How to Clean a TV Screen Without Streaks

How to clean a TV screen without leaving streaks? Start with a clean, soft microfibre cloth and a switched-off TV. If dry cleaning is not enough, use only a method permitted by the manufacturer for your particular model. Apply liquid to the cloth, never directly to the screen.

Good screen care depends on more than the cleaner you choose. The cleanliness of your cloth, the amount of moisture and the pressure you apply all affect the result.

What should you use to clean a TV screen?

For everyday dust, start with a clean, dry microfibre cloth. It should be soft and free from crumbs or other particles. Keep a separate cloth for screens rather than using one that has cleaned furniture, kitchen surfaces or other dirty areas.

If marks remain, check your TV's user manual. For example, Samsung's general TV cleaning guidance recommends starting with a microfibre cloth and dampening it with distilled water if needed.

Choose a screen cleaner according to the care requirements of the specific surface. A product labelled “screen cleaner” is not automatically suitable for every TV coating.

How to clean a TV screen: 5 steps

1. Switch off the TV and let it cool

Before cleaning, switch off and unplug the TV according to the manufacturer's instructions. If it has just been in use, let it cool down. Marks are easier to see on a dark screen.

2. Gently remove dust

Start with a dry microfibre cloth. Wipe gently without pressing on the screen. If the cloth becomes dirty, fold it to expose a clean section.

3. Treat remaining marks using an approved method

If a dry cloth is not enough, follow your model's guidance on using water or a cleaning product. The cloth should be barely damp, not dripping. Never spray directly onto the screen or let liquid run towards the edges or into ports.

4. Check for moisture and remaining marks

Where your model's instructions allow, gently remove remaining moisture with a clean, dry section of the microfibre cloth. Do not press harder simply because a mark did not come off on the first pass.

5. Wait until the TV is completely dry

Inspect the screen and its edges. Reconnect the TV to the power supply only when it is completely dry.

For general cleaning principles and model-specific exceptions, see Sony's official TV cleaning guide.

What if streaks remain after cleaning?

Check your cloth first: is it clean, and could it contain residue from a previous cleaning product? Do not immediately add more liquid.

Try the following:

• Replace the cloth with a clean one or fold it to an unused section.
• Check whether you have left too much moisture on the surface.
• Repeat only a cleaning method permitted by the manufacturer, without pressing on the screen.

If a mark does not change, avoid trying increasingly strong products. Contact your TV manufacturer's support team to check whether it is actually surface dirt.

Do OLED and QLED screens need different cleaning methods?

The labels OLED, QLED and LED alone do not tell you which cleaner is suitable. The specific TV model and its surface coating matter.

For example, Samsung provides separate care instructions for certain The Frame and Serif screens. Sony also identifies models with special surface coatings. An exception for one model should not be applied to all TVs.

Before cleaning for the first time, find the cleaning section in your model's manual. If it specifies only a dry cloth or water, follow that recommendation.

LumoWipe for TV screen care

LumoWipe screen cleaner is designed to remove dust, fingerprints and greasy marks from a range of screens, including TV screens. Made in Lithuania, it has a pleasant scent and an ammonia-free formula.

The kit includes:

• A 100 ml spray bottle of cleaner.
• A 15 × 15 cm microfibre cloth.
• A resealable pouch for storing the kit.

In our own testing during product development, we observe fewer visible fingerprint marks after using LumoWipe. This is an observation from our tests, not a promise that screens will stay fingerprint-free.

Before using the cleaner on a TV, check the manufacturer's guidance. If it permits this type of screen cleaner, spray a small amount of LumoWipe onto the cloth and wipe gently. If the manufacturer allows only water or dry cleaning, follow those instructions.

Frequently asked questions

Can you clean a TV screen with window cleaner?

Do not choose a regular household window cleaner for your TV screen. Samsung advises against it because it can damage the screen surface or coating. Follow the care instructions for your specific model.

How do you remove fingerprints from a TV screen?

Start with a clean, dry microfibre cloth. If marks remain, use a damp-cleaning method permitted by the manufacturer. Do not scrub the mark or press on the screen.

Can you use a cleaner containing alcohol?

It depends on the screen. Some models prohibit alcohol, while certain special coatings have specific exceptions. Do not use alcohol simply because it is suitable for another device you own.

How often should you clean a TV screen?

Clean as needed when you notice dust or marks. If a dry cloth does the job, no additional liquid is needed. Avoid touching the screen with your fingers and store the cloth in a clean place.

For more advice, read How to Clean a Screen Safely: 5 Mistakes to Avoid.