How to Keep Your Smart TV in Good Condition

How to Keep Your Smart TV in Good Condition

As far as electronics go, a good television set is definitely one of the costlier investments you can make for your home. But it’s also likely to be a worthwhile one, given how much every member of your family is probably going to use your TV throughout its lifetime. 

Beyond choosing a high-quality unit that can provide you with the best possible audiovisual experience, you’ll also want to make sure it serves you well for years to come. Whether you already own a smart TV or are still saving up to buy one, it’s good to bear a few essential maintenance guidelines in mind. These useful tips will help keep your TV in mint condition and extend its overall lifespan. 

Remove the Plastic Cover

Once you’ve installed a new TV, the first thing you’ll want to do is peel off the plastic film attached to the screen. Be sure to remove any stickers attached to the TV’s frame or screen as well. Users are often tempted to leave these coverings and stickers on to protect the TV from dust, but doing so may actually damage it more in the long run. Any television generates heat when it’s turned on and running, and plastic covers and other adhesives tend to trap that heat, preventing it from dissipating quickly. Extended heat exposure will in turn damage the display over time and cause it to break down faster.

Plug into a Voltage Regulator

If power fluctuations are a regular occurrence in your area, consider plugging your TV into a voltage regulator rather than routing it directly into the wall socket. This will ensure a steady flow of electricity to your TV even in the event that your power spikes or drops abruptly. You’ll want that added layer of protection for safety, as a standard brand warranty may not cover any damage caused by a fluctuating power supply.

Those shopping for new TV sets can also consider looking for units with some built-in protection, which are becoming increasingly common. Many new smart TV models have been developed to weather damage from lightning, power surges, and other electrical problems, so don’t hesitate to research what’s out there.

Use High-Quality Cables

Cable television may be largely a thing of the past, but your smart TV will still in all likelihood be hooked up to gaming consoles, external sound systems, media players, and other devices. To ensure the best possible audiovisual quality as well as extend the longevity of your electronics, it’s best to use high-quality cables. In particular, look for smooth, flexible cables that bend easily and have sturdy metal connectors. Your cables’ packaging should also contain detailed certification information about the quality of the content they’ll be able to play.

Set Brightness and Contrast to Optimal Levels

When setting up your TV, consult the enclosed manual or the manufacturer’s website to determine the optimal brightness and contrast settings. Some TVs might also come with functions that automatically calibrate these and other picture settings to recommended levels. Avoid cranking up your brightness to maximum, as this can cause pixel burning and diminish your TV’s overall video quality. 

Clean Your TV Occasionally

It’s recommended to clean your TV at least once a month to get rid of any unsightly dust and dirt that might have accumulated on its surface. Do note, however, that spraying liquids onto the screen can damage it permanently, so it’s best to avoid using cleaning solutions or even plain water to clean your TV. Instead, you can wipe down your screen with a clean microfiber cloth, using gentle pressure to remove fingerprints or light stains. 

To get rid of tougher stains, simply dampen your microfiber cloth with a little water and wipe up the residue. Make sure to have a second microfiber cloth on hand so you can immediately dry the area.

Lastly, don’t stop at cleaning just the screen. It’s equally important to make sure that the top, sides, and back of your TV are equally dust-free. Pay special attention to the TV’s vents as you go over them for cleaning, as clear vents allow heat from the device to disperse more easily.

Clean Your Remote, Cables, and Attached Consoles

The cords and devices attached to your television also gather dirt over time, so don’t forget to dust those as well during your regular cleaning sessions. If your devices are placed inside deep cubbies or on high shelves, try using a long-handled duster to better tackle hard-to-reach areas. You can also use a lint roller to get dust off the fabric covers many external speakers come with.

TV remotes and game controllers are sure to be some of the most frequently handled items in your home, so you need to be cleaning these daily to prevent bacteria from collecting on them. To sanitize your remote and controllers, just wipe them down with a microfiber cloth dampened with alcohol, then allow them to air-dry. 

Once you decide to shell out a large amount for a quality TV, it’s essential that you know all about how to take good care of it. Proper maintenance and cleaning is a surefire way to improve the longevity of a smart TV or any household device, so you and your family can enjoy top-tier entertainment for as long as possible.