How to Fix Scratches on a TV Screen

I’m an owner of a flat-screen TV, and I recently found myself in a frustrating situation. After a few months of enjoying my TV, I noticed several scratches on the screen. I was determined to fix them, so I set out to do some research. After scouring the internet for answers, I found both pros and cons to various methods of fixing scratches on a TV screen. In this post, I’ll be sharing what I learned, including the tips and tricks I used to successfully fix my own TV’s scratches as well as other solutions I discovered.

Cause	Prevention
Using the wrong cleaning materials	Use non-abrasive materials like a glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth. Check the owner’s manual or manufacturer’s website.
Moving the TV around	Keep the TV in a fixed, secure position using a TV stand or wall mount.
Kids causing damage	Place the TV out of reach of children to prevent accidents.

Removal Method	Instructions
Isopropyl alcohol	Mix equal parts isopropyl alcohol and water, then gently wipe the screen with a microfiber cloth in circular motions.
Toothpaste or petroleum jelly	Apply petroleum jelly or white toothpaste to the scratch, then gently rub with a soft cloth in circular motions.
Pencil-eraser technique	Apply isopropyl alcohol and water mixture first, then gently rub the scratch area with a soft eraser, and clean with a dry cloth.
Auto rubbing compound	Apply auto-rubbing compound to the scratch, clean the surface with alcohol and water mixture, and spray lacquer over the area.
TV scratch repair kit	Purchase a high-quality TV scratch repair kit and follow the instructions provided for removing scratches.

Table of Contents

The Causes

TV screens are so delicate that they can easily be physically damaged. Below are the common reasons that can damage a TV screen.

Using the Wrong Cleaning Materials

Using a regular cloth or a paper towel may leave scratch marks on your TV screen. To avoid that, we recommend you use non-abrasive materials to clean the TV screen, like a glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth.

If unsure about your television type, check your owner’s manuals or manufacturer’s website for cleaning advice.

Moving the TV Around

TV sets may look durable, but their screens are fragile and may not withstand any pressure. That’s why it’s always better to keep the TV in a fixed, secure position.

One way to do this is to use the TV stand or mount it on the wall.

Kids

Children love to mess around and can easily scratch the TV screen. So, make sure you place the TV set out of their reach to avoid potential accidents.

The Removal

There are several ways to help fix this problem. Some you probably already own, while others, you may need to buy from a local store or online.

Take a look.

Isopropyl Alcohol

Mix an equal proportion of isopropyl alcohol and water.
Then, unplug the TV.
Next, dip a microfiber cloth in the solution and wring it out so it doesn’t drip.

Then, moving in circular movements, wipe the screen.
Lastly, as the alcohol vaporizes, the scratches should gradually disappear.

Toothpaste or Petroleum Jelly

Before applying, wipe the scratch areas clean.

Second, apply petroleum jelly to the scratch. If there’s none on hand, white toothpaste makes a good alternative.
Third, use a clean, soft cloth to gently rub the petroleum jelly in circular motions over the scratches on your TV screen.
Repeat the process until the scratches start to disappear.

After you’re done, clean off any residue from your TV screen.

The Pencil-Eraser Magic

This technique shouldn’t be used on its own. Instead, we recommend you apply the isopropyl alcohol technique beforehand.

Also, keep in mind that the eraser should be soft to prevent further damage to your TV screen.

First, apply a mixture of isopropyl and water on surfaces with scratches.
Then, wipe gently.
Next, rub the scratch area with a soft eraser.

Finally, clean the surface again with a soft dry cloth.

Auto Rubbing Compound

First, clean the TV screen with a soft cloth.
Using the same soft clean cloth, apply an auto-rubbing compound on the scratches.

Continue to rub it gently until the scratch has vanished.
Next, clean the surface again with a mixture of alcohol and water to get rid of the leftover auto-rubbing compound.
Allow the TV screen to dry for a short while.

Finish it off by spraying Lacquer over the scratch area only.

TV Scratch Repair Kit

If you have the budget, we recommend you buy a TV scratch repair kit. Make sure to purchase the kit of the best quality.

A kit may contain a polishing paste with a microfiber cloth, depending on the kit type.

Usually, the kit bears instructions on how to use its contents.
Follow the instructions carefully on removing scratches over your TV screen.

If none of these methods fix the scratches, it’s time to seek professional help. They’ll let you know if your TV set is worth saving or if it’s time to buy a new one.

The Prevention

You should regularly clean your TV, but you must use the right cleaning supplies. Remember to avoid these cleaning mistakes to help prevent future scratches.

Forgetting to dust the screen
Spraying solution directly onto the screen

Wiping too hard
Cleaning it too often
Using inappropriate cleaning materials

Conclusion

TV screens are delicate and can easily suffer from scratches. To extend your TV’s product life, you need to be super careful when cleaning and dusting. However, the best approach to avoid scratches on your television screen is to prevent them in the first place.

We hope that this post helps you restore your TV screen. Offering more than just entertainment, TVs have always been a great way to relax and bring the family together after a tiring day.