Need to know
- Household surface and glass cleaners like Windex, Ajax, Easy-off Bam and so on will permanently damage your TV screen.
- Almost all fingerprints, smudges and marks can be cleaned with a dry microfiber cloth or one lightly dampened with distilled water.
- Regular dusting will help improve picture quality as well.
Screens are magnets for dust and other icky things, which can be quite distracting when you're trying to catch up on the popular streaming show of the day. But sticky food stains and the wayward fingerprints of an adventurous toddler don't have to be permanent additions to your TV.
These screens are very sensitive, and household cleaners and solvents will cause irreversible damage. Most marks can be cleaned with some dry, gentle wiping or a little distilled water.
On this page:
- Can I use Windex or other supermarket spray cleaners on my TV?
- How can I clean a TV screen?
- Cleaning dust, fluff and light smudges
- Removing fingerprints, food and other stains
- Are screen cleaning sprays useful?
- Cleaning a TV remote
- Other TV cleaning tips
- Should I buy a TV screen protector?
Can I use Windex or other supermarket spray cleaners on my TV?
No. Do not use Windex, Ajax, Easy-off Bam or any other glass, surface or antibacterial cleaners on your TV. They will ruin it.
There's a layer of coating on your TV screen that protects the glass display and does all sorts of things to improve picture quality, like reducing glare, improving contrast, enhancing colours and so on. Glass and surface cleaners will strip this coating right off, leaving you with a streaky, blotchy, cloudy-looking screen.
Do not use Windex, Ajax, Easy-off Bam or any other glass, surface or antibacterial cleaners on your TV. They will ruin it
You should also stay away from cleaners that contain alcohol, acetone, ammonia and similar chemicals, as well as acidic options including diluted vinegar. Even soap and water, dishwashing liquid, floor cleaners and washing powder will leave permanent streaks.
How can I clean a TV screen?
This depends on whether your TV needs a light or deep clean. Turn off the TV before you begin. It's easier to see smudges and marks on a black screen compared to whatever competitive cooking show happens to be on.
Dust, fuzz and light marks or fingerprints are easy to remove with a dry, microfibre anti-static cloth (the kind used to clean glasses, phone screens and camera lenses). Heavy duty gunk, goo and marks from grimy hands may require a bit of distilled water or, in extreme cases, specific cleaners for electronic screens.
Don't use paper-based items like tissues, paper towel, toilet paper or newspaper, or coarser fabrics including towels, dishcloths, sponges or the hem of your shirt. These can scratch the screen.
Cleaning dust, fluff and light smudges
Start by gently wiping the screen with a microfibre cloth in small, circular motions. This should remove almost all of the dust that's clinging to the TV. Don't press too hard or you will damage the screen.
You may need to make another pass or two for light fingerprints and smudges. Apply a little more pressure if required but keep it restrained. This is a situation where extra elbow grease isn't the answer.
Stop cleaning if smudges etc. aren't lifting with the dry cloth. They may need a little moisture.
Removing fingerprints, food and other stains
Particularly stubborn smudges and sticky things should lift with a bit of distilled water. Tap water is full of minerals that can streak or scratch the coating and should be avoided.
Don't spray anything directly onto the screen. Liquids can trickle down and seep inside the TV which will fry the internal electronics. They can also leave dry streaks and spots on the screen which are difficult to remove.
This job requires three microfibre cloths – one for dusting, one for cleaning and another for drying. You'll also need a clean (or preferably new) spray bottle for the distilled water. Avoid old bottles that have been kicking around the house, there may still be chemical residue within that won't do your TV any good.
First, dust the TV. Moist particles can smear and stick to the screen so it's important to clean the fuzz before using the distilled water.
Now, lightly spray the second microfibre cloth until it's damp – not wet. Don't drench the cloth or dip it in water as the excess moisture could leave streaks or seep into the TV.
Gently wipe the screen using small, circular motions until the smudges and gunk have lifted. Then, grab the dry microfibre cloth and clean the area one more time, removing any remaining moisture and marks.
Are screen cleaning sprays useful?
Specialised sprays for electronic screens may work as a last resort when something sticky or crusty just won't come off. We haven't tested these and can't comment on their effectiveness.
Keep an eye out for isopropyl alcohol in particular ... it isn't safe for TVs
They should be safe to use, as long as the ingredients don't include anything that can damage the screen coating – such as alcohol, acetone or ammonia. Make sure that the cleaner is specifically safe for TVs, not just electronic devices in general.
Keep an eye out for isopropyl alcohol in particular as this is a common ingredient in electronic cleaning wipes. You can use 70% isopropyl alcohol to clean some devices, like smartphones, but it isn't safe for TVs.
Follow the same cleaning steps as those outlined above for distilled water if you decide to use these cleaning sprays. Don't spray the screen, just lightly dampen a microfibre cloth and proceed. It's probably best to avoid electronic cleaning wipes as these are pre-moistened and may be too damp.
If a mark or smudge won't lift, use a microfibre cloth lightly dampened with distilled water.
Cleaning a TV remote
Your TV screen might look a bit grimy, but when was the last time you cleaned your remote control? You know, the thing that's getting touched every day by hands that have been who knows where.
Fortunately, the remote is far less sensitive than the TV screen and easier to clean. Just remove the batteries (if applicable) and give it a rub with 70% isopropyl alcohol electronic cleaning wipes which you can find at any major retailer or online. You can also use a damp cloth or rag with an electronic-safe cleaning spray.
Don't spray cleaners directly onto the remote or drench your cleaning cloth. Like TVs, fluid can seep in between the buttons and damage the components. When you're done, pop the remote aside until it dries.
Other TV cleaning tips
A bit of maintenance will keep your TV looking sharp.
- Dust the TV's vents about once a fortnight. This helps regulate airflow which will keep the TV cool and extend its lifespan.
- Regularly clean the area around the TV as well, including the wall, unit or TV stand (depending on how the TV is mounted). Keep an eye out for cobwebs, too.
- Unplug the TV and dust around the buttons and inputs (such as HDMI) from time to time. You don't need to do this very often.
- Please, don't spot clean the TV with saliva and an old rag. That's just gross.
Should I buy a TV screen protector?
TV screen protectors exist. But they're more like plastic shields that sit in front of the screen, rather than the adhesive sheets that you're used to seeing on smartphones.
We haven't tested these and can't comment on their effectiveness but our experts agree that they would most likely have a major impact on image quality. After all, you're basically watching TV through a plastic window. Instead, just try to keep the TV out of reach of potentially destructive or sticky hands.
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