The Best Ways to Clean TV Screens of All Kinds

Most people still remember the screens of old-fashioned CRT TVs and monitors. Even if manufacturers don’t produce new ones any longer, some of these solid, durable devices still work as well as they ever did. CRT screens might not display high-resolution images, like modern LCD and OLED displays, but they’re very durable.

By the way, if anybody still has an old CRT monitor or TV, don’t carelessly throw it out. The EPA urges recycling or responsible discarding because of the potential value of some materials and the potential toxicity of others. The government considers CRTs marked for disposal as a kind of hazardous waste. An online search should uncover local resources to help with the proper disposal of these old devices.

Modern smart TVs do much more than their old-fashioned counterparts. In addition to broadcasting TV shows, they can stream content, run apps, and even connect to home automation. Also, LCD, LED, and OLED screens can display high-resolution images that appear much clearer and brighter than old-fashioned TVs.

At the same time, these high-tech displays are much easier to damage. With those old TVs, squirting Windex and scrubbing away dust with a kitchen towel was fine. These days, absolutely do not use harsh chemicals or paper products to clean your TV or monitor display. These cleaning products might damage the screen and will probably even void the manufacturer’s warranty.

Since keeping TV screens clean falls under housekeeping, it seems prudent to turn to housekeeping experts for their best advice. According to Good Housekeeping, start with a dry microfiber cloth, like those used to clean eyeglasses, smartphone screens, or camera lenses.

Look for an XL cloth because the tiny cloth usually included with smartphones or glasses will not provide enough surface area for a 55-inch TV screen. To avoid streaks, clean the screen by gently moving the cloth horizontally and then cover the same area with vertical strokes. Turn the material or use a fresh one as it gets soiled to avoid recontaminating the screen. An electrostatic duster, like a Swifter, will also work.

To clean stubborn smudges, look for wet wipes specially made for electronics. For instance, never use regular Windex or other products that contain ammonia, acetone, or alcohol. On the other hand, Windex makes Electronics Wet Wipes that work great on TV, computer, or phone screens.

Even the best TV housekeeping cannot always guarantee that the set remains free from issues. Common problems with modern smart TVs include blank displays, missing colors or pixels, no audio, and power or connectivity issues. According to HomeGuide, some screen repairs can cost almost as much as the original purchase price of the TV!

An Upsie TV extended warranty will provide protection against unexpected service bills, or worse yet, delaying repairs because of concerns over the cost.

For up to 70 percent less than other warranty providers:

A simple microfiber cloth and an occasional wipe with a screen-safe wet wipe can keep TVs clean and dust-free. Regular cleaning enables the best image quality and keeps dust from migrating from the surface of the television into the internal components. If the problem with a TV requires more than just basic housekeeping, Upsie offers the additional peace of mind you need.