I totally agree with your comments - microfibre cloths were the invention of a miracle worker! The only thing I suggest is an initial general clean, up-down or left-right or whatever you like but do it gently with a fairly damp cloth, then fold to a clean, drier bit of cloth and polish from the middle spiraling outwards - any smears get picked up by the cloth on the way out then the last rotation cleans off the bezel too.
We used to get sets that the customer had cleaned the screen with Windex glass cleaner or similar (CRT sets) and the product would run down the screen (as you demonstrated) into the switches below the screen. This would cause the switches to corrode and become inoperable and cause different problems depending upon which of the switches were affected.
I always use 99.9% IPA, but I always have the tv on it back facing up and the stand end (bottom) higher then the top so if it runs it goes away from the tab bonds, nice informative video thanks Allen 😊
Great advice! Same applies for anything electronic where liquid can potentially get in through case joins or vents. I've repaired a number of hifi units that have had components shorted out because something dripped inside. Modern components / pcb print are so tiny that a single drip can cause serious havoc.
Also this applies to Laptop screens too .. the number of times I have seen the liquid get behind the glass/plastic . the only time I have put liquid directly on the LCD is then I'm applying IPA on a totally flat panel to remove glue of a screen protector and that's a drop at a time, Normally I use a damp micro fiber cloth and a dry cloth to buff it
I built a desktop computer for a buddy a couple of years ago, and the first thing he did when he got home is he cleaned his monitor - thoroughly - before plugging it in. His budget didn't stretch to cover a new monitor so he had to wait 2 months to use his shiny new PC
I am an audio visual professional of over 25 years, I have used every product on hundreds of different makes and models of screens in this time. I absolutely hate the servisol product, it stinks and it smears. for years I have used an optical instrument cleaner, RS used to make on under their own brand but I am not seeing it in stock. Like you say MOST screens are not glass on the outside because you are looking at the active layer, and many have anti reflective coatings so why use a glass cleaner? Optical instrument cleaner is made for coated optics of different materials so it is much more gentle. Also take care with the Servisol products, some of the lables are exactly the same colour, I have seen someone pick up a can of Servisol silicon lubricant, spray it all over 75 50" plasma screens then complain that its "very smeary" Took him the rest of the week scrubbing them with ISO to get it all off. So yes, Optical instrument cleaner, on a cloth, never on the screen.
Well I've got 20 years on you... started in 1979. - Was taught as a 1st year apprentice to use and IPA/water solution (quite strong; about 60%!) - on a cloth, never sprayed direct. About the only proprietary solution I've found useful is Calotherm; and then only really on lenses. The only Servisol product I like is their switch cleaner. - But; everyone has their own preferences.
@@Matt_Quinn-Personal_Account careful with servisol switch cleaner, it can destroy some plastics making them crack/crumble up, such as destroying potentiometers, particularly the modern type with soft plastic rotors/sliders, the older ones with nylon or srbp ones are ok
Have done the same thing, but luckily it was only an old Vestel set, it carried on working for ages until the backlight died, after taking apart to repair it, I noticed several rust patches on the metalwork ay the bottom of the screen, luckily it did not kill the screen! I am very careful with my TV's now, always use a damp cloth!
As said below optical screen cleaner is the only safe option, but it has to be applied a little at a time withe the screen flat and not vertical or it will go into the last place you want it. I have not used servisol products for years, they can damage modern finishes, and don't seem to have been updated for decades plus they are now very expensive. I use "Waterless" car cleaner on realy dirty screens, followed by the optical cleaner. Clean cloths as said are essential to avoid smears.
IPA is probably the best thing that you've been using because many of the other cleaners contain harmful chemicals and don't really clean the screen. I use Pampers baby wet wipes followed by a soft tissue. Always add a little water to the wet wipes pack as they're quite dry. Just as good is a fine damp dish cloth followed by a soft tissue, toilet paper or the microfibre cloths are not bad. The thing to remember is that the glass in windows or the outer layer of a TV screen are naturally clean and transparent so you just need to remove the dirt from them. If you start spraying them with different potions then you will just cause a film of chemical grease to build up on them. Wipe your screen once a week.
I use a microfibre towel with some Mr Muscle glass cleaner sprayed on to it. with the towel slightly damp i get a perfect streak free screen every time. I also do the same thing on my laptop so i can watch Tv repairs videos.
I must admit I have used a product called Lens bright lens cleaner from spec savers and micro fibre cloth. It evaporates quick and doesn't leave any smears. I always spray onto the cloth never direct onto the screen.
One nice thing with IPA is that it dissolves grease and oil without leaving messy residue. Some things such as drinks are water-based of course and do not respond to IPA. For that reason I like the 70% IPA, which takes care of most things. One does need to be cautious because of the water content as you say. Too bad about the ruined Sony!
I'm still using a spray bottle of Stanger Monitor / Filter screen cleaner from about 10 years ago which I got from Aldi or Lidl. I've used it on al my TVs, even the plasma as it's for Anti-glare filters too.
I can't believe you sprayed directly on the TV. I would never do that, and I'm just a regular TV user... although I did once clean a tape deck with wine, because it said use alcohol... the tape got stuck inside the machine on the wine... I was only about 15 years old at the time.
Isopropyl, is also good for cleaning: car instrument clusters, watch lenses, sunglasses / glasses, phone / computer screens, battery contacts, and an antiseptic for cuts
I love the Ambersil foam cleanser but I've used one cleaning product for decades to clean enclosures, plastics, remote controls, PCs, laptops, screens, houshold stuff, upholstery and even car interiors, it's absolutely brilliant, costs under a fiver for 750ml in a spray bottle and is available everywhere but like all cleaning products, you have to use it carefully, spray it onto a soft cloth for cleaning screens, for plastics you can strip down spray it on, let it soak, give it a quick scrub if you have really dirty stuff and then rinse it off with water. The name of this wonder product? Mr Muscle Kitchen degreaser.
I've been cleaning my LG TV for the past 6 years using a damp kitchen cloth (not dripping) with a single drip of fairy liquid, and immediately wiping with a dry kitchen cloth. Not one smear can be seen even when turned off.
The most important thing said in this video is the 'its the way you do it'. For instance I have cleaned thousands of pcbs that have been rinsed with water and then dried - they must be dried. All worked perfectly.
I cleaned a laptop with isopropyl alcohol once. The conductive layers on the flat cables, inside, were merely painted on. That's how some of those cables are made. Alcohol dissolves the paint. You don't want it running inside a latop. I believe motherboards may be cleaned in an alcohol bath, but assembled devices are another matter.
had so many where someone's sprayed it and tabs got ruined. needs a little rubber seal between the bezel and screen really, but manufacturers don't bother..
I always look at the website of the manufacturer for their recommendations. IPA with a microfibre cloth is most recommended. All seem to suggest unplugging the TV rather than just turning it off.
I used to see some filthy screens come into the shop. "Once in a lifetime cleaning" LOL: TV on back. First check for lumps like dried milk, remove with fingernail. No sense liquefying that stuff. Pour on 91%+ isopropyl. first pass with soft paper towel, save your microfibers; if that not cut try glass cleaner. Once most of the nasty stuff is off, polish, sometimes need extra liquid and work small areas, or give time for humidity to work.
The glue on the lecky tape is petroleum based and for me is a absolute No No, Ever seen a car where a L Plate has been taped on it than removed days later leaving tape lines where it's bleached and attacked the paint, (you don't get to see it as much now because they acrylic based paints) Good quality masking tape, the glue is industrial caramel and dose not attack paint or plastics). If you get water splashed on your TV screen POWER off ASAP and lay your TV on it's back or better still on it's front screen down taking care not to damage the screen to stop you pushing the liquid into the frame gap where it will take ages to evaporate, use toilet paper first to dry up the liquid then wipe with a damp to the touch cloth. I see this a lot on on Laptops and touch screen monitors on arcade gaming screens.
If I was going to buy an expensive tv, and had kids, I'd either have a sheet of Perspex mounted in front of the screen, or I'd have it mounted 6 foot up on the wall, and still have the Perspex sheet over the screen...
Only ever use a 100% Cotton Flannel. Run with hot water and ring out well, you can use a drop of dish soap on the flannel if required and the screen and dry in seconds.
For a start, most modern tellies have a polymer screen. Why you've been using glass cleaner is beyond me. Knowing the electronics are under the frame, why have you been allowing any liquids to drip down the screen? The IPA and water is a cheap and effective solution, but please use deionized water (or car battery water). The alcohol puts the grease into solution because it's a solvent. It doesn't 'burn' it off. To be honest, the small general purpose wipes you get in a sealed packet are ok. Just buff it off with a clean, dry microfiber cloth (light gentle rubbing)
My dog finished off my last tv. My fault by leaving his drinking bowl a few feet away, he would have a drink and then shake his head just as he walked past the tv. Unknown to me that it would cause this very problem until it was too late.
I only ever use a damp microfiber cloth, and even then only if 100% necessary. BTW my friend, my 65 inch Toshiba has started suddenly at random flashing green bars at the bottom half of the screen... It's only a couple of years old. What could cause this?
My advice when using sprays is to use a wet cloth and a dry cloth. Spray your spray on your wet cloth to where it's damp, then dry it off with your dry cloth. You'll never have to worry about drip damage again.
I never clean the whole screen with a damp cloth always dry. I use a dry microfibre cloth. If there are any marks I will put a drop of water on a lens cloth and wipe it away. I stay away from all cleaning fluids. My screen has a special coating on it.
I use vodka in a spray bottle, sprayed on a microfiber cloth, if water will not do the job. I did use Isopropyl alcohol until someone suggested vodka. Works really well on mirrors too.
Tv manufacturers actually want the TV's to be destroyed in this way that is why they put the screen pcb at the bottom so everything that dripps on the screen will run down to the bottom and distroy the tv. It would make more sense to put the screen electronics at the top
Or you could just wipe Bacon all over the screen and put the TV in the shower spray some trusty good washing up liquid over it give it a good wash and after give it a good blow dry with the hairdryer
I totally agree with your comments - microfibre cloths were the invention of a miracle worker! The only thing I suggest is an initial general clean, up-down or left-right or whatever you like but do it gently with a fairly damp cloth, then fold to a clean, drier bit of cloth and polish from the middle spiraling outwards - any smears get picked up by the cloth on the way out then the last rotation cleans off the bezel too.
We used to get sets that the customer had cleaned the screen with Windex glass cleaner or similar (CRT sets) and the product would run down the screen (as you demonstrated) into the switches below the screen. This would cause the switches to corrode and become inoperable and cause different problems depending upon which of the switches were affected.
I always use 99.9% IPA, but I always have the tv on it back facing up and the stand end (bottom) higher then the top so if it runs it goes away from the tab bonds, nice informative video thanks Allen 😊
No, you said that you wash the screen with spilt Skol Super!
@ tenants super actually lol
@@wisher21uk
@@wisher21uk An Irish Whiskey Fueled RaNt!
@@jaydunstan1618 lol 😂
Great advice! Same applies for anything electronic where liquid can potentially get in through case joins or vents. I've repaired a number of hifi units that have had components shorted out because something dripped inside. Modern components / pcb print are so tiny that a single drip can cause serious havoc.
I think pcbs should be conformal coated but even that wouldn't stop shorts on connectors from liquids.
Also this applies to Laptop screens too .. the number of times I have seen the liquid get behind the glass/plastic . the only time I have put liquid directly on the LCD is then I'm applying IPA on a totally flat panel to remove glue of a screen protector and that's a drop at a time, Normally I use a damp micro fiber cloth and a dry cloth to buff it
Thank you Allen no truer words aspoken. Also nothing with Ammonia.
Damp micro fibre cloth for me. That's it. Oh and one of those magic dusters for the back.
great video, i have been using distilled water with microfiber cloths , on my Sony xg8305 43 inch, seems work well for me anyway 😊
I built a desktop computer for a buddy a couple of years ago, and the first thing he did when he got home is he cleaned his monitor - thoroughly - before plugging it in. His budget didn't stretch to cover a new monitor so he had to wait 2 months to use his shiny new PC
The first thing you did was install spyware to watch his fit missus.
I am an audio visual professional of over 25 years, I have used every product on hundreds of different makes and models of screens in this time. I absolutely hate the servisol product, it stinks and it smears. for years I have used an optical instrument cleaner, RS used to make on under their own brand but I am not seeing it in stock. Like you say MOST screens are not glass on the outside because you are looking at the active layer, and many have anti reflective coatings so why use a glass cleaner? Optical instrument cleaner is made for coated optics of different materials so it is much more gentle. Also take care with the Servisol products, some of the lables are exactly the same colour, I have seen someone pick up a can of Servisol silicon lubricant, spray it all over 75 50" plasma screens then complain that its "very smeary" Took him the rest of the week scrubbing them with ISO to get it all off. So yes, Optical instrument cleaner, on a cloth, never on the screen.
I used the sprays sold by opticians for spectacle lens cleaning. Leaves no smears..
Isopropyl is also good for cleaning, sun glasses / glasses, phone screens, antiseptic for cuts, cleaning battery contacts etc
Well I've got 20 years on you... started in 1979. - Was taught as a 1st year apprentice to use and IPA/water solution (quite strong; about 60%!) - on a cloth, never sprayed direct. About the only proprietary solution I've found useful is Calotherm; and then only really on lenses. The only Servisol product I like is their switch cleaner. - But; everyone has their own preferences.
@@Matt_Quinn-Personal_Account careful with servisol switch cleaner, it can destroy some plastics making them crack/crumble up, such as destroying potentiometers, particularly the modern type with soft plastic rotors/sliders, the older ones with nylon or srbp ones are ok
@@andygozzo72 I've not seen/had many problems like that; but then I'm not in servicing - so aren't doing repairs all that often.
I use, Peerless AV cleaning gel.. Used it on a plama, lcd and oled.. It doesn't seem to be available anymore to buy.
Have done the same thing, but luckily it was only an old Vestel set, it carried on working for ages until the backlight died, after taking apart to repair it, I noticed several rust patches on the metalwork ay the bottom of the screen, luckily it did not kill the screen!
I am very careful with my TV's now, always use a damp cloth!
Allen, a little different this one but as they say a change is as good as a rest LOL.
Happy new year mate.
Regards,
Brian👍🏴👍🏴
Read any 'high' brand companies instructions and they all say the same just a lightly damp cloth with microfibre cloth or equivalent simple as that
As said below optical screen cleaner is the only safe option, but it has to be applied a little at a time
withe the screen flat and not vertical or it will go into the last place you want it.
I have not used servisol products for years, they can damage modern finishes, and don't seem
to have been updated for decades plus they are now very expensive.
I use "Waterless" car cleaner on realy dirty screens, followed by the optical cleaner.
Clean cloths as said are essential to avoid smears.
IPA is probably the best thing that you've been using because many of the other cleaners contain harmful chemicals and don't really clean the screen. I use Pampers baby wet wipes followed by a soft tissue. Always add a little water to the wet wipes pack as they're quite dry. Just as good is a fine damp dish cloth followed by a soft tissue, toilet paper or the microfibre cloths are not bad. The thing to remember is that the glass in windows or the outer layer of a TV screen are naturally clean and transparent so you just need to remove the dirt from them. If you start spraying them with different potions then you will just cause a film of chemical grease to build up on them. Wipe your screen once a week.
I use a microfibre towel with some Mr Muscle glass cleaner sprayed on to it. with the towel slightly damp i get a perfect streak free screen every time. I also do the same thing on my laptop so i can watch Tv repairs videos.
I must admit I have used a product called Lens bright lens cleaner from spec savers and micro fibre cloth. It evaporates quick and doesn't leave any smears. I always spray onto the cloth never direct onto the screen.
That's what I always use...Ex TV repairman here..
One nice thing with IPA is that it dissolves grease and oil without leaving messy residue. Some things such as drinks are water-based of course and do not respond to IPA. For that reason I like the 70% IPA, which takes care of most things. One does need to be cautious because of the water content as you say. Too bad about the ruined Sony!
I'm still using a spray bottle of Stanger Monitor / Filter screen cleaner from about 10 years ago which I got from Aldi or Lidl. I've used it on al my TVs, even the plasma as it's for Anti-glare filters too.
Tight Wad. No wonder you live alone.
I can't believe you sprayed directly on the TV. I would never do that, and I'm just a regular TV user... although I did once clean a tape deck with wine, because it said use alcohol... the tape got stuck inside the machine on the wine... I was only about 15 years old at the time.
Isopropyl, is also good for cleaning: car instrument clusters, watch lenses, sunglasses / glasses, phone / computer screens, battery contacts, and an antiseptic for cuts
I love the Ambersil foam cleanser but I've used one cleaning product for decades to clean enclosures, plastics, remote controls, PCs, laptops, screens, houshold stuff, upholstery and even car interiors, it's absolutely brilliant, costs under a fiver for 750ml in a spray bottle and is available everywhere but like all cleaning products, you have to use it carefully, spray it onto a soft cloth for cleaning screens, for plastics you can strip down spray it on, let it soak, give it a quick scrub if you have really dirty stuff and then rinse it off with water.
The name of this wonder product?
Mr Muscle Kitchen degreaser.
I've been cleaning my LG TV for the past 6 years using a damp kitchen cloth (not dripping) with a single drip of fairy liquid, and immediately wiping with a dry kitchen cloth. Not one smear can be seen even when turned off.
The most important thing said in this video is the 'its the way you do it'.
For instance I have cleaned thousands of pcbs that have been rinsed with water and then dried - they must be dried. All worked perfectly.
The irony when the TV repair guru breaks his own set. And a good set at that!
I cleaned a laptop with isopropyl alcohol once. The conductive layers on the flat cables, inside, were merely painted on. That's how some of those cables are made. Alcohol dissolves the paint. You don't want it running inside a latop. I believe motherboards may be cleaned in an alcohol bath, but assembled devices are another matter.
Muppet.
30 years ive been using servisol foaming cleanser
had so many where someone's sprayed it and tabs got ruined. needs a little rubber seal between the bezel and screen really, but manufacturers don't bother..
I always look at the website of the manufacturer for their recommendations. IPA with a microfibre cloth is most recommended. All seem to suggest unplugging the TV rather than just turning it off.
Honestly I just use a barely damp cloth with water on it.
I've just invented a disinfectant that kills 0.1% of all known germs - I'm going to make a fortune!
I use supermarket window and glass cleaner, always sprayed on the cloth or kitchen towel, never on the screen. Seems to work well and doesn’t smear.
You should never use kichen towel.
@ why not? I haven’t had any problems with them.
I used to see some filthy screens come into the shop. "Once in a lifetime cleaning" LOL: TV on back. First check for lumps like dried milk, remove with fingernail. No sense liquefying that stuff. Pour on 91%+ isopropyl. first pass with soft paper towel, save your microfibers; if that not cut try glass cleaner. Once most of the nasty stuff is off, polish, sometimes need extra liquid and work small areas, or give time for humidity to work.
The glue on the lecky tape is petroleum based and for me is a absolute No No, Ever seen a car where a L Plate has been taped on it than removed days later leaving tape lines where it's bleached and attacked the paint, (you don't get to see it as much now because they acrylic based paints) Good quality masking tape, the glue is industrial caramel and dose not attack paint or plastics). If you get water splashed on your TV screen POWER off ASAP and lay your TV on it's back or better still on it's front screen down taking care not to damage the screen to stop you pushing the liquid into the frame gap where it will take ages to evaporate, use toilet paper first to dry up the liquid then wipe with a damp to the touch cloth.
I see this a lot on on Laptops and touch screen monitors on arcade gaming screens.
I tend to just use IPA sprayed on a lint free cloth, neat. Even if it leaks down to the circuit boards it's unlikely to do any damage.
If I was going to buy an expensive tv, and had kids, I'd either have a sheet of Perspex mounted in front of the screen, or I'd have it mounted 6 foot up on the wall, and still have the Perspex sheet over the screen...
Only ever use a 100% Cotton Flannel. Run with hot water and ring out well, you can use a drop of dish soap on the flannel if required and the screen and dry in seconds.
For a start, most modern tellies have a polymer screen. Why you've been using glass cleaner is beyond me. Knowing the electronics are under the frame, why have you been allowing any liquids to drip down the screen?
The IPA and water is a cheap and effective solution, but please use deionized water (or car battery water). The alcohol puts the grease into solution because it's a solvent. It doesn't 'burn' it off.
To be honest, the small general purpose wipes you get in a sealed packet are ok. Just buff it off with a clean, dry microfiber cloth (light gentle rubbing)
B&M sell a Philips branded screen cleaner in a pump bottle with a cloth for a fiver. It does the job I've found, and a bottle will last for years.
Here is a tip no one has mentioned. Do not clean the TV whilst it is plugged in and switched on. Turn the TV off and unplug it before cleaning.
Which is why I always always use micro cloth with a drop or two of distilled water . Never tap water..
My dog finished off my last tv. My fault by leaving his drinking bowl a few feet away, he would have a drink and then shake his head just as he walked past the tv. Unknown to me that it would cause this very problem until it was too late.
Yep blame it on the dog I believe you.🐺🐺😅😅😅🍺
Allen, what tv (43”) would you recommend buying at the moment ? Which should I avoid ? 😉😉
Any Sony or LG. Avoid samsung. Try and find a shop who offers a 5 year warranty
@ Cheers Allen, looking for a new tv in the new year, so Sony or LG it will be ( probably from John Lewis, who offer a 5yr warranty 👍👍👍
I only ever use a damp microfiber cloth, and even then only if 100% necessary. BTW my friend, my 65 inch Toshiba has started suddenly at random flashing green bars at the bottom half of the screen... It's only a couple of years old. What could cause this?
Thank you for this video. Allen. Merry new year to you, sir. - Bad news. lads. There's no easy way. lol
I watch Keith Floyd's TH-cam videos and my TV's & PC's screens are always clean and shiny. ;-)
My advice when using sprays is to use a wet cloth and a dry cloth.
Spray your spray on your wet cloth to where it's damp, then dry it off with your dry cloth.
You'll never have to worry about drip damage again.
Why listen to you?
@@jaydunstan1618 Because I have all the answers.
@@LyleVertigo You sound Irish! :)
Good one 👍🏻
I never clean the whole screen with a damp cloth always dry. I use a dry microfibre cloth. If there are any marks I will put a drop of water on a lens cloth and wipe it away. I stay away from all cleaning fluids. My screen has a special coating on it.
Never spray the cleaner directly on the screen. It can seep in between the bezel and the screen and wick up into the screen, ruining it!
15:21. How many folks thought that the hair on Allens' tv screen was on theirs and tried to get rid of it?
I know I did.😊
Ever tried Nilglass....on a cloth that is?
I use vodka in a spray bottle, sprayed on a microfiber cloth, if water will not do the job. I did use Isopropyl alcohol until someone suggested vodka. Works really well on mirrors too.
5 Litres of 99% IPA is less than £20 to the door... Vodka (which has other stuff in it) is how much?
Tv manufacturers actually want the TV's to be destroyed in this way that is why they put the screen pcb at the bottom so everything that dripps on the screen will run down to the bottom and distroy the tv.
It would make more sense to put the screen electronics at the top
…the top being the hottest part and with vents that permit the direct passage of external fluids.
I just use a damp micro fibre cloth with 💯 of isopropyl alcohol on it that's it
I use proper screen cleaner
At ĺast an answer
Or you could just wipe Bacon all over the screen and put the TV in the shower spray some trusty good washing up liquid over it give it a good wash and after give it a good blow dry with the hairdryer
😅😅😅😅😅😅nutter👍
..whilst it's still plugged in.
Give up on TV mate. It is a box of nonsense.
this is why i leave the protective plastic film on the screen.
Get on with it. Should have been a one minute video.