How to Clean a Vizio TV Screen – Ultimate Guide

An LCD TV screen is an expensive piece of equipment that requires special care. To maintain performance and high picture quality, the unit should be cleaned regularly. How to clean a Vizio TV screen and avoid damaging the electronics is described below in our article.

Causes of Contamination

The home environment is not ideal for the operation of technology of all kinds. Dust, particles of dead skin, and hair are inevitably in the air. The contaminants will rise and settle on the unit and cause dark spots on the LCD screen.

Other causes of dirt are:

• Fingerprints. This is especially common in homes with young children;
• Splashes from liquids. Traces on the screen can leave both normal water and improperly applied cleaners;
• Traces from insects.

What Not to Do

Proper care is the key to the long service life of your equipment. The more complex the device, the more delicate it needs to be. To avoid damaging the LCD screen, do not perform the following cleaning procedures. Here is how long do vizio tvs last.

Use liquid window cleaners

Users consider this choice logical, as cleaners do not have abrasive components and are designed for smooth surfaces. But all household chemicals designed to clean mirrors and glass surfaces contain one of the aggressive components:

• ethyl alcohol;
• ammonia;
• acetone or its substitute.

These substances dissolve the upper coating of the screen, their use negatively affects the condition of the technique.

Clean appliances that have been switched on

Before proceeding to clean the screen or body, the flat screen televisions must be disconnected from the power supply (remove the plug from the socket). This operation is necessary for two reasons:

Safety requirements oblige you to unplug electrical appliances during any manipulation with them. This will prevent any possibility of electric shock:

• the TV screen matrix in contact with liquid cleaners when switched on can be damaged by the electromagnetic waves generated. The image quality will be severely impaired.

Use a cloth with lint

Lint from a cloth can get clogged between TV elements and stick to the TV screen surface, thereby increasing the degree of soiling.

A heavily tufted synthetic cloth can magnetize the screen, leading to additional dust buildup.

When choosing a cloth, it is better to give preference to microfiber, fleece, or a material designed for cleaning lenses in glasses.

Washing with water

Direct spraying of liquid cleaners on the TV screen is inadmissible. This also applies to plain water. This method of exposure will inevitably leave stains and streaks on the surface of the matrix, from the substances contained in water. In addition, with abundant or purposeful (from a close held sprayer) humidification, the liquid penetrates into the matrix and spoils its structure.

Scratching the surface

Any products that contain abrasives or come in powder form are not suitable for use on LCD screens. They scratch the delicate surface, and traces of such damage will be extremely difficult to remove.

Sometimes they are not visually visible, but deteriorate the image quality.

Turn on until completely dry

TV set and other equipment with LCD display should not only be wiped down when in working condition, but also turned on before it is completely dry. Fast switching on contributes to the formation of streaks and affects the performance of the matrix.

Special Treatment of the LED Surface

The TV screen matrix requires careful attitude, when cleaning it, it is worth adhering to the following recommendations:

• Choose specialized products designed for the care of liquid crystal screens. Their release form can be any: active foam, spray or gel texture. Such household chemicals contain safe active ingredients and additional antistatic additives;
• When buying a new, previously unused product, make sure that its composition does not contain alcohol-containing ingredients that can damage the protective coating of the TV panel;
• Do not apply liquid or gel products directly to the screen. Such exposure will result in iridescent streaks and blurred images. Such products shall be applied to a clean lint-free cloth or microfiber and only the screen shall be treated in this manner;
• Do not apply excessive pressure on the matrix surface and avoid applying excessive force during cleaning;

Remove all jewelry from the hands during the procedure. Rings or bracelets can leave a scratch on the screen.

Which Substances are Contraindicated

Not every product is suitable for the safe and quality cleaning of TV screens.

The substances in the list below are categorically not permitted.

Acetone

Acetone and white spirit are aggressive chemicals that damage the screen. Even a small concentration of these substances is enough for a brief exposure and the protective coating of the matrix will be irreversibly damaged. Not only these liquids in their pure form, but also acetone-containing products are prohibited.

Ammonia

The action of ammonia or ammonia alcohol is similar to acetone. This highly reactive substance has a detrimental effect on the matrix, leaving behind iridescent streaks. It will be impossible to get rid of them later.

Ammonia is often the active ingredient in glass-cleaning sprays, so these household chemicals are also forbidden.

Ethyl chloride

This substance is strictly prohibited for use in households, appliances are no exception. Ethyl chloride has a toxic odor, aggressive effects, and a high fire hazard.

Gasoline or solvents

Gasoline and solvents based on it leave indelible iridescent stains on the LCD panel. This ban applies to the pure product as well as to its diluted form.

Dyes

One of the most dubious means for cleaning electronics. In addition to the lack of cleaning properties, dyes have an aggressive composition.

Under the influence of these substances, the upper layer of the matrix is destroyed and streaks remain.

Abrasive cleaners

Any means with abrasive particles or rough materials leave scratches on the delicate surface of the screen. As a result, watching TV is marred by a distorted picture.

Alcohol-based cleaners

On the surface of the TV screen is an anti-reflective layer that does not tolerate harsh chemicals. Under the influence of pure alcohol or products with this component in a high concentration, the protective layer is completely or partially dissolved.

As a result, image quality deteriorates, and the matrix becomes vulnerable to external influences, dust adheres to it faster.

Detergent and baking soda

Soda copes well with grease stains and fingerprints, but it is not allowed for liquid crystal screens. The fine grains of soda do not fully dissolve in water, scratching and damaging the surface. For the same reason it is not allowed to use washing powder or household chemicals in a similar form of release.

Paper towels

Low quality paper towels products contain fine abrasive particles of unprocessed wood. They scratch the top layer and damage the TV screens.

Wet hand wipes

Cosmetic and sanitary wipes have two negative effects:

• Almost all wipes have an impregnation based on fat components (cream, lotion). This leaves streaks and greasy stains on the screen;
• Some wipes are impregnated with alcohol (for hand disinfection). This substance dissolves the upper protective layer of the matrix.

Choosing a Cloth for Flat Screen TV

The two main criteria in choosing a material for cleaning LCD screens are softness and lint-free. These criteria are met by cloths made of natural cotton, microfiber, fleece or lint-free flannel.

Special Wet Wipes for LCD Screen Care

Wet wipes for LCD TV screens are an ideal way to wipe away stubborn dirt quickly. They can be used to wipe dust off the screen and give a small anti-static effect to the surface.

Difficult dirt cannot be removed with wipes, you will need to apply friction to remove it, which is unacceptable.

In order to avoid streaking it is recommended to start cleaning the TV screen with the cloth not immediately after taking it out of the package, but after waiting 20-30 seconds.

The material dries a little in the air and does not leave wet spots on the surface. The best effect is achieved with the combined use of wet and dry cloths (not paper, but special ones).

Lineless soft cloth

This cloth can be a soft cotton, fleece, flannel or eyeglass lens cleaning material. Most fabrics can be purchased off the shelf in craft stores and cut into pieces of the right size by yourself.

Their properties are the same as specialized cleaning soft cloth, and the cost is several times lower.

Lint-free cloths can be used both dry and with an approved cleaner applied to them.

Microfiber cloth

Microfiber has the unique ability to remove fingerprints or light grease dirt without the use of additional chemicals. Microfiber cloth is also an easy way to remove dried-on water droplets and dust. Like other cloths, microfiber cloth can be used dry or together with a cleaning agent.

Because of its high hygroscopic properties, it is recommended to keep the cloth close to the TV for quick removal of accidentally spilled liquids.

Special Products for Flat Screen TV

Specialized products for LCD panels are at the top of the list for effectiveness and safety. They not only gently remove most household dirt, but also leave a prolonged antistatic effect. The form of release of such preparations can be varied: foam, spray, gel.

When buying, it is important to pay attention to the absence of alcohol in the composition.

Gel

Gel products are used undiluted and only when applied on a cloth. It is allowed to apply gel directly on the surface of the TV screen. Most often, the gel does not require rinsing with water, but detailed instructions are always indicated on the package.

Foam

Cleaner in the form of foam is used to remove grease stains and other difficult dirt. The manufacturer specifies the application method on the package: directly on the monitor or on a rag.

Specialized foam cleans the LCD panel without streaks and wipes off its surface without using water.

Spray

Spray from a canister can be applied both to the screen and to the rag. The manufacturer always indicates the exact recommendations for use on the package. The use of an aerosol is appropriate for cleaning a TV with a large diagonal. When applying the cleaner, do not place the sprayer closer than 10-15 cm to the LCD panel because of the risk of damaging it.

A cotton swab for dirty joints

Even a microfiber will not penetrate into hard-to-reach places to remove dirt from them. We recommend using cotton swabs for this purpose. The soft base will not damage the surface and will effectively clean it. To enhance the effect, the cotton swab can be moistened with any suitable cleaning agent.

Folk Methods

For TVs, you can use not only industrial means, but also improvised means.

Before using it, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the instructions for household appliances and clarify the presence of contraindications.

Vinegar

In order not to damage the surface of the matrix, it is necessary to use a solution of vinegar with a concentration of no more than 3%.

Algorithm of action:

1. In a glass or ceramic bowl, dilute 9% table white vinegar and cold clean water in equal proportions.
2. Wet a lint-free cloth well with this mixture and squeeze it thoroughly.
3. Turn off the device and treat the TV screen in a circular motion without applying force.
4. If necessary, repeat the procedure, moistening the cloth again.
5. Wipe the surface with a dry, soft, lint-free cloth.
6. Allow the screen to dry completely. Turn on the TV.

Soap Solution for Flat Screen TV

If there are other contaminants on the surface of the LCD panel, in addition to dust, you should use a soapy solution to remove them. This will require:

1. Toilet or baby soap (without cream additives) grate on a fine grater and dissolve in warm water. For 1 liter of liquid you will need ¼ of a bar. Laundry soap is not suitable for cleaning electronics, as it contains a large amount of alkali.
2. Soak a soft, lint-free cloth in the soap solution and squeeze it well. It is important to make sure there are no undissolved soap particles on the cloth.
3. Wipe the TV screen in a circular motion without applying force or excessive friction. If you have jewelry on your hands, remove it or wear gloves to prevent accidental scratching.
4. Moisten a microfiber cloth or lint-free cloth with clean water, wring out and wipe off any excess soap solution. Repeat the operation.
5. Wipe the TV screen dry. Squeeze for 20-30 minutes to evaporate liquid from hard-to-reach places, and only then turn on the TV. Do not use a heating device, such as a hair dryer, to dry it.

Isopropyl alcohol

This substance copes well with dried dirt and fingerprints on smooth surfaces.

You will need 70% isopropyl alcohol for the job, it is usually used to disinfect the skin in the presence of wounds.

How to use:

1. Mix equal proportions of isopropyl alcohol and clean, cold water in a container. Do not violate this proportion and do not increase the concentration of alcohol, it will destroy the protective layer of the screen. If you do not have a measuring cup, it is better to make a less concentrated solution “by eye”.
2. Soak a lint-free cloth in the solution and wring it out well.
3. Wipe the surface of the device without applying additional force.
4. Repeat the procedure by wiping the surface with a clean cloth soaked in the solution.
5. Wipe the screen dry with a microfiber or cotton cloth.

How to Care for Different Types of Screens

Flat-screen TVs have different picture reproduction technology. Depending on this, the rules for caring for them change:

LED panels

Their cleaning is carried out with a microfiber or lint-free cloth, dry or with LED screen cleaner applied to them. It is important that the product does not contain alcohol-containing components.

Liquid crystal screens

It is strictly forbidden to apply any cleaners directly to the surface of such panels. This will inevitably lead to the formation of stains and turbidity. All compositions are applied to the cloth, which then wiped the screen. The joints and hard-to-reach elements are cleaned with a cotton swab.

Plasma panels

These screens are painless to clean with a soapy solution and a lint-free cloth. For difficult dirt we recommend using a microfiber cloth. Handprints can be easily removed from the plasma with an eyeglass care cloth.

LCD screen cleaning solution

The most delicate and difficult to care for types of screens. They have a soft and thin matrix, which is easy to damage. For cleaning, only a dry soft cloth is used, without the use of any agents. Unplugging the TV before cleaning is a must. It is important to remove all rings and bracelets from your hands, exclude contact of the LCD panel with water or chemicals with active volatile vapors (gasoline, acetone).

Keeping the Surface Cleaner for Longer

To ensure that dust and other dirt accumulates on the TV screen less often and that cleaning is less frequent, the following recommendations should be followed:

• Remove pots with houseplants from the device. They should be at least 1 meter away. From them not only settles dust from the soil in the cachet, but also gets water droplets when watering;
• Make it a rule not to touch the screen with your hands. This habit should be instilled in all households;
• Place the device out of reach of children’s hands. It is young viewers who tend to poke the screen with their fingers (sometimes stained with paint or candy);
• Regularly disinfect the house and prevent the appearance of insects. Flies or gnats from houseplants can leave hard-to-remove black spots on the screen;
• Use a screen surface treatment with a strong antistatic effect. In this way, dust will be less deposited on the TV and it will be easier to remove.

Video: How to Clean a Vizio TV Screen

Avoid doing damage to your flat screen TV by following some simple steps using simple products. In this video, how to clean a TV screen the right way.

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