Flat-screen TVs are much more delicate than traditional sets.
Flat-screen TVs can collect dirt and fingerprints, which can affect the quality of the TV picture. However, using conventional cleaners can actually ruin your TV, given that the screen is made of plastics that are sensitive to chemicals. However, excessive dust can also cause damage to your TV if it gets inside the internal components. Dust can hinder air circulation and cause the flat-screen TV to overheat. Does this Spark an idea?
Plasma TV
When cleaning a plasma TV, use a soft cloth dampened in lukewarm water. The softest cloths use microfiber, chamois or pure cotton. Abrasive cloths will scratch the screen. If the plasma TV needs heavy cleaning, you can use some mild soap to work off the dirt. Stronger cleaning agents, however, can strip off the protective coating.
LCD
LCD flat panels are vulnerable to moisture, but you need some water to get them clean. Use a very slightly damp soft cloth, and then immediately dry the screen with a dry soft cloth. Press very gently while cleaning; do not use any household cleaning products, which can damage the screen. Avoid using paper-based products, since they will scratch the screen. Also, paper towels and other products can leave behind lint on the screen. When you're spraying the screen, do not spray continuously if you cannot get the spots off the TV; instead, spray, wipe, dry and spray again, in this cycle, until the spot comes off.
Special Cleaning Products
You can find products that are specially formulated to clean flat-screen TVs. Gels work better as cleaners than liquids, because the gels will not accidentally seep into the internal parts of the TV, which can cause damage. If you're not sure if you can use a particular cleaner on your TV, consult the owner's manual. Some cleaning cloths work especially well with flat-screen TVs because they do not produce any lint or static, and the soft texture won't scratch the screen. Anti-static brushes also can safely remove dirt when using the gel.
General Safety
Always disconnect the TV from the power source before cleaning it. This practice is not only safer, but will also let you see the smudges and dirt on the screen. Do not push too hard when cleaning the TV or you'll damage the plastic. Perform regular cleaning on your TV so that you don't have to use more force to remove debris.
Dust
Dust can get inside the flat-screen TV, leading to an electrical short and possibly causing other malfunctions. You must especially wipe off any dust that gets on vents or other openings on the TV, where air circulates for cooling purposes. Reduce maintenance time by buying a TV cover made only out of microfiber, which is soft on the screen. Other covers, like vinyl and polyvinyl chloride plastic can cause screen damage.
Tags: scratch screen, soft cloth, cause damage, will scratch, will scratch screen
