LED screens provide the opportunity to showcase media in impressionable ways. But they need regular maintenance and cleaning to ensure your images remain clear and vibrant.
In this guide, we’ll discuss the basics of how to clean LED screens so you can keep your screen looking its best. We’ll cover the supplies you need, how to handle the screen during cleaning, and some tips for cleaning without damaging it.
How to Know Your LED Screen needs Cleaning
The buildup of dirt, dust, and other particles on your LED screen typically results in visual display and performance issues.
Specifically, your LED screen needs cleaning if you notice one or more of the following;
- The overall appearance of the display is duller, less saturated, and less bright
- Noticeably poor image quality (blurry or distorted display images)
- Presence of visible streaks or smudges on the display
- The screen is hotter than usual. This can be because of the accumulation of debris in cooling fans and vents.
- The module’s outermost three or four rows of LEDs appear darker than the remaining LEDs, resulting in black borders during display.
- Dark spots on the center of the modules(spots may be more glaring when viewing at an angle).
What you need to Clean LED Screens
To clean your LED screen(s), you will need the following items:
Cleaning cloth
There are only a few types of cleaning clothes you can use to clean your LED screen — not everything works. We highly recommend microfibre clothes. They are thin and soft, with strong absorbability for dust and dirt.
Cleaning your screen with microfiber material won’t collect or smear lint during or after cleaning. They can capture much debris without leaving any streaks, scratches, or damage.
Besides microfibre materials, other recommendations include cotton handkerchiefs, lint-free woven cloths, and cotton towels.
Blow dryer and vacuum cleaners
In cases where debris accumulation is severe or extensive, for instance, when cleaning blocked vents or fans, blow dryers, and vacuum cleaners will be required to remove unwanted accumulations as delicately as possible.
Soft-bristle brush
You can pair a soft-bristle brush — not a stiff brush — with cleaning clothes to administer a comprehensive cleaning routine.
Cleaning solution
You’ll need a cleaning solution to clean your screen to its best. But it is important to note that not just any cleaning agent applies.
Generally, LED repair agents, ammonia-free cleaning agents, and even water are good options, depending on what works best for you.
Steps To Clean LED Screens
Now that you’ve gotten your cleaning supplies, here are the steps you should follow to clean your LED screen.
Step#1: Turn off the screen
LED screens generate some heat when working, especially during long uptimes. So, before cleaning your LED screen, turn it off and unplug it from the power source to allow it to cool.
By doing so, accumulated static electricity will dissipate and, with it, a sizable amount of dust. You’ll then have an easier time completing the remaining steps.
Disconnecting the screen from its power source also eliminates the risk of electrocution and short-circuiting internal components.
Step#2: Dry clean with a dry microfiber cloth, bristle brush, or vacuum cleaner
The next step is to dry-clean your screen with cleaning supplies. You can use a microfiber (cleaning cloth), a blow dryer, or bristle brushes to complete this step.
Using a microfiber cloth, gently rub the screen in concentric circular motions to safely remove any debris.
If you’re using a bristle brush to remove debris, brush the display horizontally or vertically. Compared to diagonal or circular brushing motions, this reduces the risk of dislodging individual LED pixels.
Use the vacuum cleaner to remove dust from the edge panel and other spots the cleaning cloth or bristled brush cannot reach.
Step#3: Clean again with wet(dampened) cleaning apparatus
This step will remove the dirt and smudges that remain after completing the procedure outlined above in step#2.
Dampen the cleaning cloth with your preferred cleaning agent. You don’t want to use a sopping wet cloth. Consider spraying your cleaning agent on the cleaning cloth. You can also dip the latter in the former as long as you wring out any excess liquid.
With the newly dampened cloth, gently wipe down the screen, paying particular attention to any particularly smudged areas.
Repeat the process until the display screen is completely free of dirt or debris.
Step#4: Air dry or blow dry
You can dry the LED display naturally under the right conditions. However, in cold or humid weather, we recommend you blow dry the screen. Don’t forget to use appropriate wind power to avoid damaging the screen.
Safety Precautions
Let’s take a quick look at things you should avoid as good safety practices when cleaning your LED screen.
Avoid cleaning products that contain ammonia
Avoid cleaning agents that contain ammonia or rubbing alcohol when choosing your cleaning agents. These substances can irreparably damage the protective anti-glare coating on the screen and cause discoloration.
Degradation of these coatings will consequently impact the viewing experience and reduce your screen’s effective utility in the sunlight.
Don’t press down on the display screen
LED screens are delicate hardware with limited durability. If you come across a stubborn dirt spot, resist the urge to press harder with your cloth or scrape it away with any other tool.
This can severely damage the top layer or anti-gloss coating. Instead, gently wipe smudged spots in continuous vertical or horizontal motions until smooth.
Avoid spraying liquid cleaners directly on the screen
It goes without saying that you should avoid spraying the cleaning solution directly onto the screen. The liquid solution can seep into internal components through pixel gaps, causing extensive internal damage.
Instead, spray the solution onto a soft, lint-free cloth and then use the cloth to clean the screen.
Other Tips to prevent future damage
Let’s go over some quick tips for preventing long-term damage to your LED screen.
Adhere to the user’s manual
Your LED screen’s user manual provides a manufacturer’s insight into how best to use the device.
To avoid easily preventable damages, try to as closely as possible follow the manufacturer’s instructions during screen cleaning and repairs.
Consider cleaning the internal components
Beyond your LED display screen, endeavor to clean the set’s internal components regularly to prevent extensive accumulation of dust and debris.
The internal buildup of dust can damage the components and reduce performance.
Go for LED screen cleaners
LED screen cleaners are cleaning products designed specifically for LED screens. They can be an excellent choice because they effectively clean your displays while causing zero damage to the surface.
Bottom Line
Cleaning your LED screen regularly can help ensure optimal durability. You can keep your LED screen looking great and working properly by using the recommended cleaning supplies and following the steps outlined above.
If you have any further questions, kindly consult a professional or refer to your product manual.
More Source:
LED Screen Maintenance – NSELED
