How to Clean Your HDTV
published onAugust 22, 2011

A layer of dust on your HDTV can prevent you from enjoying the latest movie or your favorite TV shows in full clarity and color. But what’s the best way to clean your HDTV without damaging it? Here it is:

  • Don’t use commercial cleaners with harsh solvents or alcohol and ammonia (like Windex® and other window cleaners). Spraying your HDTV with liquid cleaners can damage your screen. The cleaner can get into the bottom of the screen and spread up between the screen layers, causing clouding or distortions on the screen.
  • Always use a microfiber cloth to clean your flat screen. Never use paper towels since they can scratch or leave lint on your screen.
  • First, wipe the screen gently with a dry microfiber cloth from left to right and then top to bottom. Don’t apply too much pressure or you could damage the screen, and avoid touching it with your fingers, because you can leave oily marks.
  • If a dry microfiber cloth doesn’t clean the screen completely, use distilled water at room temperature. Slightly dampen the cloth with distilled water – never use tap water since it can contain minerals or additives. The cloth shouldn’t be too wet – just a little damp, otherwise you can still cause splotches between the screen layers. Again, gently wipe the screen.
  • You can also use one of two mixtures: 1) one part distilled water and one part white vinegar, or 2) one part distilled water and one part isopropyl alcohol. These mixtures should be stirred or shaken well. You can store them in a spray bottle, but never spray the liquid directly onto the flat screen. Always spray it lightly into the cloth first.
  • For stubborn spots on your screen, like crayon or marker, use one of the commercial LCD screen cleaning kits. Again, don’t wipe too hard when cleaning these spots – just use gentle pressure.
  • Allow the screen to dry completely before turning it back on.
  • Dust your screen with a dry microfiber cloth daily, or at least a few times a week.

    If you have kids, mounting your HDTV out of reach of little fingers can prevent oily finger marks, spills and crayon from damaging your screen.

  • For more information about HDTVs and home theater installations, contact JD Pro.

    Call or email JD Pro to schedule your free in-home estimate for a custom home theatre system and get an exclusive JD Pro screen cleaning kit with the consultation.