Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Cleaning with a microfiber cloth
• Method 2 of 3: Cleaning with a vinegar solution
• Method 3 of 3: Remove scratches from your flat screen TV
• Tips
• Warnings

Plasma and LCD flat screen TVs require more maintenance than older glass screens, which can be washed with glass cleaner and paper towels. LCD panels are made of a plastic that can be easily damaged by abrasive chemicals, brushes and towels. This article suggests three ways to clean your flat screen TV: a microfiber cloth, a vinegar solution, and a scratch removal technique.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Cleaning with a microfiber cloth

1. 1 Turn off the TV. You don't want to wipe the pixels, and when the screen is off, you will be able to see dirt and dust better, since you will be working with a dark surface.
2. 2 Take a microfiber cloth. It is a soft, dry cloth of the same type used for cleaning glasses. It is ideal for LCD screens as it does not leave lint.
3. 3 Wipe the screen. Gently wipe off visible dirt and dust with a microfiber cloth.
   • Do not press hard on the screen unless the dirt is immediately cleared away. Just go to the next method described below.
   • Do not use paper towels, toilet paper, or old shirts as a cleaning cloth. These materials are more abrasive than microfiber cloth and can scratch the screen and leave lint marks.
4. 4 Examine the screen. If it looks clean, it may not need to be washed. If you see dried-on splashes, old dust, or other grime, go to the next method to give your flat screen a little shine.
5. 5 Clean the frame of the screen. Hard plastic is less sensitive than the screen. Wipe it off with a rag or microfiber cloth.

Method 2 of 3: Cleaning with a vinegar solution

1. 1 Turn off the TV. Again, you don't want the pixels to get in the way of seeing dirt.
2. 2 Make a solution of equal parts vinegar and water. Vinegar is a natural cleaning agent that is much cheaper and often safer than other products.
3. 3 Dip a microfiber cloth in the vinegar solution and gently wipe the screen. If necessary, apply light pressure and use a circular motion to wipe away stains that require extra cleaning.
   • Do not spray vinegar solution directly onto the screen. You can cause irreparable damage.
   • You can also buy LCD screen cleaner from a computer store.
   • Do not use cleaners containing ammonia, ethyl alcohol, acetone, or ethyl chloride. These chemicals can damage the screen by cleaning it too thoroughly.
4. 4 Dry the screen with a second piece of microfiber cloth. If the liquid dries on the screen by itself, traces may remain.
5. 5 Wash the screen frame. If dusting the frame isn't enough, dip a paper towel in the vinegar solution and wash it down. Pat it dry with a second towel.

Method 3 of 3: Remove scratches from your flat screen TV

1. 1 Check the warranty. If there is a large scratch on the screen covered by the warranty, then it is best to exchange the TV for a new one. Attempting to repair the screen may cause further damage that is not covered by the warranty.
2. 2 Use a scratch repair kit. This is the safest way to remove scratches from your screen. You can buy this set where TVs are sold.
3. 3 Use petroleum jelly. Cover a cotton swab with Vaseline and apply it to the scratch.
4. 4 Use varnish. Buy clear varnish and spray a small amount directly onto the scratch. Let it dry.

Tips

• Look for specific cleaning instructions in the manual that came with your TV.
• The same methods can be used to clean computer monitors.
• You can also use special screen wipes available from any computer store.

Warnings

• If the fabric is not dry enough, it can cause a short circuit.
• If your screen is of a rear projection type, do not press too hard to avoid damaging it as it is very thin.