How to Clean Your TV

Why should I clean my TV?

Televisions can be expensive items, so it’s important that you take great care of them. Dirt, dust and bacteria are likely to build up on your TV system over time, and regular cleaning will help you stay on top of this. Cleaning your television will make sure that you’re getting the most out of your appliance, prolonging its lifespan and maximising performance, allowing you to enjoy a clearer picture.

How often should I clean my TV?

You should clean your television, speaker system and remote every week to avoid a monstrous buildup of dust and greasy marks that can make it more difficult to clean later on. Fortunately, the cleaning process is simple and shouldn’t take up too much of your time.

How to clean a TV screen

The cardinal rule here is to never spray any liquids or foams on the actual TV, as it can damage its display or even cause an electric fire. It’s also important to read the manufacturer’s instruction manual before attempting anything. Here are four easy steps you can follow to maintain your television:

• Unplug the TV and wait until it has completely cooled down
• Clean the frame with a dry, soft, lint-free cloth
• Wipe the TV screen with a microfibre cloth. For marks that won’t budge, spray a small amount of screen cleaning onto the cloth and gently go over the area again. Be careful, streaks are caused by applying too much liquid onto your cloth
• Wait a few minutes for the TV screen to air dry before plugging the cables back in

How to clean a TV remote

The remote control is one of the most commonly touched items in the home, which makes it more likely to attract germs and viruses. Follow these steps to clean your TV remote:

1. Remove the remote’s batteries
2. Lightly tap the remote to remove any debris stuck between the keys. If you are a pressurised air duster, give the remote a spray to lift any additional fluff
3. Gently clean the outer shell with a disinfectant wipe or lint-free cloth that’s been slightly dampened with a suitable cleaning solution
4. Swipe a cotton bud, either dry or dampened with a suitable cleaning solution
5. Dislodge stubborn dirt in crevices with a toothpick
6. Air dry the remote before re-inserting the batteries

How to clean TV speakers

Your speaker system will need to be cleaned too. Make sure to check the instruction manual for the best way to clean your speakers and to check which, if any, parts are removable for cleaning. Follow these steps to clean your television speakers:

1. Unplug your speaker system before attempting to clean anything
2. Vacuum around the speaker to remove any large bits of debris
3. Wipe down the speaker and grille with a microfibre cloth – ensure that you’re gentle when doing this
4. Air dry the speaker system before plugging it in

Is it worth cleaning your TV?

Cleaning your television regularly will not only improve your watching experience but will also extend its lifespan. A simple clean once a week is all you will need to reap these life prolonging benefits however, maintenance can only work for so long. Unfortunately, you’ll eventually have to purchase a new TV.

Compare televisions with Canstar Blue!

About the reviewer of this page

This report was reviewed by Canstar Content Producer, Caitlin Bingham. Caitlin is an experienced writer whose passion for creativity led her to study communication and journalism. She began her career freelancing as a content writer, before joining the Canstar team.