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What to clean my plasma screen with?

post #1 of 39
5/17/12 at 3:02pm
Thread Starter 
Just bought a display model Samsung p51d450 and it has some fingerprints on the screen. What should I clean it with that is safe for the screen? Thanks!
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post #2 of 39
5/17/12 at 3:34pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jumpman23j View Post

Just bought a display model Samsung p51d450 and it has some fingerprints on the screen. What should I clean it with that is safe for the screen? Thanks!

Most plasma manufacturers recommend using a lint-free cloth (i.e. microfiber) and if needed a diluted solution of mild dish soap and water. Mine (Panasonic) recommends a dilution of 1 part dish soap per 100 parts water. Of course, you just want to wring out any excess solution after dampening the cloth before use. Congratulations on your new purchase and good luck with the display.
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post #3 of 39
5/17/12 at 5:54pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jumpman23j View Post

Just bought a display model Samsung p51d450 and it has some fingerprints on the screen. What should I clean it with that is safe for the screen? Thanks!

This question comes up every few months and we just finished up the latest round in another thread.

The best, and safest, screen cleaner, for any screen type, is a clean microfiber cloth dampened with distilled water. Period. You can warm up the distilled water if you want to. A lot of commercial cleaners can leave a residue on the panel and you never know how the chemicals will react with the various coverings that may or may not be on the panel surface. For dusting only, I use the Swifter Sweeper Unscented refills for light dusting work. For serious smudges, you can use a very little bit of a commercial cleaner if you want to but make sure you clean the area off thoroughly with distilled water after using the cleaner. And always dampen the cloth first with whatever you use. You don't want it to drip down into the bezel. Oh, and I would never use any dish soap regardless of what Panasonic says. That's the quickest way to leave a small residue that may result in a rainbow effect. You don't want to "scrub" your panel to clean it.
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post #4 of 39
5/17/12 at 10:12pm
Thread Starter 
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Originally Posted by Otto Pylot View Post

This question comes up every few months and we just finished up the latest round in another thread.

The best, and safest, screen cleaner, for any screen type, is a clean microfiber cloth dampened with distilled water. Period. You can warm up the distilled water if you want to. A lot of commercial cleaners can leave a residue on the panel and you never know how the chemicals will react with the various coverings that may or may not be on the panel surface. For dusting only, I use the Swifter Sweeper Unscented refills for light dusting work. For serious smudges, you can use a very little bit of a commercial cleaner if you want to but make sure you clean the area off thoroughly with distilled water after using the cleaner. And always dampen the cloth first with whatever you use. You don't want it to drip down into the bezel. Oh, and I would never use any dish soap regardless of what Panasonic says. That's the quickest way to leave a small residue that may result in a rainbow effect. You don't want to "scrub" your panel to clean it.

Yeah I just figured that out after I posted, please excuse my laziness. Distilled water with microfiber cloth seems to be the standard for people.
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post #5 of 39
5/18/12 at 2:38am
I just use a Swiffer duster on it once a week. I've never felt a need to use a damp cloth as I don't touch the screen so there's no fingerprints or anything to wipe away. Just normal dust that needs cleaned off.
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post #6 of 39
5/18/12 at 7:12am
Quote:
Originally Posted by QuiGonJosh View Post

I just use a Swiffer duster on it once a week. I've never felt a need to use a damp cloth as I don't touch the screen so there's no fingerprints or anything to wipe away. Just normal dust that needs cleaned off.

A Swiffer is great if the only thing on the screen is dust, but other stuff like sneeze spittle or insect poop or corn-on-the-cob-juice splattered on the screen needs the damp cloth method in which case the TV needs to be turned off and be stone cold. Cleaning it when the screen is warm or hot leaves streaks and smeary looking marks in the AR coating. Do it COLD.
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post #7 of 39
5/18/12 at 8:13am
Quote:
Originally Posted by RandyWalters View Post

A Swiffer is great if the only thing on the screen is dust, but other stuff like sneeze spittle or insect poop or corn-on-the-cob-juice splattered on the screen needs the damp cloth method in which case the TV needs to be turned off and be stone cold. Cleaning it when the screen is warm or hot leaves streaks and smeary looking marks in the AR coating. Do it COLD.

What...do you guys live in a barn?
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post #8 of 39
5/18/12 at 9:37am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jumpman23j View Post

Yeah I just figured that out after I posted, please excuse my laziness. Distilled water with microfiber cloth seems to be the standard for people.

No need to apologize. That's what the forums are for. If you have a question or concern, ask. A lot of the posters here have been around for awhile and are more than happy to share what they know from either first hand experience or others misfortunes. Does anybody remember the story about the guy who's plasma screen was cleaned with Windex?
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post #9 of 39
5/18/12 at 10:24am
I like glasses cleaner. Gentle enough to clean but not strong enough to leave streaks or residue. Works for plasma and LCD.
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post #10 of 39
5/18/12 at 11:17am
Quote:
Originally Posted by sage11x View Post

I like glasses cleaner. Gentle enough to clean but not strong enough to leave streaks or residue. Works for plasma and LCD.

I've used that on the rare occasions when my niece reached up and touched the screen on a small area and it worked well. But I followed it up with a distilled water wipe. I used the little blue bottle that Kaiser gave me for cleaning my glasses so I don't know what was in it. However, as a general cleaning procedure, distilled water is still the safest, and cheapest way to go for cleaning the entire panel on a routine basis.
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post #11 of 39
5/18/12 at 11:41am
Eh-- I've never had any issues with either my 2006 Olevia 537h, 2008 46pz800u or my 2011 50S30. I get that distilled water is safe but chances are if you need to CLEAN the display then water might not suffice as it won't cut grease/gunk. Personally, I would rather use a mild (MILD) detergent to weaken the dirt than scrub it off with a cloth regardless of how soft it is.
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post #12 of 39
5/18/12 at 2:02pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by sage11x View Post

Eh-- I've never had any issues with either my 2006 Olevia 537h, 2008 46pz800u or my 2011 50S30. I get that distilled water is safe but chances are if you need to CLEAN the display then water might not suffice as it won't cut grease/gunk. Personally, I would rather use a mild (MILD) detergent to weaken the dirt than scrub it off with a cloth regardless of how soft it is.

I've never had grease or junk to clean off of my screen so it's up to you with what you want to do with your tv. The question was asked and answered with what most consider the safest and best way to normally clean a panel. But it's your call as to what you want to do.
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post #13 of 39
5/18/12 at 2:06pm
Hello Otto!!
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post #14 of 39
5/18/12 at 2:58pm
What's the difference, in terms of cleaning, between distilled water and regular tap water?
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post #15 of 39
5/18/12 at 3:56pm
Sprayaway
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post #16 of 39
5/18/12 at 6:37pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by sheshechic View Post

Hello Otto!!

Hey babes, what's shakin'
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post #17 of 39
5/18/12 at 6:40pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by caunyd View Post

What's the difference, in terms of cleaning, between distilled water and regular tap water?

Regular tap water, depending on where you live, is either soft or hard. Meaning that there are minerals in the water which could scratch or damage your screen over time. Distilled water, in theory, removes most of these minerals making the water very "soft".
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post #18 of 39
5/18/12 at 6:41pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by korn646 View Post

Sprayaway

Is what? A chemical-based solvent?
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post #19 of 39
5/18/12 at 6:56pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jumpman23j View Post

Just bought a display model Samsung p51d450 and it has some fingerprints on the screen. What should I clean it with that is safe for the screen? Thanks!

Quote:
Originally Posted by QuiGonJosh View Post

I just use a Swiffer duster on it once a week. I've never felt a need to use a damp cloth as I don't touch the screen so there's no fingerprints or anything to wipe away. Just normal dust that needs cleaned off.


Doesn't anyone read the OP before answering?
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post #20 of 39
5/18/12 at 9:09pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Otto Pylot View Post


Regular tap water, depending on where you live, is either soft or hard. Meaning that there are minerals in the water which could scratch or damage your screen over time. Distilled water, in theory, removes most of these minerals making the water very "soft".

It seems that you're referring to hard water which has stuff like calcium. The problem with this is if you let it air dry rather than drying it with a microfiber towel, then yes, it can leave a water spot. But as long as you dry it off, I don't think there is a problem with regular tap water, if all you're concerned about is the hardness of the water.

So is there another reason not use regular tap water?
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post #21 of 39
5/19/12 at 9:49am
Quote:
Originally Posted by caunyd View Post

It seems that you're referring to hard water which has stuff like calcium. The problem with this is if you let it air dry rather than drying it with a microfiber towel, then yes, it can leave a water spot. But as long as you dry it off, I don't think there is a problem with regular tap water, if all you're concerned about is the hardness of the water.

So is there another reason not use regular tap water?

Chlorine, other chemicals. If you want to use tap water, go ahead. But I'd use filtered tap water then. A lot of folks here (myself included) obsess at times over their HDTV purchase and don't want to damage or alter in any way their pq, and there is nothing worse than having that little smudge or water spot at the very corner of the tv (where most normal folks would never see it ) staring up at you. Distilled water is guaranteed not to have any issues if you use it correctly (dampened microfiber cloth dried off quickly).
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post #22 of 39
5/19/12 at 9:56am
There is a coating on the screen that, if damaged, will result in tears flowing from your eyes. Your warranty will not cover that damage, possibly your homeowner's insurance may. Why would anyone take the chance of going through that?

As Otto stated, there are chemicals in tap water that are corrosive and even abrasive. And don't forget fluoride. Heck, you can't put a fish in city tap water without damaging or killing it.
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post #23 of 39
5/19/12 at 9:58am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Otto Pylot View Post

Hey babes, what's shakin'

Oh just cleaning my screen with Kleenex and tap water.

Oh and watching my gorgeous 60GT50. lol
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post #24 of 39
5/19/12 at 12:43pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by sheshechic View Post

Oh just cleaning my screen with Kleenex and tap water.

Oh and watching my gorgeous 60GT50. lol

I hear Windex works well on smudges

60GT50 So how many hours to go before you calibrate it?
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post #25 of 39
5/19/12 at 1:13pm
Walmart sells some very good and cheap tv cleaning wipes,the ones that come in the black package. They keep their moisture very well. Just give the pack a gentle squeeze to make sure you get a fresh pack. Usually though if I ever run out of wipes, i use my spray bottle of spring water with a drop or two of dishwashing liquid and prescription glasses cleaning cloth. Wipes are just so convenient and even if they dry out i have my bottle of solution.Oh yeah, when i was a kid about 9 i tried Windex on my crt and it ate my screen up with quite a few small pores the very first time. Glad i learned my lesson early,i'm 31 now.
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post #26 of 39
5/19/12 at 6:31pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Otto Pylot View Post

I hear Windex works well on smudges

60GT50 So how many hours to go before you calibrate it?

I'm not running slides. Right now the picture just keeps getting better, there's nothing disturbing about images right now either. I'll wait for awhile and then take some down time to play with the AVS 709 and check out the WOW disk hubby picked up too. Don't you have the WOW disk?
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post #27 of 39
5/19/12 at 6:33pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by pcgeek543 View Post

Walmart sells some very good and cheap tv cleaning wipes,the ones that come in the black package. They keep their moisture very well. Just give the pack a gentle squeeze to make sure you get a fresh pack. Usually though if I ever run out of wipes, i use my spray bottle of spring water with a drop or two of dishwashing liquid and prescription glasses cleaning cloth. Wipes are just so convenient and even if they dry out i have my bottle of solution.Oh yeah, when i was a kid about 9 i tried Windex on my crt and it ate my screen up with quite a few small pores the very first time. Glad i learned my lesson early,i'm 31 now.

Spring water has minerals in it.
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post #28 of 39
5/20/12 at 8:43am
Quote:
Originally Posted by sheshechic View Post


Spring water has minerals in it.

Really and no vitamins,my panel must be so malnourished. :0
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post #29 of 39
5/20/12 at 10:08am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Otto Pylot View Post


I've never had grease or junk to clean off of my screen so it's up to you with what you want to do with your tv. The question was asked and answered with what most consider the safest and best way to normally clean a panel. But it's your call as to what you want to do.

Wow. Love that you live in your hermetically sealed world but for the rest of us living in the real world: **** happens.
Babysitting and the kid puts a paw print on the screen,
Buddy gets up from the couch to grab a beer but not before sneezing in the general direction of the display,
Or-- you know-- the fact that air (particularly recirculated AC and heat) contains millions of tiny particles and microbes that just waft through your home bathing everything that isn't wrapped in a full hazmat suit...

You know the usual stuff.

Look, to each his own and, to be clear, I recommended using lens cleaner-- not windex or bleach or oxy clean-- EYEGLASS CLEANER. You know, the same stuff professionals use to clean high end camera equipment (that costs more than your display) and... Eyeglasses... Yeah. I really don't think your plasma is sensitive enough to be affected by eyeglass cleaner-- and if it is I'd sell it and go buy something that wasn't a piece of ****.
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post #30 of 39
5/20/12 at 10:11am
I wouldn't buy anything from Walmart on principle, but that's just me Mixing a small amount of soap, with isopropyl alcohol (which is in all eyeglass cleaners, even ones for coated lenses), and the minerals that are inherent to all spring water is something that I wouldn't feel comfortable doing. But again, it's your tv. Small areas, maybe, but definitely not the entire surface.
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