Whether you’re using a potty or tablet, washing up or sanitising, it makes no difference to what you’re doing, when you forget to clean the screen.
According to a BBC investigation by Newsnight’s Mary Riddell, thousands of potentially dangerous devices fail basic cleaning tests. Amongst them is:
– a soiled oven, which after going through and “soaking” is still dangerous to use.
– an inexpensive dishwasher not cleaned properly.
– a pram soiled in the microwave.
– a dirty potty surface.
Poor cleaning habits can result in children ingesting something like a screen dirty with salt or a spilled drink. If you let something dry to dust or wipe it with a hand towel, you risk catching an infection. It can also kill or damage your eyes.
Smartphones, tablets and smartphones often are inadvertently destroyed by scratches. A box of old computers and televisions also fail basic cleaning tests. A laptop screen or desktop PC could be riddled with cheap batteries, cobwebs and fungi. Clean the screen before you use it.
Only electrical products should be cleaned with a wet cloth; use a paper towel, sponge or flat-edged cloth over the screen before wiping. It is important to avoid running the screen down with a vacuum or other hard surface cleaner. Cleaning it using a hand pump, cleaning spray or a cup of boiled water has been proved to be much more effective.
Some manufacturers use pre-treatment such as wipe back or wipe clean, ensuring that all harmful residue is wiped off before the final assembly stage of the product is finished.
Some do-it-yourselfers spend hours filling tins with water and soap and cleaning their own screens. You will be wise to ensure that all surfaces and sinks are thoroughly cleaned, before you even consider trying to clean your own screen.
Some people own dozens of third-party services for removing screen residue by hose-repelling products like Airbrushes. Unlicensed installers charge from £50 up to £250 for screen cleaning. Don’t put your fingers in the trap. Make a wish.
And check the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning TV screen residue before allowing your child to use it.