The big TV cleaning mistake an expert warns could cause expensive damage

9honey Living's The Wash Up: Your 30-day spring cleaning guide is a month-long series aimed at making your annual house clean easier with hacks and expert advice.

Have you ever been distracted by fingerprints and smudges on your television screen and wanted to know how to clean it?

According to a cleaning expert, there are two mistakes you should avoid at all costs when tackling this chore.

An often overlooked task, cleaning your television can contribute to a dust-free house and increase your viewing enjoyability, but there is a safe way to do it.

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Irritating and noticeable smudge marks on a television screen interfere with the quality of your screen, and a build-up of dust can impact its functionality.

CHOICE expert Denis Gallagher shared with 9Honey Living his best tips for cleaning your television safely and efficiently.

"The first thought when confronted with a dirty TV would be to pull your favourite glass cleaner and give the display a spray and wipe," Gallagher shared.

"However, a TV isn't like a mirror or glass table top; there are a few factors to consider to keep your TV both clean and in good operating order," he explains.

As for what tools you will need: "Microfibre cloths are the cleaning wiper of choice as the fibres are very soft and unlikely to damage your TV.

"While you may have been told that things like paper towels can make a great streak-free option when cleaning glass, don't use this on a TV screen as they are too abrasive and may strip the coating off the TV display."

Other solutions you should never use when cleaning a television include "window cleaner, soap, scouring powder or any alcohol-based wipes."

"Lint-free microfiber cloths are the best option, particularly on older TVs such as matte screen TVs or plasma display TVs," Gallagher adds

"While there are monitor sprays available that could be used when cleaning a TV screen, try a simple spray bottle with water, you may be surprised at how effective water on a microfibre cloth can be."

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Gallagher also warned of two things you should never do when cleaning a TV.

"Never spray anything directly onto a TV display surface and never clean your TV while it is on."

As for the best technique? Gallagher says to start with the TV turned off before spraying a light mist onto a microfibre cloth and wiping the screen in a circular motion.

"Resist the urge to rub harder at areas where you feel need an extra bit of 'elbow grease'. If it can't be removed with a light wipe, you need to simply add some water to a cloth and repeat the process until the mark is removed."

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