How-To: Quickly (and safely!) clean your HDTV using only a few basic items

All it takes is a few greasy fingerprints and a (un)healthy layer of dust to mar your HDTV’s beautiful display. You can bring it back to like-new condition with a little know-how and a few basic items, but you could cause permanent damage if you’re not careful.

Today we’re going to walk you through how to safely clean your HDTV without having to buy one of those overpriced kits from a big-box store…

Less is always more when it comes to properly cleaning your HDTV’s delicate screen. The best way to keep it factory fresh is to prevent it from ever getting dirty in the first place, but that’s not a realistic option for most people because, well… life happens. To that end, the screen is bound to accumulate a smattering of fingerprints, pollen/dust and maybe even some caked on food particles.

In less than 5 minutes you can bring the shine back to you HDTV by following these steps:

1. First, refer to your HDTV’s manual for any specific cleaning considerations from the manufacturer.

2. Turn off and unplug (just to be extra safe!) your HDTV from the wall. Allow the screen to completely cool off before proceeding.

3. Use canned air to remove as much dirt and grime as possible. I’d also recommend trying a Giottos Rocket Air Blaster. It may not be as powerful as canned air, but there’s no risk of any unwanted liquid blowing on to the screen. What’s more, you can use the Rocket Air Blaster for a number of other tasks.

4. Use a brand new, dry microfiber cloth (this 24-pack for $14 is a best bet) to gently wipe the screen. You can apply a bit of light pressure on stubborn spots. Don’t use a household cleaning rag or paper towel, which can be slightly abrasive and as such may leave behind scratches.

5. Still not cleaned to your satisfaction? Fill up a small spray bottle with distilled water and use it to dampen your microfiber cloth (it should not be dripping wet). Now proceed to wipe the screen again. Keep in mind, distilled water and tap water are not one in the same; you will need to purchase distilled water at a store. Also, never apply any cleaning liquid directly to the screen since excess liquid may work its way underneath the bezel and wreak havoc.

6. Bring in the big guns! If there’s still some grime that’s refused to budge, you may need to wipe it once more using a 50/50 mixture of distilled water and white vinegar. Whatever you do, never use traditional ammonia or ethyl alcohol-based glass cleaner on your HDTV screen. They can really work your screen over.

7. Wipe away any remaining liquid on the screen using a dry microfiber cloth. Be sure the entire screen is completely dry before turning your HDTV back on.

For a look at the best ways to clean your iPhone, iPad and MacBook, click here.

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