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How To Safely Clean Your TV

The television is the nucleus of our living areas. From catching up on the news and sports to streaming movies and gaming, the TV is a fundamental source of information and entertainment. As a result, screens accumulate fingerprints, dust, and other debris that can affect the picture quality.

While reaching for the nearest rag and cleaning solution may be tempting, many of these products can damage your TV's delicate display, leaving you with costly repairs. That's why we've created this guide to show you the best way to clean your TV screen without causing any damage.

The manufacturer guidance regarding how to clean your TV can vary depending on the brand of TV you own so it is important that you first refer to the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. Below are the links to the TV cleaning guides from some of the leading TV brands which you may find useful.

SONY - https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/support/articles/00167099

SAMSUNG - https://www.samsung.com/uk/support/tv-audio-video/how-should-i-clean-my-tv-screen/

LG - https://www.lg.com/us/support/help-library/cleaning-your-lg-4k-oled-or-led-tv-webos-CT10000018-20150154791049

How to Deep Clean a Very Dirty TV

In most circumstances, a TV clean only entails a quick wipe-down with a microfibre cloth. However, if you've neglected your television, you must perform a deep clean in the first instance.

Follow these simple steps to get your TV back to optimal viewing condition:

1/Cut the Power

First, always make sure to unplug your TV before beginning any cleaning. This will prevent any electrical accidents or damage to the TV. Once the power is disconnected, you can start the process.

2/Thoroughly Wash and Dry Your Hands

Your hands are the primary tool for cleaning your TV so it is critical that they are impeccably clean for this purpose. Wash your hands with a mild soap solution for at least 30 seconds and completely dry them with a clean, lint free hand towel (not kitchen roll).

3/Clean the Body of Your TV

The body and panel of your TV can become exceptionally dirty if left over a long period of time. Unless your TV is an exceptionally dusty area or continually exposed to young children, you should only need to clean this once every couple of months.

Firstly, it is preferable to lightly dust the entire exterior of the TV except the screen using a feather duster which will help remove the top layer of dust which has accumulated on the TV.

Only use a good quality feather duster which is exceptionally soft to the touch. Start at the top of the TV and gradually work your way down the back of the TV. Don’t forget to pay attention to the TV ports such as the USB and HDMI inputs which can become exceptionally dusty.

The next stage of cleaning requires using a microfibre cloth to deep clean the body of the TV. A Charles Parker TV cloth measuring 30cm square is ideal for this purpose. It is recommended that you retain a dedicated microfibre cloth to use just on the body and panel only of your TV. Using a single microfibre cloth for multiple uses/devices will of course increase the risk of potentially harmful particles being spread from one device to another.

Dampen the microfibre cloth ever so slightly with cold water then twist and squeeze the cloth very tightly so that there is no possibility that any water can drip from the cloth into any of the TV vents. Clean the entire external body of the TV with the damp cloth and then use a separate clean and dry microfibre cloth to immediately wipe the entire body of the TV again. It is incredibly important that you do not leave any moisture on the TV and especially not around any buttons or near the border of the TV screen as this can cause permanent damage.

4/ Clean the TV Screen

It is recommended that you store a dedicated microfibre Charles Parker TV cloth close to your TV just for use with your TV screen.  You will also need some distilled water. 

Starting at the edges of the TV and working towards the centre, use a dry microfibre cloth to gently wipe in small circular motions any dust, smudges and fingerprints which are visible on the screen.

For stubborn marks which a dry cloth will not remove, you can dampen a very small area of a  microfibre cloth ever so slightly with cold distilled water then twist and squeeze the cloth very tightly so that the cloth is as dry as it could possibly be by squeezing it. Then, gently wipe the area in a small circular motion ensuring you do not press too hard on the screen. You should immediately dry the area with a separate clean and dry Charles Parker microfibre cloth. Do not leave any moisture on the TV screen under any circumstances. This is incredibly important. Please take note that LG do not recommend that any liquids are used in the cleaning process, so if you have an LG TV then you may want to use a dry cloth only.

Regular Cleaning of Your TV Screen

If like us, you are a slightly obsessive about your TV looking like new then it really won’t require much effort to achieve this. A minute of your time just once a fortnight should be all you need. 

Just follow these 5 steps for a quick and effective screen clean:

1. Unplug the TV before cleaning.
2. Thoroughly wash and dry your hands.
3. Keep a dedicated Charles Parker microfibre TV cloth, stored in a clean, dust free location nearby.
4. Carefully wipe any visible marks on your screen in small circular motions with your dry Charles Parker cloth.
5. Thoroughly clean your Charles Parker cloth with your hands and with warm water and air dry in readiness for the next screen clean

TV Cleaning Don'ts

Here’s a list of things you must not do when cleaning your TV

• Don't apply any abrasive cleaning fluids or alcohol to the screen – these can cause permanent damage to the screen and body.
• Don’t apply too much pressure to the screen when cleaning it as this can cause permanent damage.
• Don't use paper towels to clean your screen – The paper towels may look soft but over time, the fibers within the towels can scratch the surface of the screen.
• Don’t spray any liquids directly onto your TV- not even water.
• Don’t leave any moisture on your screen or on the TV after cleaning.
• Don’t turn your TV back on until the entire body of the TV and the screen is completely dry and free of moisture.
• Don't clean your TV with the power on – you can electrocute yourself or cause damage, especially if you’re using water.
• Don’t use the same cloth to deep clean the body of your TV as the TV screen. The risk of scratching the screen is considerably higher if you do this.
• Don't use a cloth to clean your TV which could contain particles which could cause permanent damage to your display. Regular and thorough cleaning of your TV microfibre cloth is essential.
• Don’t share microfibre cloths between other devices. It’s just not worth the risk of something left on the cloth scratching your beloved 8K display!

Should I Buy Varifocal or Bifocal Spectacles?

Introduction

Varifocal and bifocal lenses are two types of eyeglasses available on the market. They're both used to treat presbyopia, or farsightedness, but they work differently. Varifocals have a progressive lens that gets stronger as you move toward the outer edge of your field of vision; bifocals have one part for distance vision and another for close-up tasks like reading or sewing. In this article, we'll explain how varifocal and bifocal lenses work so that you know which type is best for you!

What Are Varifocal and Bifocal Lenses?

Varifocal lenses are the most common type of progressive lens. They can be used for both distance and near vision, but they don't have a line marking the transition between the two areas. If you're wearing varifocal lenses and want to read something up close, you'll need to move your head back and forth so that each eye sees only one part of the image--your left eye will see only what's in its field of vision (distance) while your right eye sees only what's in its field of vision (near).

Bifocal lenses offer two distinct areas: one for distance vision and one for near vision. The dividing line between these two zones is usually marked by an arrow or other symbol on either side of where it would normally fall on monofocal lenses like reading glasses or sunglasses; this helps prevent confusion when using bifocals as opposed to regular ones because there won't be any overlap between them at all!

Comparison of Varifocal and Bifocal Lenses

As you can see, the differences between varifocal and bifocal lenses are many. The design of each type of lens is different, as well as their functionality and usage.

Varifocals are typically designed with two distinct focal points: one for distance vision and another for near-vision tasks such as reading or working on a computer screen. They're also available in progressive designs, which provide multiple intermediate focal points between distant and near vision--this allows you to see clearly at all distances without having to change your glasses from time to time.

Bifocals have only one focal point, so they don't offer the same flexibility as varifocals do when it comes to switching between tasks that require different levels of acuity; however, they may be easier on your eyes because they don't require switching back and forth between two different lenses every time you need new information from an object that's far away versus one that's close up (like reading).

Real-Life Examples and Case Studies

It's time to put your knowledge into practice. Let's look at some real-life examples of how varifocal and bifocal lenses can be used in different scenarios:

• Geoff, works as a construction worker and frequently struggles seeing objects clearly at different distances. Geoff needs glasses for reading books and documents, but he also wants to be able to see clearly when he is working on high buildings or scaffolding. In this case, Geoff would be better off using varifocal lenses which cater for all the distances he needs to see.
• Susan, who works as a nurse needs glasses that allow her both distance vision and reading capabilities because she has patients coming in all day long with various medical conditions that require her attention at close range. In this case, she would be more suited to bifocals so that she doesn't have to constantly switch between two pairs of glasses--one pair for distance viewing and one pair for near viewing purposes

Common Misconceptions and Concerns

There are a few common misconceptions about varifocal and bifocal lenses. Let's address them:

• "I don't need to wear glasses." You might think that you can see well enough without glasses, but it's important to get your eyes checked regularly by an optician. Age-related vision problems can develop slowly over time, so it's best to catch them before they become too severe. If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, these conditions can lead to changes in how well you see as well.
• "I'm too young for bifocals." While some people do start wearing bifocals in their 40s or 50s, many others start using them earlier than that--even as young as 30! And if you're having trouble reading small print on things like medicine bottles or bills at home (or even signs from across the street), then yes: It may be time for some new eyeglasses with progressive lenses!

Varifocal or Bifocal Glasses?

There are a lot of things to consider when choosing the right pair of glasses. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to figure out which one is best for you.
Varifocal and bifocal lenses are both popular choices because they offer different features that may be beneficial depending on your needs. If you have questions about which type of lens is right for you, or if there are other factors that should be considered before making a decision about purchasing new frames, contact your local optician today.

Should I Upgrade to OLED?

Few technologies have dramatically changed at the rate of TV screens. Just a couple of decades ago, most homes in the UK still possessed an obnoxiously large tube TV. The latest advancement in the television industry is OLED.

Obviously, the jump from a TV from the 1990s and an OLED screen is noticeable, but is upgrading worth the investment if you already have a high-definition screen in your living room?

In this article, we cover:

• How OLED works?
• Advantages and disadvantages to the technology
• How does the tech stack up to older models?
• If OLED is worth the investment

How Does OLED Work?

OLED stands for organic light-emitting diode. While this term is a bit intimidating, it is a simple concept when dissected. The ‘organic light’ refers to the self-illuminating carbon film inside the TV. When electricity is passed through the panels, they emit their own light. ‘Diode’ is the one-way electrical connections illuminating the panels creating the visual.  

The ability to generate light allows OLED screens to produce a 1:1 pixel accuracy, better load times, and flexible displays. OLED displays are made from evaporating gases in a vacuum chamber. The advancement is considered the best ever created and a much simpler solution to projection than other TV screens.

H2 The advantages to an OLED screen:

• Viewing angle – Even at an extreme angle, OLED screens are visible.
• Blacker blacks – Each pixel is individually illuminated, allowing the screen to produce deep blacks.
• Brighter colors – Self illumining panels allow for the brightness to be distributed.
• Ultra-thin flexible screen – Curved screens!
• Faster load times – Refresh rates as low as 0.001ms. 

H2 The disadvantages to an OLED screen:

• Cost – OLED screens are difficult to manufacture, but prices are becoming more affordable
• Color degradation – Blue Diodes degrade faster than other colors, creating a noticeable change over time. 
• Oversaturation – The extreme color contrast turns some people off.  

H3 OLED vs. LED

OLED is much thinner, with faster load times, and the picture quality is much better than LED. The price of LED screens is more affordable, but OLED technology is becoming cheaper every year.  

H3 OLED vs. 4K

4K and OLED both produce incredibly clear resolutions. While OLED screens best 4K in viewing angle, the two are pretty close in user experience.

H3 OLED vs. LCD

The most significant difference between LCD and OLED is the strain on the eyes. OLED screen produces up to 50% less blue light, making long binges more manageable.

H2 Is OLED Affordable?

OLED still an expensive technology, but prices are coming down. For the first time, we are seeing 55 inch options under £1000. Most 65 inch TVs are around £2K while screens above 77 inch cost £4K and above.

The flexible material and distribution of light allows more creative freedom. OLED screens can be transparent, curved, and available in unorthodox shapes. Some of the designs are truly remarkable but can cost an exorbitant amount of money. The LG signature OLED88Z9PUA will set you back over £30,000.

H2 Making the Switch – Upgrading to OLED

OLED is an improvement on existing display technology. Upgrading to an OLED TV will be noticeable, but you may not see much of an improvement if you already have a 4K screen. If you are still using older LED or LCD, the difference will be night and day and worth the investment.

TV technology is continually evolving. While OLED is the latest advancement, we will likely see an improvement in the next few years. Making the change can be a significant investment, but if you appreciate a crystal clear resolution, wide viewing angles, and speedy load times, making the switch may be a good call.

Getting dust and dirt on your camera lens is inevitable, there’s just no way to get around it.

Obviously, your camera lenses are really expensive and you want to make sure that they stay in the best condition for many, many years to come.

Let’s talk about how and when you should clean your camera lens.

A lens is made up of a number of parts, but the three we’re going to deal with is the front element (the big piece of glass at the front), the rear element (the big piece of glass at the back) and the lens body (the metal or plastic surround that holds it all together).

Why Clean Your Dusty Lens?

A lens is at its optimum when it is devoid of all debris on it. If you just have a few specs of dust on the front optic, they won’t always show up in your picture.

However, under certain conditions, they can show up like Christmas tree lights! In particular if you’re shooting in bright sunshine.

This is one of the many reasons why it’s best to keep your lens nice and clean. Maintaining a spotless lens means you’ll always be ready to shoot and keeping your lens in good condition will help extend its lifespan.

Little and Often

Rather than waiting until your lens is caked in dust and dirt, it’s better to have a camera equipment cleaning regime, especially if you’re shooting regularly.

The longer the dust and dirt is on your camera, the longer it has to work its way into the internal workings of the lens, which HAS to be cleaned by a professional.

Equipment Required

You will need a brand new, unused soft paint brush, a soft lens brush and a really good quality microfibre lens cleaning cloth.

The Microfibre lens cleaning cloth is going to be in most contact with your precious lenses, so make sure;

1. You use a high quality microfibre cloth that is specifically designed for use with camera lenses.
2. That the microfibre cloth is perfectly clean and free of any foreign particles that could potentially damage the glass.

Body First

Keep your lens caps on, front and rear.

Using your paint brush, give the whole body of the lens a really good brushing, all over.

Start with the main sections of the lens that are visible, then work your way into the body of the lens.

Cleaning the Front Element

Remove the front lens cap. Give your lens cap a good brushing with the paint brush.

Now use the lens brush and very gently give the lens a brushing.

Once the main dust has gone from the front element, gently wipe across the front element with your microfibre cloth.

Now, take your finger, wrap the cloth around it and gently, but firmly clean the lens element.

Replace the front cap.

Cleaning the Rear Element

Remove the rear lens cap. Give your lens cap a good brushing with the paint brush. 

Now use the lens brush and very gently give the lens a brushing.

Again, now that the main dust has gone from the rear element, gently wipe across the front element with your microfibre cloth.

Just like the front element, take your finger, wrap the cloth around it and gently, but firmly clean the lens element.

Replace the rear cap.

And that’s it! Your lens will now be nice and clean. Try and make sure you carry out this process about once a month and you’ll never have any problems with dirt on your camera lens. See below for guidance about cleaning your camera cloths.

Regular Cleaning of Your Microfibre Camera Cloths

Clean your camera cloths regularly and always keep a couple of clean cloths spare so you can rotate them.

Microfibre cloths are exceptionally effective at removing tiny dust, dirt and grease particles so don’t leave them on there! Cleaning the cloths is very simple but it pays to do it properly.

Before you start wash your hands thoroughly with soap and then dry with a clean towel. 

Rinse your microfibre cloth in warm to hot water. Work your thumb and forefinger through the surface of the cloth whilst submerged under water to help release any trapped foreign particles and then gently strain the cloth by passing it through your thumb and forefinger and then allow the cloth to air dry. It is not recommended you put your cloths in the washing machine. Do not put fabric conditioner on your microfibre cloths under any circumstance as this will render them completely useless.

If you wear glasses and chances are you do if you are reading this, you know that spectacles are the most powerful magnet in the world when it comes to attracting dirt and dust.  It does not take long for glasses to become dirty and need cleaning.  No doubt you occasionally wipe them down, but it is time to learn how to really clean your glasses and do it well.

Frequency of Cleaning

The environment you use your glasses in, the frequency of use together with your skin type will dictate how often you need to clean them. However, broadly speaking your glasses should be thoroughly cleaned every one to three weeks.

Wash Your Hands

Always wash your hands properly with soap before you clean your glasses. Why? Hands have natural oils, and oil makes dust and dirt stick more effectively. The last thing you need is more dust and dirt particles near your spectacles! Make sure your hands are completely dry before you begin.

Rinse your Glasses

Using warm water, rinse your glasses thoroughly under the tap.  Do not use soap as it is not necessary.  Be sure to get all of the glasses – including the nosepads and temples. Rotate the glasses under the tap so both sides of the lenses are rinsed and that any dust/dirt particles are removed from the glasses surface.

Give the glasses a quick shake to remove any excess water but do not dry yet.

Cleaning the Nosepad

It is worth investing in some good quality cotton buds which have a sufficient volume of cotton at the ends. Avoid using the cheaper cotton buds which can have too little cotton at the ends and can tend to dismantle really easily, especially when wet.  Carefully clean the nosepads, being sure to get all of the grime from around the small screws that bolt the nosepieces to the frame. This may take a few minutes, but the extra time is worth it.

Repeat this process on the hinges at the temples. Clean these equally thoroughly.  Those who have the knowledge and skill to remove the temples from the frame and can clean inside the hinge may consider doing so at this time.  Those who are not sure about this step or are concerned can skip the removal. Just be certain to clean the hinge area well.

Lens Cleaning

Now it is time to clean the lenses.  Stop.  Right.  There.  Do NOT reach for a paper tissue or shirt collar.  Paper tissues are made of cellulose – wood fibre.  Wood fibre will scratch and mark the surface of your lenses.  If you have a protective coating on the lenses, wood fibre will remove this.

Only use branded microfibre glasses cleaning cloths to clean your lenses. These are specifically designed to clean glass and contain many thousands of microscopic fibres which gently but effectively remove foreign particles from the surfaces of the lens.

Please remember it is critical that the microfibre cloth you use at this point is completely clean. If you dry your lens with a dirty cloth, tiny particles within the cloth could scratch the lens surface. It is   recommended that you use a new or freshly cleaned cloth every time you give your glasses a thorough wash. Please refer to the section below regarding cleaning cloths for further information.

Holding the cloth between your forefinger and thumb, start in concentric circles from the centre of the lens out to the edges.  Pull the cloth away from the lens while continuing to hold to the cloth.  This will insure the dirt and grime comes away smoothly.  Repeat on the second lens.

Once you have cleaned the lenses work the cloth around the frame to dry thoroughly. Ensure you dry those harder to reach areas within the hinges which could potentially degrade if not dried properly. Remember, only clean the frames once you have completely finished the lenses. NEVER clean the frames first.

Cleaning Your Microfibre Glasses Cloths

Clean your spectacles cloths regularly. Microfibre cloths are exceptionally effective at removing tiny dust, dirt and grease particles so don’t leave them on there! Cleaning the cloths is very quick and easy. Just rinse your microfibre cloth with warm water. Work your thumb and forefinger through the surface of the cloth whilst submerged under water to help release any trapped foreign particles and then allow the cloth to air dry. It is not recommended to put your cloths in the washing machine. Do not put fabric conditioner on your microfibre cloths under any circumstance as this will render them completely useless.

There you have it, the quick, chemical free way to keep your glasses looking like new.

 Find the perfect cloths for your spectacles here.

Microfibre cloths are an attractive choice for consumers looking to clean their lenses, electronics, glassware, mirrors, stainless steel and other surfaces, and have become increasingly popular in recent years. But what is the science behind microfibre, and why is it replacing traditional cleaning products for some consumers?

What is Microfibre?

Microfibre is a synthetic fibre, typically extremely thin fibres of polyester, polypropylene, or polyamide and was created in Sweden in the 1980s. The fibres are typically 1/50^th to 1/10^th the thickness of an average human hair. These tiny fibres have an increased surface area that allows dirt and dust to be captured. They also have a polar charge which attracts and keeps the dust when the cloth is swept against a surface such as glass. This is also why microfibre cloths don’t leave smudge marks.

There are typically two types of microfibre, split and non-split. Split fibre is common in microfibre cleaning cloths, whereas non-split is more common in comfort items such as blankets or clothing.

There are also different ways of assembling microfibre. For example, terry towel microfibre is the most common type and is suited to scrubbing, dusting, mopping and absorbing. This is because the weave of fibre lends itself to high absorbency, however, they are more likely to leave streaks than waffle weave type microfibre, or suede and glass microfibre. Suede and Glass microfibre has an extremely tight weave that isn’t as absorbent but is great at creating a streak-free shine on the glass.

If you look at microfibre under a microscope, you will see it looks asterisk-shaped. The dirt and dust collect within the gaps of the asterisk-shaped fibre. By comparison, regular fibre is rounder and more cylindrical in shape.

Effectiveness of Microfibre

A study by The University of California, Davis Medical Center compared the effectiveness of a microfibre mop versus the effectiveness of a cotton loop mop at picking up bacteria. The cotton-loop mop reduced bacteria on the floors by 30%, whereas the microfibre mop reduced bacteria on the floors by 99%.

Many microfibre cloths claim to be antibacterial, and there is some science behind this, but perhaps not in the way you would think. They don’t attack or fight bacteria as chemicals would. However, their extremely small size means they can pick up anything their size or bigger, and most bacteria is larger than microfibre meaning it is effective at picking it up. You can then clean the microfibre, preferably with hot water in order to kill the bacteria. It is important to note that cloths are not anti-viral since viruses are several magnitudes smaller than both microfibre and even the smallest bacteria. Most bacteria are 1–5 microns in size, similar to microfibre, but viruses tend to be smaller than 0.5 microns.

Microfibre cloths are exceptionally effective at cleaning glass surfaces in a multitude of scenarios as the fibres trap the dirt and grease particles, leaving a clean streak free finish. Traditional cloths often deposit large fibres and debris as they are carried across the surface of glassware, where it can create damage, particularly to coatings often applied to glass.