How to Safely Clean Your Television Screen

Year ago, I worked my way through college by cleaning house. It was back then I learned that a television set can't be cleaned like every other piece of furniture in the house, but required special attention.

In many houses, those television sets tend to get rather dirty. The screens attract dust, and are often covered with greasy finger prints and pet slobber. For any other appliance in the house, a spray bottle of 409 or Windex and a paper towel would clean the grime instantly. However, using these types of products can quickly ruin a television screen.

Why not to use paper towels

Year ago, we were told that using paper towels on the front of the television screen generates static electricity, which could damage components. For really old televisions, that may still be true, but for newer models of any type, paper towels and facial tissue will cause fine scratches in the surface of the screen, just as they can eventually ruin a pair of eyeglasses. The best material to use on all television sets is either a micro-fiber cloth or soft, cotton cloth such as an old diaper or flannel shirt. One exception is the CRT rear-rojection television that does not have a screen shield. For this project, a special cloth and cleanser will be necessary.

Why you shouldn't use general all-purpose cleansers

And what about cleansers? Many products designed to lift fingerprints and grease contain solvents that can damage the plastic film found on the front of television sets. Using a product like Windex can melt this protective ant-glare film, leaving an ugly streaks that won't go away. The preferred way of cleaning of television sets is by using a water dampened microfiber or other type of soft cloth.