The Best Tips to Keep Your Smart TV Clean

The pandemic has made everybody more conscious of hygiene. For instance, Gallup said that people from all over the world reported washing their hands more frequently than they did before the coronavirus. Over 90 percent of the survey respondents in many countries said they washed their hands with soap or used hand sanitizer at least five times per day.
To complement frequent hand washing, most folks take more time to keep surfaces clean to avoid accidentally transferring germs and other contaminants. As one of the most popular devices in a home, smart TVs and TV accessories get touched a lot. Even without concerns over germs, unsightly dust can find its way into the devices to cause damage. Besides, it’s easy to overlook dust when the TV’s on, but grime will appear and ruin the decor as soon as the set gets switched off.

How to Keep a Smart TV and TV Accessories Clean

Screens, controllers, and TV cases may require slightly different approaches.

How to Clean Your Smart TV

According to Consumer Reports, clean LCD, OLED, and plasma TV screens the same way:
  • Turn off the TV or unplug it. Shutting the set off makes it easier to see grime and dust on the screen and reduces the risk of electrical shocks from static charges.
  • Paper towels and tissues can leave fibers that might damage sensitive screens. Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth. Wipe gently, and avoid pressing on the screen with force.
  • For stubborn spots, dampen an area on the cloth with distilled water. Never spray water on the screen because that can risk electrical shocks, potentially damaging the TV.
  • If some dirt still sticks to the screen, add a drop of mild dish soap to a cup of water and then use that solution to dampen the cloth.
  • After cleaning the screen, use a clean cloth to wipe down the rest of the case to keep dust from building up or entering the vents and ports.
  • After using a damp cloth, wipe again with a dry cloth to prevent streaks.
Some manufacturers sell TV cleaners. Always check the ingredients first, and ensure these products are safe for sensitive screens. Never use Windex or any products that contain ammonia, alcohol, or acetone because these chemicals can damage expensive, fragile TV screens.
Apply these general instructions to monitors and other device screens.

Cleaning TV Remotes and Other Controllers

The remote control presents a more significant risk than the TV screen as far as spreading diseases. Start by removing the batteries, turning the remote upside down, and pressing buttons to dislodge the dust that might get stuck between the buttons.
Then make a solution with a drop of rubbing alcohol in a cup of water, dampen a clean microfiber cloth, and gently pat down the remote. If needed, dampen the cloth again, but don’t let it get dripping wet.
If needed, use a dampened cotton swab to wipe down small crevices, like the space between buttons or knobs. These exact instructions apply to game controllers and similar control areas on other devices.

What’s the Best Protection for Smart TVs?

Careful, regular cleaning can keep smart TVs and TV accessories clean and free from dust and other contaminants. At the same time, no amount of care may prevent all screen problems, like burn-in or dead pixels. Very often, screen repairs for advanced TVs can cost hundreds of dollars, and it’s often challenging to find qualified technicians to do the job.
A smart TV warranty from Upsie covers various types of screen damage. Plus it will also protect against mechanical damage and electronic component failures. Even better, a claims representative will answer the phone 24-7 to help customers process claims and schedule repairs. Then Upsie will help schedule a certified technician to go to your home without charging a deductible or any other fees.
Besides smart TVs, Upsie also covers home theater accessories, wearable tech, and other kinds of electronic devices. Compared to store warranties, Upsie charges up to 70 percent less for their quality plans.

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* This article is over 6 months old and may or may not be updated.