How to Clean a Flat-Screen
Each time we buy a TV, we think, "Wow, it can't get better than this!" Yet somehow they outdo themselves with a new technology that blows your old TV out of the water. Unfortunately, new technology costs an arm and leg these days, so you really do not want to ruin your precious flat screen because you didn't know that it can't be cleaned like your old tube one.
Many people buy a high-resolution LCD or plasma flat-screen TV for the brilliant colors and sharp picture. The problem is that those brilliant colors can entice wayward children to touch it. Adult-sized kids, too. The flat screen also attracts dust and dirt that will reduce the brilliance of the picture. In the following sections, I will outline some steps on how to safely clean your flat-screen TV. I will also provide tips on how to enjoy a clearer, brighter picture for many years to come.
Steps for Cleaning a Flat-Screen TV
Preparing to clean your flat-screen TV. When the TV is on, it might not look so bad. Turn it off and take a closer look. Maybe even get out your camera and take a shot of it from the side with the flash on. What do you see? Now you have a good idea of where your trouble spots are going to be in the cleaning process. Next, gather together a few clean microfiber cloths or soft cloths, a bucket with warm water, mild dish soap, and a couple of Q-tips. For a tough job, you may want to purchase a cleaning solution designed for flat screens.
Remove dust from the flat-screen TV. First, turn off your TV, unplug it for safety, and let it cool down. It tends to be easier to clean a TV when the screen is dark. Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to wipe the dust off of the TV, starting at the top and working your way down. Now, don't just do the screen, but wipe down the base and all sides. Dust and dirt left on the TV could cause it to run hotter, which could decrease its useful life.
Cleaning smudges and fingerprints from the flat-screen TV. Barring putting up a fence around your TV, chances are good that someone has smudged up your screen. You need to be very careful when cleaning a flat screen as they are typically made of a flexible plastic that can be easily damaged by harsh chemicals. Do not use glass cleaner or products with ammonia or alcohol. Instead, purchase a kit designed specifically for cleaning flat-screen TVs, or just use plain water. Barely dampen a soft cloth with warm water. Wipe gently and in a circular motion to remove smudges. I'll say it again: Wipe gently. Excessive pressure can cause damage to the screen.
Clean the frame, base, and back of the flat-screen TV. The rest of your TV is less susceptible to the effects of cleaning products, but there is still a danger. Letting moisture seep into areas that are not intended to get wet can damage vital parts of the TV. Stir a few drops of mild dish soap into a gallon of water, dip one of your soft cloths into it, and thoroughly ring out the cloth making sure that no water is left dripping from it. Give the frame and base a gentle wipe down.
Detailing a flat-screen TV. Take a close look at the edges of the screen and crevices around the frame. Grab a Q-tip and lightly dampen it. Then, go into the cracks and along the edge of the screen to remove any remnants. Remember to be gentle, as cramming a Q-tip into the innards of a TV is never a good move.
Use a dry, soft cloth to go over the flat-screen TV again. To avoid spots and ensure that the moisture has been removed, get out another clean, soft cloth and wipe down the entire unit. Going over the flat-screen TV again will also help cover any areas you may have overlooked, as well as polishing the TV screen to a beautiful shine. Now, turn it back on and enjoy.
Preserving your Flat-Screen TV
For the amount of money you spend on a new flat-screen TV, you will want to preserve it by avoiding erroneous cleaning practices. Well, at least until the next big advancement comes out and you can afford it. In order to protect your investment, here are a few tips. It sounds simple, but consult the TV manual first for specific cleaning instructions. Dust your TV on a regular basis to keep the TV in top condition. Avoid streaking on the screen or moisture seepage by never spraying a cleaner directly on the screen. Remember, getting moisture inside the TV is not a smart thing to do. Always dampen a cloth with the cleaner and then apply it. Designate a few soft cloths that will only be used on the flat-screen TV, and when you wash and dry them, do not use a dryer sheet as the cloth will hold a film and transfer to the TV. Do not use paper towels to clean the screen as the wood particles in it could cause scratches. Always be gentle when cleaning your flat-screen TV.
Products for Cleaning a Flat-Screen TV
CleanDr® LCD/Plasma Screen Cleaner. This flat-screen cleaning kit includes a machine-washable microfiber cloth and an electronics cleaning solution. The solution is free of ammonia, detergents, and alcohol which could wear on a screen and cause hazing. Being designed for LCD and plasma screens, CleanDr. will safely clean dirt and dust with a streak-free shine.
Monster FlatScreen ScreenClean. This kit includes a non-abrasive, machine-washable microfiber cloth. The cleaning solution is a safe, alcohol-free product designed for cleaning LCD and plasma TVs without dripping or streaking. You can safely remove fingerprints, smudges, and dust without damaging the screen. Plus, the formula is designed to reduce the future build-up of dust.
Microfiber cloths. When cleaning a flat screen, you never want to use a wood product like paper towels. Microfiber cloths are the best option because they are soft, nonabrasive, and safe for most surfaces. Microfiber cloths can be washed and reused, which makes them environmentally friendly. These cloths are also great for dry dusting because the fibers trap particles instead of spreading them into the air.