to wipe the TV frame and screen as gently as possible. TV screens are fragile and can be damaged when pressed too hard.
If you don't see results, spray distilled water on to your microfiber cleaning cloth and gently wipe the frame and screen.
Let the TV dry completely before you plug the TV back in.
Important: Never use any type of window cleaner, soap, scouring powder, wax, or any cleanser with solvents such as alcohol, benzene, ammonia, or acetone. Never use abrasive pads or paper towels. If you do, you can scratch the screen or strip the anti-glare coating off the screen and cause permanent damage. Never spray water directly onto the TV. Make sure to wipe the TV as gently as possible. TV screens are fragile and can be damaged when pressed too hard.

Gently wipe the screen or the exterior with a dry, soft cloth, such as an eyeglass cleaner.
For inks from oil markers on the screen, soak a cloth in a non-soap synthetic cleanser diluted (by less than 1% ) with water. Squeeze the cloth tightly to eliminate excess liquid, then wipe gently to remove the ink.
Use non-soap cleansers cautiously because it may cause environmental problems when disposed improperly.
Immediately afterwards, gently wipe the screen with a soft, dry cloth.
Don't use detergent with abrasives such as a cleanser.
The liquid crystal order may collapse if you apply pressure when wiping the TV screen and it may look like dirt. Turn the power off and then back on to recover from this condition.

Blue gloves not included.

Getty Images/brothers91

Should you use TV screen cleaners?

So why not Windex? Regular Windex is formulated for glass windows, plus a few other surfaces. It contains ammonia and alcohol, not the friendliest of chemicals. S. C. Johnson doesn't explicitly say not to use Windex on TVs, but it offers Windex Electronics wipes and cleaners, so infer what you will. The better screen cleaners will clearly state that they do not contain alcohol or ammonia.

At last count, I found a billion companies making TV screen cleaners. Almost all of these are something like 99 percent water, 1 percent other stuff. Years ago I tested a handful and found them, on average, to work well enough. If you don't have luck with a simple cloth and possibly distilled water, a screen cleaner is worth a try, and as a bonus you can also use it for your laptop, tablet and cell phone screens. Plus, they come with a microfiber cloth. If they don't clearly state they don't contain alcohol and ammonia, however, I would skip them.

Generally speaking, though, don't use a cleaner unless you absolutely need to. Just use an ultrasoft cloth to gently wipe away any dust.

Bottom line

So yeah, cleaning your TV is a good idea. But just remember that they're exceptionally fragile. Why risk marring their surface by using cleaning methods the companies themselves don't advise? If you damage your screen with cleaners, you won't be able to fix it.

My advice? Get a nice microfiber cloth (if your TV didn't come with one), and use that. If that doesn't fix your smudges, try a cloth moist with water. Don't press too hard. There's less than a millimeter between your finger and a broken TV.

Screen cleaning kits are fine, though most people won't need them. Remember, like all TV accessories, the store is selling them because they probably make more profit on that $20 kit than on a $500 TV.

Originally published in 2012. Updated with current information and links.

As well as covering TV and other display tech, Geoff does photo tours of cool museums and locations around the world, including nuclear submarines, massive aircraft carriers, medieval castles, epic 10,000 mile road trips, and more. Check out Tech Treks for all his tours and adventures.

He wrote a bestselling sci-fi novel about city-size submarines, along with a sequel. You can follow his adventures on Instagram and his YouTube channel.

How to Clean Your TV: Screen and Case Care Tips - LG MAGAZINE Russia

Most modern LG TVs have an LCD screen. Spots, streaks, dust, and other contaminants begin to appear on the LCD monitor very quickly. To keep the screen clean and prolong the life of your device, you should clean your LG LCD TV regularly. Consider how to properly clean the LCD screen and TV case.

Due to the high sensitivity to mechanical stress and chemicals, the surface of the LCD monitor cannot be cleaned by any means at hand, otherwise the equipment may be irreparably damaged. Therefore, you need to know what gentle methods you can use to care for your TV. The best way to quickly and safely clean your LG TV LCD screen is to dust the monitor regularly with a long, soft hair duster or use a soft, lint-free cloth. To remove streaks and smudges from the LCD monitor, use the following fabrics:

Special wet wipes for cleaning displays - these are impregnated with special solutions without alcohol, designed to wipe these types of monitors.
Lightly dried regular wet wipes.
Anti-static agents often sold in kits with wipes.
Lint-free soft cloths.
Microfibre cloths - they absorb moisture well, while not being able to harm delicate surfaces.
LCD Care Kits (comes with everything you need: spray, microfiber cloth and anti-static brush).

To care for the LCD TV screen, LG produces special cleaning products, such as:

Special kits. They consist of a spray, a microfiber cloth, an anti-static brush and pads to remove dirt from the joints. Any liquid products must first be applied to a napkin, then you can wipe the monitor.
Gel. Gel-like compositions are convenient to apply, they are economically consumed and do not leave streaks. A small amount of the product should be applied to a dry cloth, wipe the surface.
Foam. It is a gentle LCD monitor cleaner that removes dust, dirt and fingerprints without streaks. Suitable for stubborn stains.
Aerosol. Spray - an effective tool for cleaning any displays. The advantage of aerosols is that they create an antistatic coating on the surface, which is convenient for processing a large LCD screen.

If for some reason it is not possible to buy special chemicals for cleaning the LCD monitor, you can use improvised cleaning agents.

Soap solution. It is best for cleaning greasy stains from the delicate surface of the LCD screen. To prepare this cleanser, you need to take soap and dilute it in a small amount of warm water, it is better not to use tap water. Due to the presence of impurities in the composition of water, such solutions will leave streaks. Soap solution should not be applied to the entire TV screen, but only to contaminated areas. When grease stains are washed off with liquid, the entire LCD screen should be wiped with a damp cloth or soft cloth.
Isopropyl alcohol. It also cleans grease spots and dried dirt on the LCD TV screen. You can buy it at a pharmacy. Isopropyl alcohol must be diluted with water in a ratio of 1: 1, and then moisten a cloth in the liquid and wipe the screen. Remains of the product can be removed with a damp cloth, and at the end of the procedure, wipe the TV screen dry with a dry cloth.
Vinegar solution. To prepare such a home remedy for cleaning stains and dirt on the TV, you will need table vinegar with a concentration of 3%. It must be diluted with water 1:1. For example, you can take a glass of vinegar and a glass of water (depending on how much you need). Both liquids must be mixed well, after which moisten a soft microfiber cloth in the resulting composition, wring it out well and wipe the TV screen. This must be done carefully, without pressure. Then wipe the screen dry with a dry microfiber cloth. The tool perfectly copes with dust, stains, and also removes fingerprints.

Consider how to properly clean the LG TV, care rules:

Appliances must be wiped off.
To remove dust, simply wipe the TV monitor with a dry cloth or dust with a whisk.
If products are to be used, the product must be alcohol-free and applied to a tissue first. First, the fabric must be checked so that there are no elements that can scratch the surface. After that, with light circular movements, without pressure, you should wipe the screen. The second hand must hold the TV.
For stubborn stains, apply a damp cloth to the dirty area for 2 minutes, wipe the screen. Repeat the procedure until the dirt is removed.
Wipe the screen dry after all the above procedures.

To figure out which cleaner to use, you need to focus on the type of screen. Depending on it, you need to act as follows.

For LED panels, it is better to purchase a whole set, which includes: a soft cloth and an alcohol-free cleaning compound. After using such a set, a special coating remains on the screen of the LED panel, which repels dust. If it is impossible to buy such a set, then it is recommended to use a lint-free napkin and any gentle composition.
The LCD screen must be cleaned with a lint-free cloth soaked in a special disinfectant. It is better to clean the joints with a cotton swab (without much pressure).
It is perfectly acceptable to use a soapy solution for plasma screens, especially if the TV is in the kitchen and there is a lot of grease on it. Microfiber cloths or a soft, lint-free cloth are well suited for processing. For hard-to-reach areas, you can use a vacuum cleaner with a special nozzle and cotton swabs.
LCD TVs are very fragile and can be easily damaged. That is why it is recommended to wipe them exclusively with a dry cloth. It is strictly forbidden to allow any substances, including moisture, to enter the LCD screen.

Very often, fingerprints are left on the TV monitor when touched by hands. Conventional cleaning methods are irrelevant in this case. Better to use:

Special dry wipes free of lint and alcohol.
Cleaning foam applied first to the tissue and then to the display.
A solution of purified water and vinegar to soak a microfiber cloth.

To remove a scratch on an LG TV display, follow these steps:

Treat the surface with a cloth soaked in care liquid.
Clean up the scratch with a new eraser, swipe along the crack several times.
Then apply petroleum jelly to a cotton pad and buff the problem area. There are also special varnishes for scratches, but they are not always on sale.

To prevent damage to your TV monitor, you need to know what cleaning products and methods should not be used. Pay attention to what you can not clean the LCD screen of the LG TV:

Solutions that contain alcohol, as the matrix elements of the display equipment lose color and fail.
Hygienic wet wipes - impregnation may contain components that adversely affect the operation of liquid crystal surfaces. In addition, napkins leave stains that are difficult to cope with.
Means for cleaning, washing windows, dishes, car, laundry.
Solutions containing gasoline, ammonia, acetone, dyes, solvents.
Newspaper, paper towels - can scratch the screen, particles often remain on the surface or get inside, causing damage to the device.
Do not use baking soda or other abrasive materials to clean the TV screen. Even small grains can scratch the monitor, forming chips and cracks.

How to clean the TV - popular cleaning methods

No matter how carefully we treat technology, sooner or later no one manages to avoid pollution on the TV screen. It could be fingerprints, dust or other contaminants. Some people do not adhere to the rules for the care of digital equipment, which in turn can lead to irreversible visual consequences. For example, to the loss of color saturation. Today we will talk in detail about how to wipe the TV, find out the most popular cleaning methods, and also figure out what means it is strictly forbidden to wipe the TV screen.

Keep in mind that improper care of your TV will eventually lead to scratches, glare and all kinds of smudges on the screen, which will contribute to uncomfortable viewing. Not taking care of the TV screen at all is also not right, dirt on the screen in the form of dust accumulates static electricity and everything else also affects the image quality.

If you decide on the choice of a TV or have already become its owner, then you should get acquainted with the ways of caring for it.

Popular ways to clean the TV screen.

Plasma and LCD TV screens consist of several layers and are very sensitive to aggressive detergents. That is why manufacturers of equipment recommend the use of special tools to clean the screens.

Wet wipes impregnated with special formulations - good for cleaning TV screens. They clean effectively, do not contain alcohol and abrasives, eliminate static electricity and are suitable for all types of screens. To avoid the appearance of streaks, you can use a napkin twice: wipe the screen with a damp cloth, and then slightly dry.
A set of wet and dry wipes - an effective cleaning option, have an antistatic effect. A damp cloth removes all types of dirt, while a dry cloth absorbs moisture and prevents streaks from appearing on the screen.
Soft, dry, lint-free wipes - used to remove dust from the screen. To remove other types of dirt, it is necessary to apply special cleaning agents (gels, aerosols) to the wipes.
Microfiber Cloths - Removes dust, streaks and grease. To combat more complex contamination, the cloth should be moistened with a special cleaning solution or simply with water. Microfiber fabric perfectly absorbs moisture and does not leave scratches and scuffs.
Gels, foams, aerosols - the specialized composition of these products easily copes with dirt and stains. Use only after applying to a lint-free cloth, microfiber cloth or soft cloth.
Cleaning Kits - Consists of a bottle of cleaning agent, microfiber cloth, anti-static brush, instructions and sometimes additional attachments and accessories for ease of use.

All these funds are of different price categories and everyone can choose a tool according to their budget.

However, it happens that TV owners save money and do not purchase special detergents, but try to clean their TV screen with water, soapy water, vinegar solution (the Internet is full of these tips). Manufacturers of equipment categorically do not recommend doing this! TVs are expensive and usually bought for more than one year, so saving on screen care products is not worth it - it will cost you more.

What can not be used to clean the TV screen.

Irreparable damage to the LCD panel can cause - acetone, ammonia, ethyl chloride, dyes, gasoline, abrasive cleaners, strong solvents. Do not wonder! Although not often, there are people who use it in practice. Do not use the following products on your TV screen:

Alcohol and alcohol-based products - these can easily dissolve the thin anti-reflective coating applied to the screen and you will get a TV screen covered with small cracks.
Washing powder and soda - may scratch the fragile surface of the screen.
Window, glassware and glass cleaners - the acetone in their composition adversely affects the coating of the TV screen.
Paper towels and napkins - contain coarse woody particles that damage the surface of the screen.
Wet sanitary napkins - their composition is harmful to such surfaces, leaving streaks.

General recommendations for screen care.

To safely and effectively clean your TV screen, the following guidelines are recommended:

Be sure to unplug the TV before cleaning, this is a safety rule, especially since dirt is more visible on a dark screen.
Use a soft, lint-free cloth to remove dust.
Use recommended detergents to remove dirt. Be sure to read the instructions that come with the cleaner.
Do not press on the screen, scrape or scratch the screen with fingernails or hard objects. The screen panel is very fragile and can be easily damaged.
Do not spray directly onto the screen. Use a microfiber cloth or a soft, lint-free cloth for this. The cloth should be damp but not wet.
Clean the screen in a well lit room.
Do not turn on the TV until the screen is dry.

Remember to take care of the TV case, wipe it regularly with a soft cloth, a mild cleaner can be used to remove dirt. Wipe the TV screen every 3-4 weeks to avoid the accumulation of dust on the surface. All of the above care products and rules are also suitable for LCD monitors.

Now you know how to clean the LCD TV screen. Remember that timely and proper care of equipment is the key to its long service life.