Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Hacks & How-to's
  3. Evergreens

Spring cleaning 101: How to clean your TV

By
Add as a preferred source on Google

Are you tired of seeing dust and gunk built up on and around your TV? That big screen certainly collects dust, and it definitely attracts sticky fingers. Since your TV is a big investment, though, you want to be careful to clean it properly to prevent damage and lengthen its lifespan. Cleaning the screen on your TV can be particularly tricky since it can be easily damaged from using too much pressure or the wrong types of products. We’ll take you through some helpful hints on what products to use, how to dust TVs, and we’ll even tell you how to clean TVs that need more than just dusting.

customdesigner / Adobe Stock

Helpful TV cleaning products

If you don’t already have these products on hand, you may want to stock up on them, particularly if your TV tends to be a hot spot of smudges and fingerprints. These items will make cleaning your TV both easy and efficient.

Electronic wipes

Electronic wipes are specifically designed for cleaning screens on electronics like TVs, phones, tablets, and computers. They are anti-static, they dry quickly, and they produce a streak-free clean.

Related

Microfiber cloths

Microfiber cloths are a great alternative to electronic wipes since they are washable and are, therefore, friendly to the environment along with your pocketbook. While disposable paper products like paper towels and tissue could scratch or damage your TV screen, microfiber cloths are soft and gentle, and they’re lint-free so that they won’t leave behind pilling or small fibers.

Distilled water

You’ll want to avoid using cleaners on your TV that have alcohol or ammonia on their ingredient list. These chemicals will wear away the helpful anti-glare film on your TV screen. Tap water should also not be used on your TV screen since it contains tiny pieces of sediment and minerals that could damage your screen. Distilled water, however, is free of both harsh chemicals and minerals, so it won’t damage the screen in any way.

Dish soap

Sometimes water alone won’t fully clean that smudged screen. Mild, gentle, and free of abrasive chemicals, dish soap should be used for bigger, stuck-on screen messes.

Step by step: How to clean TVs

Whether you want to get that layer of dust off or you’ve got a sticky, smudgy mess on your TV screen, here are the steps you’ll want to take to get your TV sparkling clean and looking like new.

  1. Turn off the TV and unplug it for additional safety.
  2. Wait a few minutes for the TV to cool down.
  3. Dust the TV from the top down using a duster or a soft, dry microfiber cloth.
  4. If you still see smudges, use electronic wipes or dampen a microfiber cloth slightly with distilled water. We recommend putting the water in a spray bottle so you can better control the amount of water you’re using.
  5. Gently wipe the screen with electronic wipes or damp cloth from top to bottom.
  6. If bigger stuck-on messes remain, put a drop of dish soap in the distilled water spray bottle, dampen the cloth with the solution, and gently wipe the screen again.
  7. Take a dry cloth and gently wipe it over the screen to dry any damp spots.

Cleaning an older TV

You may have an older box TV lying around that needs a good cleaning. The good news with these dinosaurs is that they are much more durable than newer, flat-screen TVs, and they can withstand a bit more chemical and muscle. Since the screen is likely made of glass, you can use a glass cleaner and paper towel to get the screen sparkling clean. Spray the paper towel with a cleaner like Windex and wipe the TV screen clean like you would a window. The remainder of the TV can be dusted normally, or you can use a cloth or paper towel that’s dampened with a standard household cleaner to get into the nooks and crannies on the back of the TV.

Wall-mounted TV with entertainment center below
Keith Muratori / Shutterstock

Dos and don’ts of cleaning your TV

Here’s a quick, at-a-glance look at some of the dos and don’ts to remember when your TV needs a good cleaning.

Do:

  • Turn off or unplug your TV and let it cool down before cleaning
  • Use distilled water
  • Use a cloth that’s safe for screens
  • Spray the cloth to dampen it
  • Use dish soap solution for stuck-on messes

Don’t:

  • Clean the TV when it’s on
  • Spray liquid directly on the TV
  • Use tap water
  • Use cleaners containing ammonia or alcohol
  • Use paper products on the screen
  • Use a soaked or dripping cloth
  • Push on the screen or scrub roughly
veronicasparks18@yahoo.com
veronicasparks18@yahoo.com
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Veronica Sparks is a writer from Milwaukee, Wisconsin who loves writing about gardening, home décor, and DIY life. She’s…
Topics

Editors’ Recommendations

The Easiest Way to Set the Table
Cutlery, Fork, Spoon

Have you ever wondered why the fork sits on the left and the knife on the right? Or why Europeans eat “Continental style,” holding the fork in their left hand and the knife in their right, while Americans cut, switch hands, and then eat? It turns out there’s a reason for all of it, and once you understand the history, setting the table suddenly feels far less mysterious. Before beautifully layered place settings and Pinterest-worthy tablescapes, dining was far more practical. Medieval feasts were less about etiquette and more about survival. Plates were often shared, forks were nonexistent, and eating with your hands was the normal standard. Tables were filled with trenchers (pieces of bread used as plates), and the idea of “proper placement” simply didn’t exist.

By the mid-to-late 1800s (around 1860–1870), European dining evolved again as meals began to be served in courses. This shift introduced what became known as the Russian style of dining, where utensils were laid out intentionally and used from the outside in. The fork stayed in the left hand, the knife in the right, and the table itself began to reflect structure, rhythm, and order. This approach eventually became the “Continental style” still used across much of Europe today.

Read more
Color Drenching: The bold hue movement that is sticking around in 2026
Green living room walls with velvet green sofas

What is color drenching?Color drenching is an interior design trend where a single color is used on every surface in a room. This includes walls, trim, doors, and even the ceiling, creating a cohesive and immersive atmosphere. The technique can make a small room feel larger or a spacious room feel cozier, and it often extends to furniture, radiators, and cabinetry for a bold, unified effect.

While the term color drenching is relatively new, the concept has deep roots in design history. The look can be traced to historic European interiors where monochromatic schemes added depth and luxury. Even in the Victorian era, richly saturated jewel tones were often used in grand spaces such as libraries and parlors. It reappeared during the 1960's and 1970's as well. Designers have long understood that a single, enveloping hue can create a striking sense of mood and continuity.

Read more
Houseplants: Which ones thrive in your home all year long?
Snake plant

So which plants can handle winter? For homes that tend to be cooler, hardy plants like Snake Plants (Sansevieria), Cast Iron Plants, and ZZ Plants (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) are ideal. The good news is that all three can handle temperature drops and limited sunlight. The Cast Iron Plant, for example, can thrive in conditions as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

While not quite as hardy, other low-maintenance favorites include Pothos (Epipremnum), Spider Plants, Ferns, and Heartleaf Philodendrons. These do well in shadier, low-light spots and require minimal care.

Read more