{"id":2487,"date":"2022-03-01T19:40:37","date_gmt":"2022-03-02T00:40:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/info.glass.com\/?p=2487"},"modified":"2022-12-12T10:56:08","modified_gmt":"2022-12-12T15:56:08","slug":"cleaning-tv-screens-and-monitors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.glass.com\/info\/cleaning-tv-screens-and-monitors\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Clean Your TV Screens and Computer Monitors"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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From the television to the computer to the tablets, screens and monitors are all around your house. As more and more devices move into the touch-screen mode, you may very well find you’re frequently cleaning TV screens and computer monitors. While you may be quick to grab some paper towels, glass cleaner and start wiping away, stop and ask yourself this: is this the best way to clean this screen? There are many different considerations for cleaning the screens and monitors in your house. Here’s a closer look at what you need to know.<\/p>

Before You Start to Clean the Glass<\/strong><\/h2>

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Most of the TVs found in homes today have flat screen monitors and are quite different compared to screens on older models. Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) TVs of the past (like the big 1980s-style sets you may recall) had a thick glass screen that was relatively safe to wipe clean with paper towels and window cleaner. Not so with today’s flat screen models. Much of what’s on the market today has a liquid crystal display, or LCD, monitor\u00a0that produces images. LCD televisions are also thinner and lighter than\u00a0CRTs.<\/p>

The make-up of an LCD monitor or screen, however, features a special type of material that is sensitive to chemicals, such as a glass cleaner. Likewise, a plasma\u00a0display\u00a0panel (PDP) is made with small cells that contain electrically charged ionized gases\u2014the plasmas.<\/p>

One of the most important steps to remember is to turn the device off before you begin cleaning. When the screen is dark it will be easier to see the dirty areas. Keep in mind that using harsh chemicals on these screens could ultimately damage or even ruin the television or computer. And it’s not just the cleaners you need to be aware of; kitchen towels or paper towels could also cause scratches and leave the screens covered in lint.<\/p>

Knowing and understanding how to clean your screens and monitors can help ensure you’re able to use and enjoy your devices for years to come. Here are a few suggestions for properly cleaning these specialty screens.<\/p>

Don’t Spray Directly on the Screen<\/strong><\/h2>

Probably one of the most important considerations is to never spray any type of cleaning fluid or even water directly onto the screen. While the old CRT screens were pretty much water-tight, the same can’t be said for today’s modern screens. Screens today are made of layers upon layers of glass<\/a>, plastics, various display elements, and other materials. When liquid comes in contact with the screen’s edge it can be pulled in, like a capillary, to the layers. Once this happens, you will likely notice something that looks like a blob on your screen, and the liquid will most likely never evaporate without leaving some remaining damage.<\/p>

Stear Clear of Common Glass Cleaners <\/strong><\/h2>

You may think that grabbing the bottle of glass cleaner you already have on hand is fine for cleaning screens and monitors. But think again. Using many of these common cleaning products can end up causing serious damage. Ammonia-based cleaners (such as traditional window cleaning spray), for example, could cause a chemical reaction with the coating on the screen or cause clouding. Some electronics stores sell specialty cleaners for use on screens, but you can also make cleaning solutions at home. One option is to combine equal parts of water and vinegar for a homemade cleaning product. But don’t spray anything directly onto the screen. Instead, spray the solution onto a lint-free cloth and gently wipe the surface.<\/p>

If you have a plasma screen, manufacturers recommend not using any strong cleaning products. Instead, use a soft microfiber cloth to wipe away dust.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tScreen Cleaner Spray - Microfiber Cloth Included\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tShop on Amazon\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMicrofiber Cleaning Cloths\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tShop on Amazon\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Avoid Paper Towels and Rags<\/span><\/h2>

When cleaning these very delicate screens, it\u2019s important to understand there are many common household supplies to avoid.  Paper towels\u2014which you already use to wipe up smudges and stains around\u2014can be disastrous on screens. While paper towels are fine for wiping kitchen counters and appliances, they may cause problems on screens and monitors. On a microscopic level, the surface of paper towels is actually somewhat abrasive. Using this material to clean a delicate surface could ultimately cause damage and scratches.<\/p>

You might not think about your household cleaning rags being an issue, but they can also cause damage. That\u2019s because tiny bits of debris and dirt can be caught within the cloth\u2019s fibers. Imagine what could happen when you wipe the screen with something like that. You think you\u2019re cleaning the surface, but each time you move the cloth it\u2019s leaving scratches and damage.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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What About Computer Screens?<\/h2>

When it comes to cleaning computer and laptop screens, the same rules and guidelines apply: never spray onto the glass screen, avoid harsh cleaning supplies, and don’t use paper towels. To safely clean a computer monitor, use a soft, microfiber cloth to wipe away dust and smudges. If this doesn’t work, turn the computer offer and use a slightly damp cloth to wipe away the dirt and smudges.<\/p>

Remember These Points<\/h2>

Keeping your TV screens and computer monitors clean doesn’t have to be a daunting chore. However, you do need to make sure and take the necessary steps to avoid costly damage\u2014like having to buy a new TV. Be sure to follow these rules and guidelines:<\/p>