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Screen Play! How to disinfect a TV screen and remote

Enjoy a spotlessly clean TV screen with our guide to disinfecting! Sticky remote controls and blurry flat screens are a thing of the past after you’ve been through this quick guide.

Updated Reading Time: 5 minutesBy Cleanipedia Team

hand using yellow cloth to clean tv screen
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Whether you’re a parent wondering how to clean a sticky remote control after your children spilt juice on it, a diligent cleaner who wants to learn how to disinfect a TV screen, or simply someone searching for the ultimate guide to TV cleaning: we‘ve got you covered.

This easy-to-follow guide covers everything from how to clean a flat-screen TV to how to clean remote control buttons and more.

Key steps

  • Clean your TV once a week.

  • Turn off your TV and remove controller batteries before cleaning.

  • Don't spray cleaning solution onto the surface. Instead, spray it onto a microfiber cloth and wipe the TV or remote.

  • Use antibacterial cleaning products and rubbing alcohol to disinfect and kill germs while cleaning your TV.

  • Use a soft brush or cotton bud to clean small grooves, especially between buttons.

Before you start: What to clean a TV screen with

Did you know that the best thing to clean a TV screen is simple, everyday supplies around your home?

To ensure that your TV remains working correctly, it is important to clean the ventilation air vents which prevent overheating. Use a soft brush to remove the dust.

You will need:

  • Soft, lint-free, microfiber cloth
  • Soft brush
  • Cotton buds
  • Toothpick
  • All-purpose household cleaner
  • Water
  • Rubbing alcohol
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How to clean and disinfect a TV screen

Now you know the dos and don’ts, here is our step-by-step guide for achieving a perfect clean TV screen.

Although modern flat screens require more careful cleaning (due to the LCD screen), you don’t necessarily have to use a specialist cleaner. Most electronic screens can be cleaned safely with the simple everyday supplies listed above.

  1. Using your dry, clean, lint-free cloth, wipe the screen gently.

    This will pick up any grease or dirt that is caught on the surface.

  2. For stubborn marks, dilute a small amount of all-purpose cleaner with water.

    Apply the liquid to a clean microfiber cloth.

  3. Squeeze the cloth to ensure all excess liquid is removed

    You don’t want to saturate your screen!) Wipe across the surface of your TV screen. Don’t forget to never apply the liquid directly onto the screen.

  4. Using a soft brush, remove the dust and dirt from hard to reach areas such as the air vents.

    Dust caught inside these can cause your TV to overheat.

We don’t tend to touch our TV screens or units as much as other items, like the remote, which means there isn’t always as strong a need for disinfection. One of the easiest ways to learn how to disinfect a TV screen is to simply use an all-purpose cleaner with antibacterial properties.

How to clean a remote: An easy step by step guide

The TV remote control is probably one of the most touched and passed around item in your home. With some bacteria and germs able to survive on surfaces anywhere from a few hours to a few days, it’s important you know how to clean sticky rubber remote control and disinfect the surface too.

  1. Always start by removing the batteries from the TV control.

    This is to protect against damage.

  2. Use a dry, clean, lint-free cloth to wipe the entire surface of the remote control.

    Make sure you work methodically to cover the whole surface.

  3. Next, you need to know how to clean TV remote control buttons.

    Using a cotton bud, run it gently between the buttons in order to collect any dirt and dust.

  4. Finally, you need to know how to clean remote control contacts.

    If there is dirt, dust or grime in, under or around the buttons it can prevent them from working properly. Carefully tap the controller to loosen the dirt before using a toothpick to gently remove any grime that you can see caught in and around the buttons.

Now you know the basics of how to clean a TV remote control, it's time to learn how to disinfect a remote control.

How to disinfect a remote control

The process for disinfecting a remote control is not very different to cleaning it; it just requires a few extra materials.

  1. Dip a clean cloth in rubbing alcohol.

    This is a great choice of disinfectant.

  2. Squeeze away the excess liquid.

    You don't want to introduce too much moisture to your remote control.

  3. Use the cloth to disinfect the surface of the controller.

    Do this by wiping it across the full surface area.

  4. Get in between the buttons.

    To disinfect between the buttons, dip a cotton bud in rubbing alcohol, squeeze to remove any excess liquid, and rub it gently between the buttons.

With our super easy guide, you now have all the tips and tricks you need for understanding how to clean remote control surfaces and how to disinfect a TV screen.

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How do you clean and disinfect a TV? The dos and don'ts

The best way to clean or disinfect a TV, including the screen, is to ensure you know what you should (and shouldn't!) do.

  • DO be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent voiding your warranty.

  • DO always turn off and unplug your TV prior to cleaning. Allow the screen to cool for at least 15 minutes to ensure you prevent evaporation streaks.

  • DO use a soft cloth to prevent scratches on the screen.

  • DO invest in pre-moistened wipes designed for electronics if you own LCD, plasma or rear-projection TVs.

  • DON'T spray or apply any cleaning solution directly onto the TV screen as this could lead to streaks on the screen or worse – damage!

  • DON’T use paper towels as they can scratch the screen.

  • DON’T use fuzzy fabrics which can leave lint on the surface.

  • DON’T use any harsh chemicals as these could affect the protective coating found on your TV screen.

Answers to your questions on how to clean and disinfect a TV screen or remote

How often should I clean my TV? We recommend you clean your TV at least once a week. This will help to ensure you keep dust, fingerprints and other dirt or grime from becoming hard to remove. To make your life easier, why not keep a clean, dry microfiber cloth close to hand inside you TV stand or a unit close by? Are there different cleaning instructions for different TV brands? Some manufacturers will provide specific instructions on how to clean TV remotes and TV screens. Some will even provide specialist cloths. Always ensure you check these first.

Originally published