TV screen cleaning

[edmikulski]

What's the best way to clean LCD/LED tv screens without harming them?

 

[MDS]

Use a damp microfiber cloth. My TV even came with a small microfiber cloth.

Never spray anything directly onto the TV surface.

 

[joe913]

Screen cleaning

My research suggest using a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and distilled water. Spray a little onto a microfiber cloth and clean using circular motions.

 

[sawzalot]

Most owners (folks I know) of high end audio video set-ups and so on always use distilled water period , no additives at all, just the water and a micro fiber cloth, I have never used anything other than a small feather duster to keep the dust off, no kiddies = no fingerprints, no smoking= no residues, now if I could just get the wife to cook some where else and bring the food home I would be all set

 

[Nugu]

I use a fresh sealed microfiber cloth to wipe dust off, alternating corners of the cloth depending on amount of dust. Then I flip the cloth and wipe residual dust off. Note: The dust buildup is what will cause scratches on your TV as you wipe so change sections of the cloth regularly as you go. If you get any light marks you can buff them out using distilled/clean cloth.

If there is a smudge or slight "scratch" marks I'll use distilled water or some of that "LCD Cleaner" I had laying around to remove it (Mix of distilled/Alcohol I think with a thickening agent in it) wiping in circles.

To avoid scratching I only use a fresh microfiber on the TV, after that they get demoted to general speaker/electronics/portable device duty. A new microfiber is only 5$ every few months.

 

[edmikulski]

Thanks all for your recommendations. To SAWZALOT....I just got back from a business trip to Phila.....LONG LIVE THE CHEESE STEAK!

 

[Juan_R]

I also used distilled water, but when I run out, I used filtered water from the fridge with a microfiber towel.

 

[ratm]

Does this apply for plasmas?

 

[bandphan]

Does this apply for plasmas?

For plasma screens the above is good. Always micofiber, but if need water... NEVER any chemical based cleaners

 

[simonsparker]

This forum is very informative.

 

[washburn]

I'd also use something to brush/wipe away the dust gently BEFORE really cleaning with water or anything else, if there's a lot of dust on the surface. Otherwise, if you use a damp MF without dusting, all you create is a bunch of wet dust streaks which will dry, need more and more water to get rid of...so getting rid of most of the "loose" dust will help clean with minimal water and leave a cleaner finish.

 

[MDS]

I'd also use something to brush/wipe away the dust gently BEFORE really cleaning with water or anything else, if there's a lot of dust on the surface. Otherwise, if you use a damp MF without dusting, all you create is a bunch of wet dust streaks which will dry, need more and more water to get rid of...so getting rid of most of the "loose" dust will help clean with minimal water and leave a cleaner finish.

Good point. My weapon of choice is a Swiffer Duster.

 

[TLS Guy]

It is my understanding you should not use water based solutions. I use isopropyl alcohol.

 

[washburn]

hm..I read exactly the opposite: that pure Isoprop is not good for LCD screens and that water based solutions are best...and that one should dilute isoprop with water to make a 50/50 solution...

 

[BMXTRIX]

I use Sparkle which is designed specifically for cleaning LCD screens. Spray it onto the cloth, then clean. Smells horrendous, but dries cleaner than anything I've seen to date. Used it for a few years now without issues.

http://www.bestcleaningproducts.com/shop/product.asp_Q_prodID_E_3759

 

[Hi Ho]

I user a dry Swiffer duster. I never have fingerprints or anything on my TV screen. On my PC monitors I use a product called Screen Kleen that I get from work. It works fine and is safe for any type of screen. It comes with a really nice microfiber cloth too.

 

[TLS Guy]

hm..I read exactly the opposite: that pure Isoprop is not good for LCD screens and that water based solutions are best...and that one should dilute isoprop with water to make a 50/50 solution...

I have researched this extensively today.

There is a real paucity of data.

Fluids known to be harmful, include tap water, because of residue, alkaline solutions and proprietary window cleaners. Paper cleaning cloths are a no, no.

There are a variety of cocktails for home brew recommended and commercial cleaners of varying prices and claims. Many claim to contain natural biodegradable enzymes. I would take those with a pinch of salt.

Solutions recommended seem to split pretty much fifty fifty between solutions of 50% distilled water and vinegar, and 50% distilled water and isopropyl alcohol.

My manuals with LCD and plasma screens are silent on the cleaning solutions, which is strange.

Samsung recommend the 50/50 distilled alcohol water solution.

I have used this product for a few years now.

It is a water isopropyl alcohol solution. It has a handy cloth and applicator pad and brush.

I think this is a area that warrants a research project for best practice. For such an important issue there seems a paucity of hard data.

 

[jostenmeat]

IMO: stick with a microfiber, dry. I think someone mentioned using a "fresh" microfiber, but I would wash it first (and only microfibers by themselves, no fabric softener whatsoever, and no dryer; air-dry).

IF** removing the dust is not good enough, then I would go towards either distilled water and/or the highest % of isopropyl you can get. Only very lightly damped.

I've also used an automotive type of electrostatic brush. It works well, I think.

Do not over-clean. The best is to not use any chemicals or water at all, unless absolutely necessary. Well, this is what I know about cleaning PJ lenses. (I once received bad advice here about cleaning my PJ lens, and I won't mention names; I'll just say I've never once followed his advice since.) Hence, don't go overkill, and just dust for now, as that is usually the only thing that happens (outside of kids).