How to Clean Fingerprints Off A TV Screen?
Fingerprints are just annoying to see especially when you’re watching your favorite movie or TV show.
To sum it up. Fingerprints on TVs are just unsightly!
How do fingerprints on TVs happen? Well, it commonly occurs when kids are at home.
Kids love touching anything they see, especially when it’s something full of colors.
So when your TV is on, those colorful pictures will trigger them to touch it.
But children are not the only ones to be blamed.
Sometimes improper cleaning of a TV can be a reason for fingerprints as well.
Let’s face it. Everyone gets fingerprints on their TV once in a while.
The maintain question here is, how to best clean fingerprints from a TV screen?
I am not sure if these are the best methods but read below how I do it.
Table of Contents
How to clean fingerprints off a TV screen
Cleaning fingerprints off a TV screen is pretty easy as no expensive cleaning products are needed. All you need is an anti-static microfiber cloth. Wiping is all that is needed but bear in mind not to press too hard to avoid further damage on the TV’s screen. For stubborn fingerprints use distilled water, vinegar, or dish soap. Turn off the TV before you proceed with the cleaning to avoid electrical problems.
How to properly clean fingerprints off TV screen?
If you’re cleaning fingerprints off your old school TV, you can use a glass cleaning product such used to clean windows.
But if you have an LCD TV, the cleaning procedure needs to be more nuanced as these screens are more sensitive.
You will need to be careful and make sure the screen does not get scratched, blemished, or damaged.
LCD TVs are vulnerable and can get scratched and damaged.
That’s why some manufacturers provide bespoke cleaning instructions.
Check your TV’s manual if it has explicit care instructions before you decide to do anything.
If you don’t have the manual or it doesn’t come with cleaning instructions, then you can either check the internet, call the manufacturer, or do clean it according to the suggestions here.
Safety precautions before cleaning your TV screen
First, turn the TV off to make fingerprint marks easier to see.
Unplug the TV off its power source/socket to avoid a short circuit or electrical sparks.
Hold the TV with your other hand for support (if not wall-mounted) to avoid it from tipping over while cleaning.
How to clean fingerprints off a TV screen using an anti-static microfiber cloth?
How to clean fingerprints off a TV screen step by step
After the said safety precautions, wipe the TV screen first with an anti-static microfiber cloth.
Some fingerprints can easily be removed by simple wiping.
Just keep in mind not to press too hard on the screen to avoid it from being warped and damaged which may lead to pixel burnout.
Wipe only in a circular motion.
Wiping in zigzag motion may cause unnecessary blemishes on the screen.
How to clean fingerprints off a TV screen using distilled water
If wiping doesn’t work, try this method.
Dampen an anti-static microfiber cloth slightly with distilled water and wring it until almost dry.
Do not spray directly on the screen because doing can cause an electrical shock or might result in component failure.
Gently wipe the TV screen, once again in a circular motion.
Wait for the TV screen to completely dry before plugging it in.
How to clean fingerprints off the TV screen using dish soap
If cleaning with distilled water still doesn’t seem to do the trick, you may need to use dish soap.
It is important to choose a mild dish soap.
Dilute the mild dish soap in water.
Damp an anti-static microfiber cloth into the soap mixture.
Gently wipe the TV screen in a circular motion.
If you see any soap/water residues, dab the cloth into distilled water and wipe over the screen one more time to remove any residues.
Make sure the TV screen is dry and free of any liquid substances before plugging it in.
How to clean fingerprints off the TV screen with vinegar
If no mild dish soap is present in the house you can use vinegar to get rid of fingerprints.
Start with creating a vinegar solution by using equal parts of water and vinegar.
Dampen an anti-static microfiber cloth into the vinegar solution and wring until almost dry.
With a gentle circular motion, wipe the fingerprints off the TV screen.
If there are liquid residues, dab the cloth into distilled water and go over the screen once again to remove any remaining traces.
Ensure the screen surface is completely dry before plugging the TV back in.
Note: If the said methods still don’t work to remove the fingerprints off your TV screen, you might need the help of professionals.
It is better to ask for professional help than to damage your TV for good.
You can contact your TV’s manufacturer to ask for help, or head out to the nearest electronics store for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Removing Fingertips Off a TV Screen
Can you use alcohol to remove stubborn fingerprints off a TV screen?
A lot of people think alcohol is the easiest way to remove any type of dirt. However, this won’t work well on a TV screen because alcohol contains harsh ingredients. These will weaken the anti-glare coating of the TV screen. So do not use alcohol on a TV screen to remove fingertips.
Why should you use an anti-static microfiber cloth?
An Anti-static microfiber cloth is designed to dissipate static charges which therefore lifts dirt, dust, and oil without the need for chemicals.
Can you use a paper towel to clean fingerprints off a TV screen?
A Paper towel, a sponge, or a regular cloth may scratch the TV screen or leave small paper debris. These are not advised to be used to clean fingerprints off a TV screen.
What are alternatives for anti-static microfiber cloths?
Anti-static microfiber cloths are not that commonly available in stores. You can alternatively use a microfiber cloth, a lint-free cloth, or a finely woven cloth.
Conclusion on How to Clean Fingerprints Off A TV Screen
Always check the TV manual for cleaning or care instructions before doing anything.
When cleaning fingerprints prints off a TV screen, gentle wiping is best and no direct application of liquid onto the TV screen are important things to remember.
Always wipe in a circular motion.
Use an anti-static microfiber cloth as it is the best choice for wiping TV screens.
Any abrasive material will only cause damage to your TV.
Alcohol will weaken the anti-glare coating of the TV screen, therefore it is best to avoid it.