How to maintain your Flat-Screen TV

Flat screen TVs are a common sight in many homes nowadays. Plasma and LCD TVs have become quite popular due to better picture quality and their slim footprint. The TV set can easily be mounted on the wall saving considerable space in the living room.

The TV screen being only 3-4 inches thick can also be installed even in the kitchen or bedroom using a suitable wall mount. However with the convenience comes maintenance as flat screen TVs do need to be well taken care of.

Any electronic equipment can get damaged due to voltage fluctuations over the long term. Flat screen TVs are no exception to this and it makes sense to guard your TV against sudden spikes in electricity.

The best way to go about it is to buy power strips with built in surge protectors. This way you can also easily connect additional components like DVD player, games console and AV receiver while ensuring their safety.

Regularly use a duster to remove any accumulated dust on the TV frame and behind the screen. Dust particles often cause a buildup of grime over the TV set which can interfere with the inherent cooling mechanism of the screen.

Cover the TV screen when not in use. Also the screen should not be kept facing an open window which can result in large amounts of dust settling on the TV set. This can cause damage to the inner circuits.

While cleaning the TV screen remove the power cord to reduce static which hinders proper cleaning. Ideally the TV should be switched off for a few hours before proceeding with the cleaning.

Cleaning the flat screen TV is a task that requires caution. A flat screen TV has a pressure sensitive visual display which needs delicate handling. A harsh cleaning agent or rough cloth can cause scratches on the TV screen affecting picture quality.

Use a dry cloth to clean accumulated dust then remove the more stubborn spots using a reliable commercial flat screen TV cleaner. Clean gently without applying too much pressure using a left to right motion rather than a circular one.

Go through the user manual to know what’s allowed and what’s not to clean the TV screen. Using something which is against the manual’s instructions would not only cause damage but also make the warranty to become void.

Tap water can be used as a cleaning agent though it may cause white spots to appear on the screen especially if the water is mineral rich. You can also try using homemade cleaner using vinegar and distilled water in equal parts to remove dust marks.

Commercial cleaners that make use of strong chemicals like acetone or ammonia are best avoided. The cleaning agent should not be sprayed on the screen which might lead to seepage. Instead the liquid should be applied using a soft cloth.

A well maintained LCD or plasma TV will last for years and provide superior picture quality for a long time.