Is Your TV Trying to Tell You Something? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you have been seeing a bizarre white powder on the backside of your television do not be afraid. Strange as it is, this behavior is a harmless one and can easily be explained. What you might be seeing … Manufacturers commonly use fire-retardant materials in electronics, and these materials interact with their environment in specific ways.

In many appliances and electronic equipment, the risk of fire is reduced by the inclusion of fire retardants. It is over time that some of these compounds are able to release fine particles, especially when they come into contact with specific environmental agents such as high temperatures, humidity or even simply regular airflow. This creates a fine, dry powder on the device’s exterior.

You can usually wipe it down with a damp cloth, and it won’t harm your health. But if it is the same result each time you clean it, it could be worth reaching out to the manufacturer or a service technician. In few cases, they may say, replace the back panel of the TV to avoid this happening again.

So when you do see that white powder next time, you can relax knowing it’s just a byproduct of fire safety in your device. You can simply wipe it down, and you’ll have a nice, clean, fresh TV – no headaches involved.