How Do You Properly Clean an LCD Television?

I love my LCD television! I absolutely love it! At our home we have a rather large family room, and having a large-screen TV allows our family to sit around and enjoy movies together. There is a slight drawback, though, to having such large TV (it's 52-inch), and that is the fact that it takes up such a large portion of the living room. When it gets dirty, dusty, or smudgy it can affect the way that the rest of the room looks.

Here are a few different cleaning methods that I have learned over the past few years that keep my television looking tip-top.

• Dusting. The initial step to cleaning any television is to dust it. When dusting your LCD television though, you need to do things a little differently. Don't use anything like a paper towel or newspaper to clean it, instead use either a soft cotton cloth or a microfiber cloth. These types of cloths will protect the screens while cleaning them, instead of scratching the screen like a paper product would. Just wipe off all the dust, and if your screen is still dirty, then try one of the following options.
• Vinegar. White vinegar makes a wonderful natural cleaner and doesn't have as strong of an odor as regular vinegar does. Place a small amount of the vinegar directly onto a soft cotton or microfiber cloth and wipe away the dirt. If you are hesitant about using straight vinegar, then mix a 50/50 solution of water and vinegar into a spray or spritz bottle, apply a small amount to the television, and wipe it off using the soft cotton or microfiber cloth.
• Alcohol. Use a 50/50 solution of isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and water in a spray bottle to help remove the greasy fingerprints and smudges that come from accidental (or childish) touching of the screen. Spray the cleaning solution onto the soft cotton or microfiber cloth and then wipe off. Avoid spraying directly onto the screen or that you use more than 50% rubbing alcohol in your solution; you'll run the risk of seriously damaging the LCD TV screen.
• Specialized kits. Easily the most comprehensive option available for cleaning your LCD television. These kits contain detailed instructions and items specially designed for cleaning an LCD television. While these kits are the most comprehensive option available, they are also the most expensive, since most kits will cost from as low as $8.00 to as high as $50.00.