In the old days, TVs had a large glass picture tube. Cleaning it was easy: just spray on a little Windex and wipe away the dirt. Modern flat screen TVs are bigger, and the surface of the screen is much more fragile. This also applies to the flat screen monitor on your computer as well as flat screen TVs. Whether you have a plasma, LCD, or LED TV, the screen is easily scratched with improper cleaning. Liquids sprayed directly on the screen can run down and seep into the edge of the screen, ruining the TV or monitor.
To clean your flat screen, turn off the monitor. If the screen is dark, it will be easier to see the areas that are dirty or oily. Use a dry, soft cloth and very gently wipe the screen. A great choice would be the microfiber type of cloth used to clean eyeglasses. Avoid using paper towels, toilet paper, tissue paper, or something like your shirt to wipe the screen. These non-ultrasoft materials can scratch the display.
If the dry cloth did not completely remove the dirt or oil, do not press harder in an attempt to scrub it off. Pushing directly on the screen can often cause pixels to burn out. If necessary, dampen the cloth with distilled water or with an equal ratio of distilled water to white vinegar. Many companies also sell small spray bottles of special cleaner for flat screen monitors, but the vinegar mixture is usually just as effective. Avoid cleaning products that contain ammonia, ethyl alcohol, acetone, toluene, ethyl acid, or methyl chloride. These chemicals can react with the materials that the flat screen is made of, which could yellow the screen or cause other kinds of damage. The plastic edge that surrounds the screen can be cleaned with any multipurpose cleaner, but take care to avoid contact with the screen itself. Remember to never spray liquid directly on an LED, LCD, or plasma screen. It could run inside the edge of the monitor and cause damage.
Clarification
In the last issue, I acknowledged a compliment the Woodchucks received on their contribution to the Theater Company, working on sets. I said, “the Woodchucks have worked with the theater club for nine years now building sets for each of their plays.” An email admonished me for not pointing out that the Theater Company designs the set for each of their plays and supplies drawings to the Woodchucks, who then construct the wooden parts of the sets. This includes the walls, doors, windows, stairs, platforms, turn table, etc. These parts are then given to the Theater Company, who paint and decorate them. I apologize for not explaining who does what on the sets.
If you have suggestions for future tips or have questions about maintenance around your home, submit them to ask.the.woodchucks@gmail.com
