TV Maintenance Tips: Keeping Your Large Screen in Top Condition

An 85 inch television represents a significant investment—often several thousand dollars. With proper care and maintenance, your large screen TV will deliver excellent performance for a decade or more. This guide covers everything from safe cleaning techniques to environmental considerations that protect your investment for the long term.

Cleaning Your TV Screen Safely

Dust, fingerprints, and smudges inevitably accumulate on television screens, particularly in households with children or pets. Cleaning a modern flat-panel TV requires care—improper techniques can permanently damage the delicate screen surface.

What You'll Need

• High-quality microfibre cloths (keep several dedicated to TV cleaning)
• Distilled water (optional, for stubborn marks)
• Screen cleaning solution (optional, must be alcohol-free)

Step-by-Step Cleaning Process

Step 1: Turn off the TV and allow it to cool completely. A warm screen can be damaged more easily, and the dark surface makes dust and smudges more visible for thorough cleaning.

Step 2: Using a clean, dry microfibre cloth, gently wipe the screen in a single direction—either horizontal or vertical strokes. Don't press hard or use circular motions, which can leave swirl marks. This removes most dust and light fingerprints.

Step 3: For stubborn smudges, lightly dampen a clean microfibre cloth with distilled water. Wring out thoroughly—the cloth should be barely damp, not wet. Gently wipe the affected area, then immediately dry with another clean microfibre cloth.

Step 4: Don't forget the frame and stand. These can be cleaned with a slightly damp cloth. For ventilation grilles, use a soft brush or vacuum with a brush attachment to remove dust buildup.

Cleaning Frequency

How often you need to clean depends on your environment. In most Australian homes, a light dust every week and a more thorough clean monthly keeps screens looking pristine. Homes with pets may need more frequent attention due to airborne fur and dander.

Proper Ventilation and Placement

Television panels generate heat during operation, and modern processors work hard enough to produce significant warmth. Proper ventilation prevents overheating, which can shorten component lifespan and affect performance.

Spacing Requirements

Maintain these minimum clearances around your TV:

• Above: At least 10 centimetres clearance
• Sides: 5-10 centimetres on each side
• Behind: 5-10 centimetres from the wall
• Below: Ensure ventilation slots aren't blocked by TV unit surfaces

Environmental Considerations

Temperature: Most TVs operate safely between 5°C and 35°C. In Australian summers, air conditioning helps protect your TV from extreme heat. Avoid placing TVs in direct sunlight—heat buildup and UV exposure can cause damage.

Humidity: Australian coastal areas and tropical regions experience high humidity. Excessive moisture can damage electronic components. If your home regularly exceeds 80% humidity, consider using a dehumidifier in your entertainment area.

Dust: Dusty environments (common in regional Australia) accelerate dust accumulation on screens and in ventilation ports. More frequent cleaning is necessary, and consider using air purifiers in your viewing room.

Power Protection

Australian power grids are generally stable, but storms and grid fluctuations can produce voltage spikes that damage sensitive electronics. Protecting your TV from power-related damage is straightforward and inexpensive.

Surge Protectors

At minimum, connect your TV through a quality surge protector power board. Look for boards rated for at least 1,000 joules of surge protection. Replace surge protectors every 3-5 years or after any significant surge event—their protection capacity depletes over time.

Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)

For premium protection, consider a UPS unit. These devices provide surge protection plus battery backup, allowing clean shutdown during power outages. A UPS also conditions incoming power, filtering out minor fluctuations that can stress electronic components over time.

During Electrical Storms

During severe electrical storms, consider unplugging your TV entirely. While surge protectors help, a direct or nearby lightning strike can overwhelm protection devices. The few minutes of inconvenience is worthwhile insurance against catastrophic damage.

Preventing Screen Damage

OLED Burn-In Prevention

If you own an OLED TV, burn-in prevention is an important consideration. Modern OLED panels include built-in mitigation features, but good usage habits further reduce risk:

• Vary your content—don't display the same static image for extended periods
• Enable pixel shift and screen saver features in TV settings
• Reduce brightness for content with static elements
• Run the TV's panel refresh/pixel refresh cycle periodically
• Avoid leaving paused content on screen for extended periods

Physical Protection

An 85 inch screen presents a significant target for accidental damage. Consider these protective measures, especially in households with children:

• Wall mounting eliminates tip-over risk entirely
• If using a stand, secure the TV with anti-tip straps
• Keep the area in front of the TV clear of thrown toys
• Consider a screen protector for high-risk environments

Software and Firmware Updates

Modern smart TVs receive regular software updates that fix bugs, add features, and occasionally improve picture quality. Keeping your TV's software current ensures optimal performance and security.

Automatic vs Manual Updates

Most TVs offer automatic update options. While convenient, some users prefer manual updates to avoid potential issues with buggy releases. If choosing manual updates, check for available updates monthly and read user reports before installing major version changes.

Long-Term Storage

If you need to store your TV temporarily—during a renovation or move—proper preparation prevents damage:

• Clean the screen thoroughly before storage
• If possible, store in original packaging with foam inserts
• Always store upright, never flat on the screen
• Choose a climate-controlled storage location
• Cover with a breathable fabric—avoid plastic which traps moisture
• Remove batteries from remote controls to prevent corrosion