How to Safely Clean a TV Screen Without Leaving Streaks

TVs pick up a lot of unsightly dust, smudges, and fingerprints. Cleaning them off without leaving streaks is straightforward, but care needs to be taken not to permanently damage your TV screen. 

Wetting your screen with water or other liquid cleaners can cause water to seep in between the layers of optical film, distorting your image. This is especially so if you have a flat-screen TV. 

But don’t despair, in this guide we explain the best and safest methods for cleaning your TV or PC screen. We give a total of six methods to help you clean any TV screen without leaving streaks. 

If you’re short on time or would rather leave the job to a professional, you can always use Homeaglow to book a reliable and affordable cleaner in your area.

How to clean your TV screen so it's free of smudges and streaks?

Step 1: Read the TV manual

If you have the TV manual, read it for cleaning guidelines before you start.  If not, skip to step 2.

If a wipe for a computer or other electronic device is advised in the TV manual, get a container for rapid cleanups. 

When cleaning a TV, it's essential to refrain from spraying liquid onto the screen. In the event of a liquid spill, you could permanently damage the screen.

Step 2: Turn off and unplug the TV

Whichever way you choose to clean the TV, ensure to turn it off and unplug it. You can wear a glove if the plasma screen is sensitive to your skin.

Step 3: Dust the TV with a microfiber or cotton cloth

Gently wipe the TV screen in a circular motion to get rid of any dust and dirt. Preferably use a microfiber or cotton cloth as it is gentle on the LCD screen and won’t cause a scratch like toilet paper, paper towels, or bath towels. 

Step 4: Clean with a damp microfiber cloth

If there are any lingering streaks or stains, dampen a fresh microfiber cloth with distilled water and wring it out until it is nearly dry. (Tap water can leave a residue on the screen when it evaporates, so it’s advisable to use distilled water). 

Work from the top of the screen to the bottom, sweeping the cloth across it with very little pressure.

Step 5: Finish with a dry microfiber cloth

Use a fresh and dry microfiber cloth to wipe the entire screen once again. This is to dry up any residue distilled water on the screen.

And voila! Your big-screen TV should be brand new once again.

Other methods for cleaning your TV or PC screen without leaving streaks

Method 1: Using diluted white vinegar

If you still have streaks on your TV screen after cleaning with distilled water, you can use some vinegar to help. Vinegar is a wonder product that you use for everything from cleaning baseboards to getting sticker residue off glass. 

• For a more thorough clean, use distilled water and white vinegar in a spray bottle in a 50-50 ratio. 
• Then spray it onto a microfiber cloth. (Avoid directly spraying the screen because it could seep through and harm your TV). 
• Next, use the towel to polish the smudges until they are gone. 
• Lastly, wipe everything down with a dry microfiber cloth.

Method 2: Using isopropyl alcohol

• If you don't like the smell of vinegar, combine equal amounts of distilled water and isopropyl alcohol in a spray bottle. 
• Next, mist a microfiber cloth with the solution. 
• Then, clean your TV with a damp microfiber cloth. 
• Let it air dry. Since isopropyl alcohol evaporates quickly, your screen won't have stains or streaks.

Method 3: Using an electrostatic duster

An electrostatic duster will suffice if you don't have a microfiber cloth on hand. These dusters work by attracting dust and lint with the help of static electricity, making it simple to clean your TV screen without damaging it.

• Use the duster to gently clean the surface of your TV screen, covering the entire surface in broad streaks. 

After dusting is complete, rinse your duster and hang it up to dry so it will be clean for the next time.

Method 4: Using electronic wipes

Most TV screens can be cleaned safely with electronic wipes. However, confirm with your TV manufacturer's manual to be sure. For instance, due to the anti-glare layer on the screen of a plasma TV, electronic wipes are not the ideal option. Instead, use any of the other techniques mentioned in this article if it isn't safe to use an electronic wipe. 

• If it’s safe, purchase a package of these wipes and use one to wipe at any stains or streaks on your TV gently. 

It is essential not to press too hard to prevent damage to your screen.

Method 5: Using dish soaps

Dish soap and water mixed in a 10:1 ratio can gently scrub away stains or streaks from your TV. 

• Pour distilled water into a spray bottle until it is full. 
• Add one to two drops of dish soap, and shake well. 
• Spray the mixture onto a microfiber cloth.
• Then use a damp cloth to clean your TV gently. Press firmly but gently to prevent damage to the TV screen, especially LCD screens. 

Note that if you use too much soap, it could cause streaks on your TV as it dries.

Clean your flat-screen TV or LCD with confidence

To clean your TV screen effectively and without leaving any streaks behind, a quick wipe with a microfiber cloth should be sufficient (depending on how dirty it is). If a deeper clean is required, use the methods outlined in this guide to get rid of dirt and streaks that are more difficult to remove.

Whether you want your TV cleaned correctly without streaks or you’d like some help cleaning the rest of your home, the Homeaglow team can assist. Book a professional, affordable cleaner online today.