What NOT to Use on a TV Screen (Most People Get This Wrong)

You’ve just treated yourself to a stunning 4K OLED or a massive LED smart TV from Currys or John Lewis. It’s the pride of your lounge. But then you spot it: a greasy fingerprint or a layer of dust catching the light.

Your first instinct is to grab a bottle of spray and a roll of kitchen towel. Stop right there. Most Brits accidentally damage their screens within the first few months by using common household cleaners. Modern displays aren't made of the tough glass found on old "tellys"; they use delicate anti-glare coatings and OLED layers that are easily ruined. Here is exactly what to avoid to ensure TV screen damage prevention.

❌ The Top 4 Things Ruining UK TV Screens

1. Glass Cleaners (Windex, Windolene, etc.)

This is the most common mistake in TV maintenance. Ammonia and alcohol-based cleaners are far too harsh. They strip away the anti-reflective coating, leaving your screen with permanent cloudy patches or "rainbow" streaks that no amount of buffing will fix.

2. Kitchen Towel and Tissues

They might feel soft, but kitchen towels are made from wood pulp. On a microscopic level, they are highly abrasive. Using them is like rubbing very fine sandpaper across your display, causing hairline scratches that dull the 4K clarity you paid for.

3. Washing Up Liquid or All-Purpose Sprays

If it's meant for the kitchen sink, keep it away from the lounge. These soaps leave a sticky film behind. Even worse, "multi-surface" sprays often contain bleach which can cause the plastic layers of an LED screen to yellow or crack over time.

4. Direct Spraying (The "Liquid Killer")

Never spray any liquid—even water—directly onto the screen. It can run down into the bezel (the frame) and hit the internal electronics. In the UK, TV screen repair costs for liquid damage often exceed £400, making a total replacement the only option.

✅ The Professional Way to Clean LED and OLED Screens

To keep your warranty valid and your picture perfect, follow this safe TV cleaning UK routine:

• Switch it off: It’s easier to see smudges on a black screen, and it prevents static.

• High-Quality Microfiber: Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth (the type you'd use for glasses).

• Distilled Water: If a dry wipe doesn't work, very lightly dampen the cloth (not the TV).

• Gentle Circles: Use light, circular motions. Never press hard—modern pixels are surprisingly fragile!

The Ultimate Shield: Why Cleaning Isn’t Enough

Even with perfect cleaning, you can’t stop a flying toy, a stray Wii remote, or a "helpful" toddler with a crayon.

With the average UK TV repair cost in 2026 ranging from £150 to over £600 for OLED panels, a protector is the best insurance you can buy.

Our UK-made TV screen protectors offer:

• Impact Protection: Absorbs the "oops" moments from kids and pets.

• Chemical Shield: Acts as a barrier against accidental household spray damage.

• Blue Light Filtering: Helps reduce eye strain during those long Netflix binges.

• Easy Maintenance: It’s much safer (and cheaper) to clean a durable acrylic guard than a £1,500 Sony or Samsung panel.

Protect Your Investment Today

Don’t wait for a "cleaning accident" or a scratched screen to ruin your Sunday night movies. Our heavy-duty TV screen protectorsare optically clear and custom-fit for all major brands.

Browse our range of TV Screen Protectors - Starting from just £59