If you own a TV, chances are you see fingerprints on the screen on a regular basis. Especially if you have kids. When the TV is turned off, it’s unsightly. And, depending on the type of TV, the dirty spot on the screen might cause a slight alteration of the colour scheme. Not too much, but just enough to distract you from your favourite movie. In this guide, the Fantastic Services team will explain how to remove TV screen fingerprints.
- Types of TV screens
- How to remove fingerprints
- Hire a professional
So, this article is for all of you who:
- Own a TV;
- Wish to get rid of fingerprints without damaging the screen.
Types of TV screens
Depending on the type of TV you own, you should know a few important things about cleaning it. Here are the most widely used types of TV screens.
- Direct View. Direct View TVs are a huge throwback to the 80s and 90s. They’re not manufactured anymore, but you might still see them in the homes of people who enjoy the vintage look. Cleaning this type of TV screen is easy! You can use water, a solution of isopropyl alcohol, even vinegar, and you don’t have to worry about pressing on the screen too much.
- Plasma Display Panels. Plasma displays are a cellular grid with pixels that contain plasma. That layer is flanked by electrodes, with glass panels on both sides. They used to be revolutionary back in the 90s, but manufacturers have ceased production. If you still own a functioning Plasma TV, be sure to only use water or a commercial screen cleaner to remove fingerprints. Under no circumstances should you use vinegar or isopropyl alcohol.
- LCD. Liquid Crystal Display TVs are by far the most common TV type. If you notice fingerprints, be very careful when cleaning, as pressing too hard on the screen could damage it. Unlike the Plasma Display Panels, LCD would not get damaged by isopropyl alcohol.
- LED. There are two varieties of LED screens – OLED (Light-Emitting Diode) or QLED (Quantum Light-Emitting Diode). The LED technology is quickly taking the world by storm with QLED screens offering a larger size, longer life and are an even more affordable price than OLED. Never use alcohol or vinegar on a LED screen. Instead, invest in a commercial screen cleaner, or just use water. Also, never press too hard on the LED screen, as this can severely damage it.
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How to Remove TV Screen Fingerprints
Time needed: 1 hour.
People tend to forget the TV screen on their cleaning day, but that’s why we are here to remind you. Just arm yourself with an anti-static microfibre cloth and some water and get down to business.
- Turn off the TV and unplug it.
It’s advisable to turn off the TV and unplug it from the power supply. If the TV is on and the liquid touches the screen, it could heat up and cause permanent damage. This is not the case with Direct View TVs, though we still advise that you turn them off before cleaning.
- Try wiping with a clean, dry anti-static cloth.
Before using water or any other cleaning solution, try and see if the fingerprints don’t come out by just rubbing them with a soft, dry cloth. Keep in mind that if the cloth is not clean, dirt particles could rub on the screen and cause additional damage. Make sure not to use too much pressure as well, as this can warp the screen by bending the glass.
- Dampen the anti-static cloth in a solution and try again.
If a dry cloth is not enough to remove the fingerprints, dampen the antistatic cloth in water first. The best way to do this is to spray the cloth lightly (don’t submerge it in water!). Use gentle pressure when cleaning the screen. If water isn’t enough, make a solution of water and Isopropyl alcohol if you own a Direct View or LCD display, or use a commercial display cleaner if you own a LED or a Plasma TV. Spray the cloth with the solution and wipe the screen.
- Wipe the screen dry.
Once the fingerprints are gone, wipe the screen dry with a soft cloth. Check if the fingerprints are still there. If they are, you might have to repeat the previous step.
- Keep the TV unplugged for about an hour.
If you’re left with an immaculate TV screen, you’ve done a great job! Now, wait for about an hour before you plug and use your TV again. Even if the screen looks and feels dry, it’s advisable to leave it alone, just to be sure all the moisture has evaporated.
Rely on professional domestic cleaners
You know well how to remove TV screen fingerprints, but the problem comes when you forget to do it for a long time. Who has time for actual cleaning, anyway? Well, the Fantastic Services team is here to aid you in your time of need. Just hire one of our professional domestic cleaners and you will never have to worry about fingerprints on the TV ever again!
Visit the main website for price rates on our domestic cleaning professionals!
Takeaways
- Never press too hard when you’re cleaning a TV screen. Unless you own a Direct View TV, it may result in serious damage;
- Never use Isopropyl alcohol on a LED or Plasma screen;
- Remove fingerprints from the screen only with a soft and clean anti-static cloth.
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When was the last time you removed the fingerprints off your TV screen? Tell us in the comments!
Image source: Luca Lorenzelli/shutterstock.com