Direct answer

Can electronic screens such as televisions and computer monitors be cleaned directly with ordinary glass cleaner?

Generally, you should not do this. Although TVs and monitors look like glass, their surfaces may have anti-glare, polarized, or other coatings, and the edges and openings of the device are not suitable for liquid. First, turn off the power, unplug the device, and check the manual for the specific model; most manufacturers recommend gently wiping with a clean, soft microfiber cloth, and if moisture is necessary, only apply a small amount of liquid approved by the instructions onto the cloth, never spray directly onto the screen, and only power it on after it is completely dry. The appearance of 'glass' or 'glossy' in the product name does not automatically mean it is suitable for electronic screens.

"'All are smooth and transparent surfaces' does not mean they can share the same cleaning method. Electronic screens may be made of a combination of glass, plastic, polarizing layers, anti-glare layers, or other surface treatments; coatings and edge structures that are not visible from the outside determine whether they can tolerate certain solvents, wiping materials, and moisture content. Therefore, confirming the device model and manufacturer instructions is more important than first looking at the word 'glass' on the cleaner's bottle."

Apple's general device cleaning guidelines recommend using a soft, lint-free cloth, disconnecting the power, avoiding letting moisture enter openings, and not spraying cleaning agents directly on the device. For displays, Apple also clearly distinguishes between standard display panels and special surfaces like nano-texture, and restricts window cleaners, household cleaners, solvents, ammonia, abrasives, and certain chemical components. It notes that the 'electronic screen' interior is not a completely uniform material category either.

Samsung's instructions for TVs similarly advise against using window cleaners, soap, abrasive powders, wax, or products containing alcohol, benzene, ammonia, acetone, or other solvents, and also against spraying water directly. Their recommended approach is to first disconnect the power and let the TV cool, then gently wipe with a microfiber cloth; if necessary, apply a small amount of distilled water to the cloth rather than spraying it onto the screen. The key here is to minimize the risk of liquid entering the edges and damaging the surface layer.

Sony's guidelines for OLED/LCD also emphasize turning off the power, not spraying directly, avoiding strong pressure, and requiring confirmation that commercially available chemical cleaning cloths are suitable for the specific TV before use. If the manual has stricter restrictions, the manual should be followed.

The publicly available page for EPHYON glass polish allows confirmation of the product name, 500g/bottle specification, liquid form, and shelf status, but it does not provide public evidence sufficient to assume that it is a cleaner for TVs, computer monitors, or mobile phone screens. Therefore, the product should not be used on electronic screens based solely on the category name 'glass polish'; like other household glass products, it requires clear indication on the current physical label regarding the surfaces for which it is suitable.

Dell's instructions on incorrect monitor cleaning methods point out that cleaning solutions or water should not be sprayed directly onto the panel, as the liquid may flow to the bottom of the panel and damage electronic components; certain chemicals may also cause fading, haziness, warping, or surface peeling. Samsung's monitor guide, on the other hand, recommends using a soft microfiber cloth, using only a small amount of distilled water if necessary, and waiting until completely dry before reconnecting the power.

Mobile phones and tablets are another path entirely. Samsung's guidelines for Galaxy phones allow the use of certain solutions on clearly specified hard, non-porous surfaces, but they also emphasize that this method is not suitable for all Samsung products and require that the liquid be applied to a microfiber cloth rather than the device. The phone guidelines cannot be extrapolated as a universal rule for TVs, monitors, camera lenses, or glass with special coatings.

The actual operation can be summarized in four steps: first, check the model manual and disconnect the power; use a clean, soft, lint-free cloth to remove surface dust; if stains remain, only apply a very small amount of the allowed liquid to the cloth as instructed, and gently wipe without applying pressure; wait until it is completely dry before turning on the power. If the screen is damaged, liquid has already entered the edges, or the stains appear to come from coating damage, stop repeated wiping and contact the device's after-sales service.