How to Clean a Television Screen

Co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH

Last Updated: September 16, 2021

When your TV screen starts to get blurry with dust and smudges, it’s time to give it a good cleaning! You will often be able to clean a screen off with only a clean microfiber cloth. However, if your TV screen has accumulated a bunch of fingerprint smudges or other dirt, you will need to clean it off with with a liquid cleaning solution or a specialty product to get that crisp high-definition quality back!

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Dusting Off the Screen

1
Turn off and unplug your TV and let it cool down for 15 minutes. Wait until the TV is completely cool to the touch before you clean the screen. Unplug the power cord to avoid any risk of electrical shock.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Consult the owner’s manual of your TV prior to cleaning it to check for any special instructions.
2
Use a microfiber cloth meant for cleaning electronics for the best results. Many TVs come with a microfiber cloth specifically meant for cleaning the screen. Use this cloth or a microfiber cloth that came with another piece of electronic equipment you own like your computer.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Sunglasses also often come with a microfiber cloth for cleaning the lenses that will work well to clean your TV screen.
- If you're cleaning a big screen TV, choose a microfiber cloth that's proportional to the size of the TV. In other words, a small lens cleaning cloth may not be enough.
- If you can’t get a microfiber cloth, then use a very soft and clean lint-free cloth.
- Don’t use paper towels. They will leave behind lint and dust on the screen.
Advertisement
3
Wipe down the TV screen with the clean cloth from top to bottom. Work from left to right and from the top down with broad strokes. Don’t apply heavy pressure to the screen.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- If there is still dust on the screen after you wipe it, get a fresh cloth and repeat the process.
4
Look for smudges and dirty spots that remain on the screen. Check carefully after you wipe off all the dust to see if there are any stubborn dirt spots. Wipe away these smudges as much as you can with the lint-free cloth.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- If your TV screen looks clean at this point, then dusting is all you need to do!

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Applying a Cleaning Solution

1
Use a 50-50 water and vinegar solution for an easy, homemade cleaner. Wet a clean cloth and then wring it out until almost all of the liquid is out of it. Wipe the screen clean from top to bottom.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- Use distilled water if you can for the best streak-free results. Distilled white vinegar or apple cider vinegar will both work in cleaning solutions due to their acidity levels.
- As another option, you can use a heavily-diluted dish soap and water solution to clean your TV. Mix a solution of .5 to 1 part dish soap to 100 parts warm water.
2
Try screen-cleaning wet wipes or spray for a stronger solution. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the packaging to clean the screen. Dampen a microfiber towel or clean cloth if you use spray cleaner instead of spraying it directly on the screen.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Make sure the cloth you use to clean the screen is barely damp to avoid streaks. Work from top to bottom with broad left to right swipes.
- You can buy specialty screen-cleaning products at an electronics store.
3
Don’t use harsh chemicals to clean your TV screen. Never use cleaners that contain alcohol or ammonia to clean a TV screen. Many screens are treated with special coatings that can be ruined by chemicals.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- Resist the temptation to use glass cleaners like Windex. These often contain ammonia and can damage your TV.