How to Clean Your Flat Screen TV

Keeping your home and your electronics clean is important.  However, it is just as important that you know how to clean your electronics properly, and that applies to your flat screen TV.  Don’t try to clean it like you would an old tube TV – you need to take some special steps here for proper maintenance.

First, you need to buy a cleaning solution that is safe for LCD, LED or plasma TVs.  You’ll have to purchase this at an electronics store, and you should be able to find it in the TV and Video section. 

You also need to invest in a good cleaning cloth.  Do not attempt to clean your TV with a cleaning rag or cloth that you might use to wipe down your furniture.  This can actually scratch your TV’s screen or deposit oils that will be hard to completely remove.  Instead, you need to use a microfiber cleaning cloth or another cloth designed specifically for these types of screens.

Turn off the TV first.  Apply the cleaning solution to the cloth and then clean your TV with it.  Be gentle when wiping your TV, and do not scrub the screen.  Too much pressure will damage your screen.

When you’re done, check around the back for dust buildup.  Take a small vacuum cleaner and gently vacuum out any air vent panels.  Use the brush attachment so as not to scratch your set.  Clogged air vents can lead to overheating and other electrical issues.

One of the best ways to keep your TV clean and bright between regular cleanings is simply to dust it every couple of days with a regular feather duster.  Excess dust can damage your TV and cause serious problems down the road, so a bit of preventative care will not only keep your set clean, but will also help to extend its life.