How to Clean a TV Screen Without Leaving Streaks
It turns out, a soft microfiber cloth should get the job done.
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Whether you're watching your favorite sports team or enjoying family movie night, a clean television screen can make all the difference. There's nothing worse than noticing a dusty, greasy or fingerprinted screen as you lounge comfortably on the sofa. It only takes a few minutes to learn how to clean your TV screen, plus that germ-filled remote you've been neglecting!
From Samsung and Sony to LG, popular tech brands have changed the best TVs a lot over the last decade. No longer are glass tube TVs that can be easily wiped with glass spray, but most people have LED, LCD, OLED, QLED and plasma screens. Using the wrong cleaning method (like spraying a TV directly with liquids) can cause permanent damage and negate any warranty that may still be in effect, so you need to be careful when cleaning your screen.
Luckily, it's not as complicated as you may think — a simple microfiber cloth can tackle dust and most fingerprints. Below, we share the best way to clean any kind of flat-screen TV without ruining it or leaving behind pesky streaks. Plus, check out advice for anyone who's still got a tube TV.
How often to clean your TV:
Clean your television screen once per week to keep dust, film and fingerprints from building up. Our advice? Keep a microfiber cloth or electrostatic duster in your TV cabinet, so you can quickly nab dust and grime when you see it. Clean the remote control at least once per week, more often if anyone in the family has been sick.
Tips for cleaning a TV screen:
✔️ Always follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions, especially if the TV is still under warranty so you don't do anything that could void it.
✔️ Never spray any cleaner directly onto a TV screen. In fact, a dry cleaning method is always the safest option.
✔️Avoid harsh chemicals, like ammonia (found in some glass cleaners), alcohol and acetone.
✔️ Always use a soft cloth to wipe the TV screen. A rough cloth or paper towel could scratch the screen.
How to clean LED, LCD, OLED, QLED and plasma screens
To avoid damaging a television screen, stick to dry cleaning methods and always refrain from using products containing ammonia, alcohol or acetone. Whether you have an LCD, LED or OLED TV or an older plasma screen, follow these steps to safely tackle dust and fingerprints:
✔️ What You'll Need:
- Microfiber cloth
- Pre-moistened electronics wipe
- Optional: Vacuum soft bristle attachment or electrostatic duster
✔️ Directions:
- Turn the TV off. It's easier to see and remove streaks when the screen is black.
- Remove dust. Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth that's designed to gently clean and remove smudges from eyeglasses, cell phones and camera lenses. Our experts like Elite Tech Gear's oversized option. It's 12 inches square, so it's easier to use on a large TV screen than a smaller cloth and helps zap away fingerprints quickly.
- Spot-clean smudges. Our experts recommend using a pre-moistened electronics wipe to gently remove spots from the TV screen. Never (we repeat, never!) spray anything on the screen directly. Doing so could damage the screen and its inner workings.
- Wipe twice. To clean a TV without leaving behind streaks, wipe the screen first in one direction (horizontally or vertically) then wipe it a second time in the opposite direction to thoroughly cover the entire screen. Flip or fold the cloth often to keep from pushing around picked-up dust.
- Hit the buttons and vents. With your microfiber cloth or a electrostatic duster, go over buttons and the back of the TV to nab dust in the vents. You can also use your vacuum's soft dusting brush and low suction to remove dust from vents, ports and cable connections.
✔️ Expert Tip: Avoid using pre-treated dusting cloths. They have oily finishes that are great for picking up dust on wood furniture but that can leave deposits on a TV screen.
How to clean an older tube (CRT) TV
Although CRT televisions are no longer made, you could still be using an older model. Cleaning glass tube television screens is about as easy as cleaning the mirrors in your home.
✔️ What You'll Need:
- Microfiber cloth
- Window cleaning spray
✔️ Directions:
- Wipe the screen with a microfiber cleaning cloth dampened with a little water or your favorite window cleaning spray. We love HOPE's perfect glass cleaner.
- Nudge off any stuck-on bits with your fingernail and buff the screen dry.
How to clean a remote control
Remotes can accumulate dust, food spills, crumbs and a great number of germs. Plus, if the remote has buttons, debris can get stuck and prevent it from properly working. Here's an easy way to clean a remote:
✔️ What You'll Need:
- Disinfecting wipes
✔️ Directions:
1. Remove the batteries. First, pop out the batteries then replace the cover on the battery compartment.
2. Dislodge dirt and crumbs. Lightly tap the remote, button side down, on a table to dislodge any loose crumbs or debris stuck in the crevices.
3. De-germ the surface. Grab a pre-moistened disinfecting wipe and wring it well so it's not dripping. Use it to clean both sides of the remote. Pay special attention to the buttons and narrow spaces around them, using a toothpick or your fingernail to access tiny crevices. To make sure you're killing germs, the surface of the remote must stay wet for the length of time specified on the wipe's label. It can be anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes, so it may be necessary to wipe it several times or use several wipes.
4. Let it air dry. Allow the remote control to air dry, then return the batteries to their compartment.
Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor's degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York.
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
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