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General discussion

What do you clean your screen with ?? thank you

Jan 13, 2009 5:13AM PST

Hi I want to know what is best to clean my screen with i have a 46/650
thank you for looking .
jdhog

Discussion is locked

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Gentle, with Microfiber....
Jan 13, 2009 7:11AM PST

I've used quite a number of different solutions, and any of the LCD screen cleaners are good - Monster, RCA, CleanDr, etc. They are expensive, but they go a long way, and usually come with a Microfiber cloth, which I recommend keeping aside and ONLY using for your television.

I recommend being VERY gentle with the panel, and even MORE gentle with the bezel, regardless of which LCD screen cleaner you buy.

I do NOT recommend products with ammonia, bleach, or harsh abrasive chemicals for obvious reasons.

Also, to inject a personal ponderance for your consideration (removing the badge here), if you wash the microfiber, I might recommend NOT using fabric softener or a dryer sheet, or maybe just hand-washing it in warm water and drying it. I've always wondered what kind of residue that might leave behind. I think most of you agree that it's not important that your microfiber is "snuggly soft" or "forest fresh" as it is to being free of additional, unnecessary chemicals. I tend to be a stickler for such details, and didn't like the result I got after one of my microfibers got washed with a dryer sheet.

Let's open this up. Forum members - what brand of screen cleaner do you use, and do you like it?

--HDTech

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Dust!
Feb 15, 2009 12:38PM PST

My new 46/750 is only 3 weeks old, but already has quickly become a dust magnet, both the panel and the bezel. Is it acceptable to wipe these areas with an anti-static spray on a cloth, to help prevent the dust buildup? I know it's chemicals, so I await your input.

I have been using a Swifter duster, with a very light touch, that is dedicated only to the TV, but is this not good due to chemicals?

Also, because of static, should the TV be dusted only when the power is off? Could any harm be done if dusted when the TV is on?

Thanks, Mr. Samsung!

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Dust!
Feb 15, 2009 1:56PM PST

BlueMoonLogic,

I'm going to suggest the answer be "no". The bezel is pretty delicate all things considered, and I'd hate for you to use the spray one or two times, and then discover the third or fourth time that it cause a negative effect.

The panel itself, I would suggest keep using a microfiber (a dry swiffer duster shouldn't hurt either - just be mindful of the handle!), I wouldn't recommend chemicals not specifically for LCD units to be used at all.

It's over-precaution that I say this, but I've seen retail salespeople use the blue and pink glass cleaner on the LCD panels - or cloths that have been previously used with the blue and pink cleaner, and those streaks on the panel will probably never come off.

If you REALLY want to try it, go to your favorite retailer with the bottle you'd like to use and see if they'll give you permission to try it out on the store's display panel. If they say no, then you'll know why. If they say yes, test it out on a small corner and inspect it carefully - turn the unit off, then on, then off, and look in the reflection then on to see if it leaves streaks or residue. They might say no regardless, but it might be worth asking. Please, though, ask permisssion.

I'd suggest turning the unit off to dust it. I don't see how static discharge would penetrate the LCD screen, but my cautious side (as yours) suggests that it's probably best to dust the unit when it's off. "Just in case".

--HDTech

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Dust
Feb 16, 2009 1:18AM PST

Thanks for the great reply!

Do you have any further input on ways to reduce the "dust magnet" properties of the plastics used in the panel and the bezel? You didn't say much about using an anti-static spray. I haven't looked at what is available yet, but I am assuming there are sprays for anti-static on LCDs as well as for cleaning? My goal is to reduce the buildup of dust, so it won't have to be cleaned as often.

To clarify, are you saying that a spray that says it is safe to use on an LCD to reduce static may be harmful due to the chemicals it contains? I live in a teesy town, so do not have the luxury of trying a product out at a local retailer.

Thank you again,
Blue

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Still wouldn't use spray...
Feb 16, 2009 6:27AM PST

BlueMoonLogic,

Usually, anything that is advertised to "reduce" or "repel" dust includes a film, such as wax or a synthetic version of that kind of substance. The ingredient that is most likely to repel the dust will also likely cover your screen in a film.

Electronics attract dust - there's no doubt about that. But my recommendation would be to dust it more often, rather than chancing chemicals sprays.

I hope that helps answer the question.

--HDTech

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One more question
Feb 16, 2009 11:26AM PST

Thanks, that makes sense. Now, if there is one random fingerprint on the panel, what should I do to remove that? Is just a cloth dampened with water the best thing to use? Thanks!

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Microfiber
Feb 18, 2009 5:31AM PST

BlueMoonLogic,

I would use a product-specific cleaner (Monster, RCA, CleanDr) sprayed on a microfiber, and gently buff the fingerprint out. Quite honestly, I've never used water, though I'm not saying it wouldn't work just fine. I still "officially" recommend an LCD cleaner sprayed on a microfiber.

We don't make one, it's not an upsell, and we make no money recommending this. Just a pro tip. Happy

--HDTech