How Can I Fix the Color Distortion on My Old TV After It Was Exposed to a Magnet?

Sounds like your TV might need degaussing! Most old CRTs have a built-in degausser that usually kicks in when you turn it on. Try unplugging the TV for a few hours, then plug it back in and see if that helps. If not, check to see if you can borrow or buy a degausser; they’re not that pricey! Just be careful with mechanical watches around it.

Oh man, I remember messing up TVs with magnets as a kid! A quick fix is to use a magnet and slowly move it around the screen, which can help shift the distorted area to a corner. It’s not perfect, but it might make watching TV a bit more bearable until you get a proper fix.

If your TV doesn’t have a degaussing button or if it's not working, you might want to consider making or borrowing a degausser. It’s basically just a coil of wire around a soft iron rod paired with an AC power source. Holding it near the affected area might help remove the magnetic interference.