7 Things You Should Never Do To Your TV
Your TV is probably one of the most-used devices in your home, and like any electronic, it needs a little care to keep working properly. While most people know how to turn one on, not everyone knows how to treat it right. Even simple, seemingly innocuous habits can lead to long-term damage if you’re not careful. Here are seven things you should never do to your TV if you want it to last and perform the way it should.
1. Never Touch the Screen with Your Fingers
It might seem harmless to swipe away a smudge or dust with your hand, but your fingers leave behind oils that can slowly damage the screen. Over time, these oils can cause discoloration or create sticky spots that attract even more dust. Modern TV screens are delicate and not made to handle frequent contact with our skin. Always use a microfiber cloth and a proper screen cleaner if you need to wipe it down.
2. Never Leave It On All Day
Leaving your TV on as background noise might feel comforting, but it can shorten the life of your screen. Constant use wears down the display faster, especially with OLEDs, which are prone to burn-in (where ghostly images of whatever you were watching become permanently burnt into the screen). Even LED models suffer from long-term image retention. If you’re not actively watching, it’s better to turn it off. Use sleep timers or energy-saving features to help if you often forget.
3. Never Place It in Direct Sunlight
Setting your TV near a bright window or glass door might look nice, but over time, direct sunlight can seriously damage the screen. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can fade the display, cause overheating, and even warp the casing. It also makes it hard to see the screen clearly during the day. Try to keep your TV in a shaded part of the room or use blackout curtains if sunlight is unavoidable.
4. Never Mount It Without Studying the Wall First
Mounting a TV is a great space-saver, but doing it wrong can lead to a dangerous and costly mistake. If the wall can’t support the weight or the mount isn’t secured to a stud, your TV could fall and shatter. Don’t guess. Use a stud finder, check the wall type, and make sure the mount is right for your screen size and weight. When in doubt, it’s worth hiring a professional to do it right.
5. Never Spray Cleaner Directly on the Screen
Cleaning sprays can be useful, but never spray anything straight onto the TV. Liquid can drip down into the edges and seep into the electronics, causing internal damage. Instead, spray the cleaner onto a microfiber cloth first, then wipe the screen. Avoid alcohol-based cleaners or anything too harsh, as they can strip coatings from the screen and leave it more vulnerable to scratches or smudges.
6. Never Block the Vents
Your TV generates heat while it runs, and the vents are there to help it cool down. Blocking them, whether with decor, dust buildup, or even wall mounts placed too tight, can cause overheating. That puts extra stress on the internal parts and could lead to shutdowns or permanent damage. Make sure there’s space around the back and sides of your TV, and keep the vents clean and free of dust.
7. Never Use the Wrong Power Supply
You might not think about plugging your TV into just any available outlet or extension cord, but using the wrong power setup can cause power surges or inconsistent voltage, both of which can fry the circuits and ruin your TV. Always use a surge protector, especially if you live in an area prone to storms or outages. If your TV has a specific adapter or voltage requirement, follow it closely.
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Your TV is more than just a screen, it’s an investment in how you enjoy your downtime. Keeping it in good shape doesn’t take much effort, but avoiding these common mistakes can make a big difference. A little care now means fewer repairs later, better picture quality, and more years of reliable use. Treat your TV right, and it’ll keep delivering the shows, movies, and memories you count on.
Daniel Mitchell
