Best Way to Clean a Plasma TV Screen
A plasma tv screen is a delicate, expensive piece of electronics. If it is not properly cleaned, it can suffer permanent damage to its anti-glare coating and image quality. The best way to clean a plasma tv screen is to use a soft, clean, lint-free cloth, such as a microfibre cloth. Avoid using abrasive pads or paper towels, as they can scratch the screen and remove the anti-glare coating, leaving it cloudy or yellowing over time. Do not use any cleaners with alcohol, benzene, ammonia or paint thinner on the screen; they can cause permanent damage. Also, be sure to unplug your TV and allow it to cool before beginning any cleaning. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning and play it safe if you are unsure of what chemicals to use.
Start by wiping away any visible smudges or fingerprints with the cloth. Then, wipe the screen’s edges and corners, taking care not to get any moisture into any ports or speakers. It’s a good idea to do this regularly to prevent build-up of dust and dirt that can block vents and negatively affect performance over time.
Next, dampen the cloth with distilled water. Don’t spray water directly onto the screen, as this can potentially cause a shock or component failure if it seeps into any internal components. Just moisten the cloth with water, then rub it on the screen. It’s important not to apply any pressure; just a slight amount of moisture is enough to remove most stains and streaks from the screen.
For more stubborn spots, use a slightly dampened, microfiber cloth and a solution of mild dish soap with water. A 1:1 ratio of water to dish soap works well; don’t use any more than that. Again, make sure the cloth is not dripping water; if you do, the screen may become too wet and can damage the anti-glare coating or leave behind a ghost image. Be sure to rinse the cloth often to ensure that you aren’t applying any excess water to the screen.
After the cleaning, blot dry the screen with a clean cloth. Then, re-apply the anti-glare coating, if it has been removed, and allow the screen to cool. Once the screen is completely dry, you can plug in your TV and watch a clear, crisp image.
These steps will work on any LCD, OLED or plasma display, but it’s always a good idea to check your manual before beginning. The manufacturer might have specific instructions for the care of your television’s screen, and some may even require that you don’t use a liquid cleaner at all. Generally speaking, however, a mild dish soap mixed with water is always safe to use on LCD and plasma screens. If you want to be extra cautious, try a commercial product designed for LCD and plasma screens. If you use one of these, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.